SB3 - Development

DEVELOPED INITIAL IDEAS

Development from initial sketch ideas and using a silhouette as the main design; Exploring the use of layers and colour choice with watercolour. The use of watercolour offers a more fragile feel to that of vector design. Having a more hands on approach with the design process is heavily inspired from Dean’s work and potentially something that would stand out from other book designs. APPROACH ONE

The developed work entwines characters together, and frames crucial moments of the book. Contrasting colours explore the representation of different themes and feelings in the book as it is about both loss and love.
Simple composition layouts are made to look at the ratio and negative space of the cover, and how the painting would fit. Simplistic san serif type offers a readable and more updated feel to the book, and something more appealing to all target audience.



APPROACH TWO

Inspired from Initial concept of creating layers with paper to represent the books narrative, the design approach was further explored and developed through photoshop. The development process looked at forming a gradient mapping tool in the photo of the cut out work - experimenting with the look of texture, tone and shadows.

 The use of red although used commonly was used to represent the dangers of death and the passion of love throughout the book.

The design was further developed to form simple composition outcomes for the front cover - forming stronger developed visuals to be presented during crits. Designer Eiko Ojala (below) work looks at using coloured paper to form stronger more vibrant outcomes to his work. Using a stronger stock of paper would help form stronger shadows and a layered outcomes.

http://ploom.tv/

"Eiko Ojala is a renowned illustrator and graphic designer. 

He is based between Estonia and New Zealand. He 

works mostly digitally and draws everything by hand. 

Within his work process Eiko likes to study the forms 

of shapes and to work closely with light and shadow. 

He likes to keep his illustrations minimal and well-advised 

and combines consummate craftsmanship with

 a healthy sprinkling of wit."

CRIT OUTSIDE OF UNI - 

After having my crit - the group really loved the layout of the outcome and process of the paper cutting technique and the way it tells the narrative of the story. They really liked the red and white design and how eye catching it was. So I will take this feedback and buy red card to cut out and assemble the outcome.

Sketches to help identify the design and composition of each layer to be assembled to make the final piece. Each layer has a key meaning, sizing of each layer also echoes the profound effect they have on Toru throughout the book. 

I took silhouettes from the Norwegian Film to be used in my book design, I thought that this would be the best way to form a design with strong contextual reference to the characters. 

Toru's silohetter the main aspect of the book, and the shape that will be use to be the bas of the design and overall silhouette.

The story starts with Toru's friend Kizuki committing suicide through carbon monoxide poisoning in his car, this the catalyst of the story that take Toru down the path he does in the book. 

Reiko is Naoko's support when in the mental institution, at one part of the narrative she plays on her guitar and performs 'Norwegian Wood' by The Beatles, the title of the book and the song that causes TOru of having the flashback of his past.  

Toru's love interest Midori who flirts with him throughout the book, and who he falls in love with. The end of the book Midori is left waiting on the phone with Toru which echoes at the idea of if they two end up together or not.

Toru's main love interest Naoko his deceased best friends girlfriend. She plays a huge part in the book and on Toru's life - this is reflected how she is positioned in the back of the head area of the silhouettes and is the largest character silhouette in the comparison (because she plays a huge part in his life and always will).

The meadow scene is the iconic part of the book where Naoko and Toru embrace each other and visit toward the end of the book. The flashback Toru has at the beginning of the book echoes at the scene of them being together in the meadow. 

The final composition of what the layers will looks like, I played around with opacities to see what the depth of field will look like with these layered elements.