OUIL503 Responsive: Feathr

After finding out about this new brief at uni, I automatically saw it as an opportunity to attempt to create some artwork in a way I have been meaning to try out for a while. Artwork at varying scales is something I have been interested in from back when Graffiti / Mural artwork began being such a huge inspiration to me. Being able to apply my illustrative practice to a surface off of the "page" as it were, pushes the boundaries of what illustration can be and for me, adds a whole new side to "experiencing" creativity.  

I am currently looking at creating a mural/graffiti/installation piece for my OUIL505 object and environment project and I think as my mind seems to already be in this headspace, this brief in particular stands out to me.

The Brief

In looking at the brief (above) it seems to be pretty open, but a lot of information provided regarding possible starting points and all the submission details are clear and thorough enough.

As a side note, i really like the way this brief and the submission information is laid out. As someone who is wanting to enter this competition, the information and the aesthetic/appearance are really inspiring and helps make me want to get involved. Some of the competitions/awards I have entered so far have been a little dull, not much imagery accompanying the brief information on the website and a lot of plain text causing an un-engaging first impression. This Feathr competition has broken down all of the key info, provided quick snapshots of this info, important links, inspiring imagery and even possible ways to approach the brief/starting points in the form of visual mood boards. All inspiring and motivating stuff!

Initial thoughts:

Thinking of how artwork could work as a wallpaper design, I am instantly drawn to the idea of patterns. Repeating patterns work really well aesthetically, they tend to be more pleasing to the eye such as a really well balanced composition within an illustration and a repeating pattern will help in the production and application of the wallpaper itself. Patterns would mean that my design could be printed, chopped and applied to a variety of surfaces seamlessly as well as different sized wall spaces.

Possible themes/subject matter/starting points for inspiration:
-Patterns
-Patterns in the natural world
-Flora/Fauna
-Psychedelic
-Holographic/projection
-light spectrum
-Kaleidoscope
-Double vision, 3D Anaglyphic imagery
-Colour
-Texture


Research: Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design
At the end of last year I was able to attend the degree show of the Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design at LCA. I was blown away by the exhibition, every piece and collection was so inspiring and really helped open my eyes to the possibilities surrounding illustration, design and application/distribution.

Key points I took away from the show:
- Take time to create seamless, interlocking/weaving patterns
-Pattern needs to be easily repeated for ease of physical application to surface
- Detail seems key/popular
- Nature seemed to be a popular theme/subject matter
- A variety of tactile media used in overall design (fabric, foil, paper, velvet, glitter etc) can really push design and finish to next level. Can help accentuate areas of detail.
-Explore what else designs can be applied too: fabric, fashion, stationary, posters, homeware etc.

Images from the 2015 End of Year show LCA website page:
http://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/end-of-year-show-2015/#showcase-0

Favourites from the collection:

   

Pattern Collecting
As a mini task for myself and to get me into the swing of things, i decided to go around my house and flick through a few books and begin collecting examples of pattern that I find striking and work well within their context etc. This will hopefully help build a picture of what makes a pattern successful and appealing, informing my initial approaches to this brief. I hope to add to this collection as i continue on to submit a design to Feathr as well carrying on in my future practice.


Pattern Collection: