Final outcomes

I have finally reached a point today where I would say I am happy with the outcomes of the project and have done my best to photograph them in a professional manner within uni. This is tricky at times around the studio due to the lack of natural and direct sunlight.

I have been constantly tweaking and adding to the flag until this afternoon, an ethic that I feel fits with the D.I.Y. aesthetic of no wave well. The fact that it isn't an overly polished or professional genre has allowed me greater creative freedom throughout. I feel that it is now a balanced composition in terms of the representation of red on top of the New York flag inspired backdrop. The only slight concern throughout has been going a step too far and overcomplicating the design but I feel like now is, conveniently, the right time to stop with a sense of completion and visual consistency. The only additions from yesterdays centrepiece screen print have been the reapplication of the NO over the top of this to maintain the anti-authoritarian message and the last minute, hugely simplistic tower block that allowed a much-needed splash of red onto the central area of the blue third. The sketch received a mixed review from peers, however, I feel the raw nature of the hand style is hugely reminiscent of my research into Basquiat and the specifically the scene within Downtown 81 where he is aimlessly doodling inside a book on peoples faces. The tower block itself is, of course, meant to adapt the old English, York landscape into a skyline you might see in Manhattan. This is done in a tongue in cheek, playful manner to reference Basquait further.

test for pen drawing

In context as it may be displayed in a very colour coordinated gallery

I once again visited Oxfam in Headingley this morning in a bid to find two clear cassette cases to match one that I had already. I managed to find one exactly the same one similar but in the same clear plastic, I feel this discrepancy aids the aesthetic of everything not being consistent or perfect as a reflection of 1970s New York. It was essential for the cases to also not look first hand but simultaneously not have cracks or severe imperfections that altered the ergonomics or the ability to view the contents. The cases were then given two small stickers with a coat of arms on the spine and peel fruit sticker on the front right with some consistency ensured. Maintaining certain elements of cohesion will help 3 such disparate J cards be grouped as a set. The packaging for the tapes is then provided by the apple tray as they sit amongst 3 apples on a 6 apple tray.

  

The j-cards and object have considered nicely to the point where I feel like they both enhance each other and are a visually consistent pair. The new tissue paper and 6 apple box were largely effective, however, time permitting the box should be reinforced on the sides also as can give way to a precarious apple or tape. Due to the tissue paper any colour of reinforcing card show aid stability. The red crosses atop the apples were ditched in favour of a mixture of the two stickers which perhaps was a move away from the tape as a strong and consistent identity. However, the thinking behind the decision is that when assorted with the tapes as intended the tape will be at a perfect amount and any more would be overkill. I love the forms made by the deliberately oversized tissue paper as it folds, giving a retro New York grocery store vibe alongside the brown corrugated paper of the tray, held together by the signature red tape. The new, greener apples are perhaps too big as they are larger than the originals and one poorly shaped one falls over occasionally. Also, the matte stickers are mildly disappointing, however, it is not a big drawback and the overall visual impact is still befitting of the intended outcome.