Research
To begin the project we refreshed our memory of the steps of the design process and related them to this specific project in order to set a plan for how we will work to create the final product.
Next, we began brainstorming different meanings of “deep space” by using a mind map.
Then we learned about the idea of concepts and started to think about the steps to creating our own concept that deals with deep space.
After brainstorming ideas about depth and concept creation, I did some research on emotional intelligence and knowledge because the depth of emotions and knowledge was the idea from my mind map that interested me the most.
Exercise
For this exercise I began by making a list of things that interest me or communicate something about myself. I then found a couple fonts on Adobe Fonts that I thought would fit certain images best and worked on using the Gestalt principles and negative space to conceal the images within the initial. I began with designs that used the initial M, but in my final product for the exercise used my middle initial, R, and the concept of volleyball.
Iterations
Practice With Layering
Concept Creation and Notes
After brainstorming many concepts and forms to represent my concept, I decided on using the shape of an anatomical heart because that is straightforward when thinking about emotions then made iterations to decide on what to include in each layer.
Iteration 1
Concept Statement
This design explores the relationship between the emotions someone portrays versus what they’re truly feeling. The composition is the shape of an anatomical heart and is a closed composition leading the viewer’s eyes down to the middle of the design where the deepest layer is. This causes the viewer to look through every layer and contemplate the correlation between each one. The layers are physically separated to show how different each one is, and therefore how true feelings are different than the ones people may show on the outside. Layering is also used to represent the idea that there are many layers to a person’s feelings and the overwhelming feelings are buried deep within the heart while the more positive feelings are those projected on the surface. Also, the element of line is used throughout the composition in which the deepest layer in the middle of the heart has jagged and thick lines and as each layer gets closer to the foreground, the lines get less jagged and the number of lines decrease. This juxtaposition of jagged lines on the bottom layer versus the wavy, loose lines on the top layer shows that the hard, negative feelings are buried deep within the heart and deep down everyone has overwhelming negative feelings, but only a portion of these emotions can be seen on the surface. Layering also allows each layer to build off of one another in which the linework in the middle of each layer overlaps one another making it feel more crowded and heavier in the center where the overwhelming feelings reside. A contrast between values is also used to represent the difference of feelings within one’s heart. The bottom layer is the darkest value because that is where the “darker” emotions are and the top layer is white because that is where the “lighter” and less complicated emotions can be seen.
Production
After multiple iterations, I decided to make the outer shape of each layer the same size, but with thicker edges so that there is room to attach the layers to one another.
Color Extension
For this extension of the project I chose a monochromatic color scheme of the color red because I thought it fit the theme of my concept the best. I then matched the values between the reds and grays in order to keep the values from my original composition the same.
