Study Task 01: Triangulation exercise

1. Visual pleasure and narrative cinema

Who is the author? 

Laura Mulvey 

About: A British feminist film theorist as well as currently being a professor of film and media studies.

What kind of document is it? 

A collection of essays which explore cinema, exploring the gender in relation to the viewer in regards to cinema. 

6 Points: 

• Addressing the male gaze 
• there are two defined roles of an active role played by a man and the passive role of a woman
• Many times women are depicted as being the 'object' 
• The viewer can relate to a male character as males are depicted as having 'power' and also fufils the concept of a 'hero'.
• Women are objectified with the desire of fulfilling masculinity. 

2. Stars and audiences 

Who is the author?

Richard Dyer

About: 

English academic working in the department of film studies. He comes from a conservative wealthy family in the south of London, considering his background may prove important within him addressing different topics.

What kind of document is it? 

A full length book which explores the idea of the experience of the viewer towards film and the level of influence that 

Points:

• There is validity on how men and women are equally objectified within various scenarios of cinema as men are often equally objectified.
• There is a predjudice in showing male characters in any suggestion of homosexuality, and aggression is often used to counteract this
• Popular figures in society  are created under the idea of profit the ways in which stars are presented to an audience is to represent ideals of all kinds

3. Cultural theory and popular culture

Who is the author?

John Storey 

About: 

What kind of document is this? 

The document comes from the full length book "From Popular Culture to Everyday Life"  in which he attempts to convince the reader that the idea of ‘everyday life’ is indeed a social and cultural concept which he finds worthy of study. 

Points 

• The issue of male gaze and how women are depicted as the subject of this concept negatively 
• There is an imbalance of men and women's depictions, his tone of voice suggests that this should be resolved
• Contrusction of 'two moments' with the role of the 'active' male and the 'passive' female

                                                                             

Triangulate

What is the relationship between the writers?

Each text explores the relationship of the viewer and cinema and the level of impact it creates, each vary within their tone and language choice and draw individual conclusions around the same discussion.

Does one text help to highlight important information in the primary text?

Within storeys approach to the topic of cinema and the viewer there is a neutral tone within their viewpoints which allows the reader to have a more objective look at both of the texts as well as the primary texts.

Are there any criticisms? What are they? How are they justified

                                                                             

300 word triangulation

The theory of the 'male gaze' according to Laura Mulvey the idea of the way in which we view women in media from specifically the male perspective and the idea that we're put into that perspective with specific techniques. In this theory women are said to be without a identity and are often seen without importance. Within R Dyer’s ‘stars’ there is an immediate acknowledgment of critical studies in cinema and the audience being referred to as the ‘spector’.

Its apparent that Mulvey provides many of critiques regarding cinema that gives a masculine identity to the viewer in how she discusses the male gaze as being completely ‘voyeuristic’ as the intention and approach as being ‘political psychoanalysis’. Similarly Dyer explores gender in the same way in which Myer has from the male form being depicted in narrative film and being used in a way which they are not depicted sexually and the range of situations they are depicted in whereas ‘sadistic voyeurism’ would cast the viewer as being powerful with the woman being objectified.

Mulvey’s commentary has brought many viewpoints which explore other avenues other than the male gaze and highlighting the ways in which women view movie stars, such as excluding the male protagonist as being the ‘mediator’ for the viewers providing a positioning for the female moviegoer to think about the desire of the female star. John story (author of cultural theory and popular culture) makes the observation that Mulvey presents two ‘contradictory’ forms of pleasure, as well as women being a crucial part in the male gaze as within a sexual imbalance as there are two distinctive positions which men view women and how women exhibit themselves.

However the film in which Dyer also highlights various scenes within the movie ‘picnic’ which many instances depict men in similarly suggestive situations and the women being examples of voyeuristic.  

Study Task 03: (Studio Brief 2) 1. Defining the brief

Outlining the brief in understanding. Establishing the research question and the connection to theoretical work linking to the theme of aesthetics and illustrating a specific design discipline, acknowledging the viability in the question its potential as theoretical and practical context. 

Defining the design problem with the use of research highlighting an obvious design problem and where it would be the most appropriate. Consideration of the audience in who the design is addressing and the requirements for it. Also careful consideration the impact this will have on the outcome and process involved. As well as this also thinking about the outcome and the mandatory requirements are involved. 

The Brief

By acknowledging the module aims and identifying the different research approaches, investigation analytical evaluation there is an increasing awareness of individual issues/topics within a range of platforms and mediums. Exploration and development of different approaches further towards communication and engagement with various sources. Be able to create and explore an understanding of contextual sources both practical and theoretical in creating an awareness of different topics and also having an awareness of preparation and requirements both for theory and practical  for level 6.

Research question - Exploring subcultures and aesthetics : How relevant is the punk subculture within graphic design?

Within individual practice I’ve been able to identify concerns with the use research within graphic design and in relation to the topic of aesthetics and ethos.

By identifying this overarching theme there is then room for Interpretation of a relevant question in why is it important to explore this issue and is ti viable, in exploring this question there is the desire to understand the impact that other influences have on design and whether there is a relevance in how graphic design is perceived and practiced today. There is also the consideration of if the issue is viable. Exploration of aesthetics within specific culture allows us as designers to understand other influences of design and be able to  understand how an effective outcome can be created within certain limitations and the power in which those design principles create.

Study Task 09 6. Production/testing / 7. Outcomes

Evidence of final solution - 

The final outcome that’s been created is connected to both a theoretical and practical understanding of the original theme How Relevant is the Punk subculture within Graphic design?

Various forms of research have influenced the production and message of this piece. In terms of the outcomes success, various considerations have made it as accurate to the desired aesthetic as possible. Which in turn objectively has created an effective result in what it represents in method and message. Within an aesthetic sense “Punk first began as a reaction to the rigid restrictions of Modernism”  With such diversity within design there is the question of what other restrictions might be presented aesthetically relevant within current society.

In presenting a print in this way  it establishes the aesthetic of the movement with a current political figure making a bold statement “definite departure from the grid based design” this quote talks about current design trends in terms of punk influence in this there is a definite relevance to the new ways in which design is being explored and in this presenting an ideal within print form of an established style further confirms the relevance of the discussed material.

Evidence of production, distribution and reception - 

Production of outcome - 

Medium used - Screen print 

Stock - Colour plan - red, the stock choice thats been used is bright, this choice seemed appropriate in relation to other punk influences which have become well known within their colours. 

These two pieces of media were the strongest pieces of consideration for inspiration, the colours are bright and expressive, although these particular colours have not been exactly used, the nature in which they are used and presented was noteworthy within development

Distribution 

This project should be unmotivated by financial gain as previously identified the punk movement is very anti- consumerism which should largely inform the distribution consideration for this outcome. 

In how this printed final solution would be distributed there are several considerations to take in mind. One of those considerations is the medium in which the print has been created with, since the cost of the print being so low in cost, there is an easy opportunity for a wide distribution on a large scale.

The content of the print also informs the way in which it can be distributed. As a political print there would be an openness to interpretation, within a street display as an expressive statement, or displayed in a more artistic scene within the purpose of showcasing print effectively.

This aspect could of been considered further with the exploration of appropriate places in which this print would be appropriate by being informed by research about specific locations. 

Reception 

This has been explored with individual conversations, challenging the idea of being more direct with feedback, the answers have been formalised into pie charts, which have been evidenced. 

The use of the original imagery being taken from a collaged image has given the image authenticity in it being created in a handmade context. The reception in which I’ve received for this work has been received within individual response with different feedback.  One of feedback  comments regarding the outcome was one of them being on the use colour , also commenting regarding the exploration of the effectiveness and colour choice, layout, format etc on what works the best in visual exploration possibly making the print, two toned giving it a bolder effect and more legible. Also commenting on the further exploration of contextual content that could have been considered in regards of effectiveness.

Study Task 07: Studio Brief 02 - Idea generation / prototypes

Thinking about layout, type and design choices etc Also considering what kind of aspects of research and what contextual research should be made aware of  What kind of context needs to be looked at in relation to chosen topic Factors in which influence ideas  Conveying a certain tone of voice Previous work/processes  Where this project is situated in time (modernist etc) How those theories are  Public awareness - theories/ideas to generate ideas. Strategy - shock advertising and the relevance and success it's been used in 20 rough ideas  With a variety of different considerations  Reacting to anti-modernist publication (zine of publication)  A documentation of old punk locations (venues) within a publication context and considering the original  Focusing on punk production in publication context  Looking at modern magazines and how punk  Highlighting artists/ bands within the punk genre and document  Looking at different styles of graphic design  Popular culture and highlighting issues on a platform Photo publication in context of Leeds Anti-consumerism poster (protest) Traditional distribution of a piece of media and how to challenge that  Advertising a local band and distributing without using social media (posters flyers, stickers etc ) Cd cover for band in punk style and production  Style DIY book  How to clothing making zine etc Political satire/commentary (possibly poster format) 'anti-modernist'  How can punk be translated into a modern context? Is there potential for it and relevance? Would it be well received Traditional and modern context combined - exploring the ways in which punk can be represented Platform to find punk music scene - aiding the scene rather than distracting or appropriating the culture. Ways of finding punk music in different format

In context within the punk aesthetic, there is a consideration of the ideals it upholds. Being against modernism and being born of production limitations and how this has affected the product.  Acknowledge aggressive tone of voice within the movement the work and in context would be appropriate for an outcome  Rough ideas   3 different possible avenues for resolving brief  (Should be varied in approaches)  Photographic book documenting the essence and experience of being a Northern punk                                                                Handmade book documenting how punk has changed as a movement - popular music spots and locations of                                                                  Anti-consumerist campaign, possibly as a poster outcome                                                                Emerging main idea  Platform aiding those interested in punk and creating a platform, how the subculture can be communicated in a different context in providing information.  3 different solutions Relevant research considerations  Stock Print Binding Colour Images Typography Principles, functional Audience User experience Usability Canons  Outcome  Idea Generation: Idea generation / material considerations (1 A3 design sheet)                                                                Prototype solutions: 3 x graphic prototypes (3 proposed solutions) (3 A3 design sheets)                                                                Requirements: 3 x proposed solutions derived from idea generation stage.  Visualizations can be fairly rough at this stage but they must be accompanied by an explanation /justification in reference to the original problem/brief.  Design boards  With these considerations in mind these design boards were the outcome in illustrating all these points showing development.

Idea generation

In order to create the most effective outcome for the practical aspect of this brief, there were several methods of idea generation to do in order to make the best decisions, such as discussion and feedback with the use of different conversations and discussion in the validity in the different outcomes, in their and relevance in relation to the chosen question.

Developing these three different ideas there was then the ability to explore a main concept informed by theoretical investigation. There was then the ability to create ideas under a main concept of providing a platform which caters to those interested in subcultures/ punk and creating an effective platform, how the subculture can be communicated in a different context in providing information.  And from this three emerging concepts have been developed, as well as different feedback from piers and tutor discussions.  

Prototype solution 01

Developing these three different ideas there was then the ability to explore a main concept informed by theoretical investigation. There was then the ability to create ideas under a main concept of providing a platform which caters to those interested in subcultures/ punk and creating an effective platform, how the subculture can be communicated in a different context in providing information.  And from this three emerging concepts have been developed, as well as different feedback from piers and tutor discussions.  

Layout (rough idea) 

Ideally this would be created without a grid to fit with the expressive nature of the zines intention. Within informing the layout more consideration of this should be researched to be better conceptualised as a prototype solution.

Examples of prominent zine for reference - 

Informed by awareness of these ideas

Within a modern context

Its noteworthy that these publications were created under the same idea as sniffin glue but executed entirely differently which is really interesting and gives the idea thats its possible to do do within different considerations of medium and presentation. 

A simple idea in concept created from the pairing of images and text, to sculptures created out of paper and complicated bindings, theres a performance created within showcasing of this book, if the intent of the book is to create art and showcase it anything can be a symbol of that with the right intentions . This book particularly stood out as it presents artists from different realms of the art world with  different outcomes making an artisitc and unique perspective in book form. 

Prototype solution 02 

The motivation of this prototype solution has been created to showcase the potential in creating  a modern take on the punk aesthetic and ideals.

The concept of this idea was created under the idea of giving a platform for type enthusiasts with an interface, specifically an audience interested in type that breaks the norm.  The audience is aimed at creative’s wanting to be involved in creating unique content and being able to share work and ideas on a an accessible platform.

Prototype solution 03 

Inspired by the aggressive tone of protest which has become a loud voice within the current political climate, people are more outspoken than they have been in a while so to capture this could be really interesting.

The concept for this print design was to illustrate the boldness in which many forms of art within the punk subculture  have been considered as in the past, the design is easy to understand and illustrates the intended message.

In considering this tone the concept for a poster was put together as a result. However within the development there was the question of how the type and format could be manipulated to stand out. As well as many other mediums within the movement which have expressed in the desire to represent such an expressive nature of the subculture.

This print by Aaron Fay was also eye-catching and noteworthy in appearance within exploring prints. Its simple in concept but the delivery drives home the intended message with the slightly unrefined type printing and the bright background. 

The print makes a statement effectively while being simply executed with type and colour which is really informative within individual consideration of effective print outcomes, especially within making a bold statement. Notably there is no punctuation to the work but it speaks loudly with the design choices.