A-Z Book Project

Amelia Robinson
Graphics
Candidate Number: 1168
Over the course of the UAL diploma I have learnt so much about the
varied areas within art and design and I have been pushed to experiment
with lots of different media. Because of this I have had the opportunity to
explore what my key strengths are and what I find to be more challenging.
To a certain extent every part of the course has had some challenges and
it has been very rewarding to be able to tackle them while securing
positive feedback. During this current academic year, I also feel a lot more
confident about working independently and developing my own briefs.
Having lots of live briefs to accompany my usual course work has also
really encouraged me to work efficiently and come up with ideas quickly
while being able to develop them into something strong.
I have produced a variety of different outcomes this year from edited
photography to packaging! But my main interest for the future is
illustration so I would like to create a full illustrated book. From doing the
childrens book illustration project last year I am considerate of how long it
takes to really develop a full story idea along with illustrations. Because of
this I have decided to stick to an A-Z format. This means that I have a
basic framework already there in which I can add my own unique twist!
I have an interest for dark comedy and I really like stories and film that are
full of a slightly morbid sense of humour. Im very much supportive of
being able to find a way to laugh about rather disturbing topics (so long as
it isnt too offensive). For this reason I would love to focus around the
theme of phobias. I dont know much about them but I would really enjoy
learning with lots of research. I can also imagine that they would be very
interesting for creating visual outcomes.
One of my initial sources of inspiration is the book The Gashlycrumb
Tinies by Edward Gorey. It is an illustrated tale that depicts the deaths of
children in order of their names. My favourite is A is for Amy who fell
down the stairs! This book is inspiring for me because it shows the
importance for strong compositions and how images and words can
compliment each other.
I also intend to look at lots of different illustrators and artists for
inspiration along with primary research on books that are of a similar
theme (or have elements that are inspiring). I am especially interested in
looking at German expressionism as a key art movement. There are a lot
of different styles within the art movement but there was a focus on dark

themes with very strong dramatic images. I will also do my own primary
research by taking photographs that relate to the phobias that I choose to
illustrate.
My target audience would be people who similarly to me enjoy dark
comedy. They could be male or female and of any age although I would
advice that it is intended for people over the age of 14 because of the
horror element.
When going through the design process and coming up with ideas I will
continuously ask members of my class, other students around college and
adults about their opinion of my work. This will help me consider a style
which people will find most appealing and professional. It will also help me
narrow down the demographic of my target audience.
For research purposes I will also go onto forums for people with phobias.
This will give me an insight into what it feels like for people to live with
them. They obviously wouldnt be my target audience because I dont
want to scare people who are already afraid of things. However, it would
be very useful to get their feedback on what they want people who dont
have phobias to know about them.
One of my main targets is to experiment as much as I can before
developing a final outcome. Therefor, I will aim to use a range of materials
and techniques each week and continuously evaluate what worked well
and how it could be used in a final outcome.
Bibliography
http://www.whitechapelgallery.org/about/blog/introducing-childrenscommission-2015-by-rivane-neuenschwander/
http://www.moma.org/explore/collection/ge/illustrated_books
http://www.moma.org/explore/collection/ge/artists
http://phobialist.com
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phobias/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.edwardgoreyhouse.org
http://www.shauntan.net/books.html
https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/states-mind-tracing-edgesconsciousness
http://www.christophercorr.com/illustration/

http://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/Maguma/view
http://www.ofear.com