FdA Class Claymation

A class exercise we did today - a stop-motion animation using plasticine to create different objects which morph into each other. Each member of the class moulded and animated their own object, then all of the shots were put together to form one animation.

My object was the turtle which appears around 0:08, where I morphed the bird into a turtle then animated it so it moves around :)

Daredevil title sequence

For the new module I am studying, Time Based Media, we have been asked to show opening credits we like from TV programmes or films and explain why.

A title sequence I have always liked is the one used for the film Daredevil. I really like these titles for the clever and effective idea of the city lights becoming Braille, referencing the main character's blindness, which then morphs to standard type. Another aspect I like about these titles is that the designer has considered the movement and transition from title to title so that the titles are visually interesting to watch.

The titles can be watched here: www.watchthetitles.com/articles/0047-Daredevil where you can find more information about the design process of the titles and an interview with the designer, Karin Fong.

http://www.watchthetitles.com/ is also a very good website where you can browse lots of TV and film title sequences and find out information about their designers.

Jen Stark: drawing, sculpture, animation

Stumbled across this artist's website when researching websites for my current web design project: http://www.jenstark.com/index.php

Jen Stark creates amazing artwork using items such as paper and wood, check out some of her brilliant drawings using just felt-tip pen below:

plus much more at: http://www.jenstark.com/drawing/?page=drawing#0

Also watch her amazing paper-based animation, 'Papermation' here: http://www.jenstark.com/animation/papermation.php?subpage=paper.

Album cover and design website

Just stumbled across a design website with this album cover on it which has really inspired me:

(click the image for a larger version)



'Relapse React' by Take The Crown

I really like the use of layers and blending modes in Photoshop which have been used and the addition of paint marks and splatters which create a mixed-media effect.

You can view the rest of the CD booklet and back cover artwork here.

The artwork was designed by Sons of Nero, a graphic, illustration and web design studio. You can find more of their good album cover designs on this page: http://www.sonsofnero.com/blog/?gluepage=5.

Great design website

Here's a link to a design website with some great posters, especially for pattern, repetition and texture:

http://www.bastardgraphics.com/   - Funny name, but a good site :)

Some examples below:

Favourite advert

Dove Campaign For Real Beauty advert


For my favourite advert I had a few choices, however I picked the Dove Campaign For Real Beauty ad as it conveys an important message about natural beauty in a simple and effective way. I feel that today's beauty adverts both on TV and in magazines are saturated with fake, often computer-enhanced images which women are supposed to aspire to, so I think this advert is clever as it makes you think, without being too heavy on the message.

In this post and the next I will be discussing a favourite image and a favourite advert which have inspired me.

Favourite image

The Persistence Of Memory by Salvador Dali


Although a very widespread and highly referenced image in popular culture, this is my favourite image within art and design. I came across this image in an art book as a child not really knowing how famous both Dali and this painting was but it still remains one of my favourite paintings to look at.

Firstly I love the surrealism of the objects in the painting and the vibrance of the colours used. Also I feel the image draws you in each time and makes you contemplate the meanings of it. For me this image represents that time can be irrelevant or unimportant as it is something which is constructed and agreed on by us, and therefore can be non-existant; as shown by the melting clocks. I feel that when looking at this image it can feel as though time has stopped, shown by the desolacy of the landscape and the symbolism of the melting clocks.