TRUE BLOOD CAMPAIGN

The conceptual element of these advertisements is very effective and realistic and the humour is definitely an attraction. The context can be considered as raw, kind of perverse yet the comical element does make these vampiric advertisements rather interesting. 


It might be interesting to add a line, which sums up my advertising campaign, something quirky. The conceptual element looks really interesting, I could somehow incorporate it into a comic book style. 

MY IMAGE DESIGN

COMIC BOOK FORMAT

For the final assignment, I have been observing the format of comic strips. They appear to be separated into different sections, with lots of speech bubbles. I would like to adopt this format for my design, although I will not have enough time to create a high detailed comic strip. 

Creating a comic book format isn't to difficult but it's needs to be concise, there aren't any limitations as to how much detail you apply to each strip. Each section or bubble should only contain a few words, if the overall page features lots of movement then the page will require more space, which will mean that you comic should only have a few sections. If it's a slow paced scene then you can create additional sections. Words are highlighted when introducing a new 'character' to the 'scene' [1]. 

Comic Book Tutor, "Format a Comic Book Strip", Comic Book Tutor,http://comicbooktutor.wordpress.com/2009/11/07/format-a-comic-book-script/ (accessed 7/10/10)

TRUE BLOOD

Also inspired by the television series, True Blood, a synthetic Blood, which is designed for vampires as a substitute for human blood. The character Sookie, a telepath falls in love with vampire Bill, who both have a lot of crazy situations to deal with. It's pretty humorous, and it could be drawing influences from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 

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LADY GAGA: MONSTER VIDEO

Inspired by Lady Gaga's Monster music video, which features a dark element. The video appears to be drawing influences from old horror movies such as Frankenstein and various vampire movies. The forest scene also reminds me of little red riding hood. 

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First of all I will briefly outline the history of comic sans as well as my decisions to use this particular text. The Microsoft website was the only resource I could find on this particular text. Comic Sans originated from Microsoft and during 1994 Vincent Connare decided to design a text that features familiarities to the typography used within ‘comic strips’. 

This influenced my decision to use comic sans because my main purpose is to create a comic book feel and use text, which will add excitement and action. The Microsoft website also explains how comic sans is quite easy to understand and can be recognized at a smaller scale, these are also elements that I wish to uphold within my design.

 Overall Comic Sans contains a similar appearance to the text that is used within comics and I will continue to use this particular typography throughout my design.[1]

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[1] Microsoft, “Comic Sans MS”, Microsoft, 2010 http://www.microsoft.com/typography/fonts/family.aspx?FID=3 (accessed 23/9/10)

ROY LITCHENSTEIN

The inspiration to use a pop art style actually originated from my converse shoes, which feature a Roy Lichtenstein ‘comic book’ appearance. Highly recognized pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein explores the notion of consumption within postmodern society through ‘emulating’ existing comic strips[1]

I examined how the oversized text communicates rapid action and movement within the image, which is often found within Lichtenstein’s male comic imagery, where men attempt to gain victory within the battlefield. 

I also examined the artist’s female comic strips, which features over emotional women, completely dramatizing about their love life and Cecile Whiting explains how the speech bubbles reveal the character’s deep concerns, desperations and ambitions. Lichtenstein’s use of exaggerated lines, ‘dots’ and vibrant colours are also used to highlight the character’s emotional and hysterical postures [2].

The advertising industry is continually inspired by Lichtenstein’s work and this particular style is frequently used in order to successfully promote their merchandise towards the general public.

 I have discovered a few companies as well as artists that have been inspired by Lichtenstein’s comic pieces, such as Lady Gaga, Converse and DKNY. Finally the various design elements and the treatment of text contributes towards the appearance and narrative of the characters within Lichtenstein’s work[3]. 

I also attempted to create a ‘pop art’ image, after researching ‘Roy Lichtenstein’s’ work  as well as his visual qualities and I would like to continue to expand this design.[4]

[1]Klaus Honnef, Pop Art, Hohenzollering: Taschen, 2004 pp. 1965

[2]Cecile Whiting, A Taste For Pop, Pop Art, Gender and Consumer culture, United Kingdom, Cambridge University Press, 1997 pp.100-31

[3] Whiting, A Taste For Pop, pp.100-31

[4] The Tate Gallery, Roy Lichtenstein, London: Trustees, 1968 pp.18-34

WEBSITES OF INSPIRATION

LADY GAGA-OFFICIAL SITE - TELEPHONE
http://ww.ladygaga.com/telephone/
Lady Gaga's imagery within the song Telephone, appears rather similar to Roy Litchenstein's comic representations.

TRUE BLOOD

http://www.hbo.com/true-blood/index.html

MY COLLAGE DESIGN

From studying artist's Ben Frost and Nick Morris, I have constructed a collage by incorporating my own designs and inspirations.

BEN FROST

Australian Artist, Ben Frost creates a series of collages, which feature a unique composition. The cute, adorable cartoons are positioned besides quite explicit, even grotesque characters. Even the innocent figures appear to be interacting with another object or they either appear to be doing something inappropriate, which detracts them from their fantasy world.

Frost attempts to emphasize how the 20^th century has become completely addicted to consumerism and ‘advertising’. The public has also found his work to be rather offensive, even inappropriate and someone actually destroyed his paintings with a ‘knife’. From discovering Ben Frost’s sinister, yet sexual contemporary collages, I have gained some other ideas that I would like to develop further[1].

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[1]  Boutwell Draper Gallery, “Ben Frost”,  Boutwell Draper Gallery, http://www.boutwelldrapergallery.com.au/artist-profile-detail.php?idArtistInfo=283, undated(accessed 23/9/10)