Over the course of the year I have developed a strong interest in the human condition, in particular how we think, how we behave and how we respond to different stimuli in different contexts. I have been keen to link this to my practice, looking into how illustration can inform, raise awareness and promote positive change. Therefore the starting point for my project was ‘how can we visually educate people about important issues that are considered as taboo subjects?’
I initially intended to produce a creative workshop programme to be introduced in schools revolving around a subject of high importance that wasn’t necessarily touched on or emphasised enough within the school curriculum. Carrying out first hand research by visiting a Primary and a Secondary school and observing the structure of how essential topics were delivered, and practicing methods of delivery myself was really valuable in terms of developing a greater understanding of how different age groups respond in particular environments, and the level of motivation in connection with language and imagery. However through the exploration and development of my ideas I realised that this was a much bigger and intangible project proposal than I had anticipated, as well as diverting away from the fundamental illustrative principles.
Taking a different approach of designing and producing a product based on an important topic was much more achievable, so I altered my project proposal to producing a ‘self care package’ aimed at teenagers and young adults, in particular students who may be struggling with educational, emotional or any other kind of stress and anxiety. Having experienced difficulties with mental health myself, I was extremely motivated and enthusiastic to develop visual aids and solutions that could potentially help motivate and lift the spirits of others who may be struggling. Carrying out research into the latest adult colouring book craze, many sources have commented on the fact that colouring helps adults to escape from the stress of our highly pressurised and technologically driven society. I went on to develop a mini-colouring book myself to exist within my self care package, as well as a set of four motivational postcards, notebooks and stickers.
I found it really constructive to start practicing hand made type and pattern within this project, as it tied in with the importance of hand crafted aesthetic in creating a softer and more sensitive level of communication with the audience, in contrast to how digital type can often be too bold and brash. Constructing the images and patterns also required a lot of attention to detail, as well as the use of language. This was highly important as I wanted to communicate with my audience at a level, striving to help build confidence and increase self care and awareness rather than being talked down to or patronised which would result in the product being unsuccessful.
I struggled with a few different things during this brief, mostly due to external and ethical principles. For example, I wanted the Positive Pack to appeal to all teenagers and young adults although I discovered that consumer groups that are more likely to purchase products similar to mine tend to be predominantly female. This disheartened me a little as I never intended to create a product that had a gender stereotype association attached to it, and I would highly encourage men to practice self care through my product despite there being a slight stigma around aspects such as colouring not being a ‘masculine’ related practice.
Secondly, I found the process of creating a range really difficult. Mocking up my designs on products that are heavily associated with consumer culture, for example phone and iPad cases made me feel as if I was contradicting the element of my project proposal relating to ‘escaping from the pressures of society’ by potentially creating a product that could be interpreted as a fad or associated with aesthetic popularity. However, developing ranges that linked to one of my initial ideas of sensory products was much more reassuring and satisfying, knowing that my designs had an association with products such as candles and incense etc helping the target audience to practice self care by soothing the senses.
To conclude, this module has allowed me to further explore and develop my interests in illustrative products, processes and contexts that allow individuals to discover new and interesting things as well as gain a better understanding of and appreciate the ‘real world’ away from consumerism and maintain the importance of self care and wellbeing. I have found this approach so much more engaging and satisfying, and intend to study further into methods in which illustration can promote positive change. I understand that there will be times within my practice and career that I may be challenged with briefs that have a stronger connection with consumer culture and mass media advertising for commercial products; I don’t intend to dismiss these areas completely but I would gain a greater sense of satisfaction if the work that I produced had more highly valued ethical principles. I am really proud of the Positive Pack that I have created, and it has given me confidence to explore the scope of ranges that can be developed from the initial starting point and broaden my ideas and concepts to produce potentially successful illustrative products in the future.
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