Sketchbook Update 2

Surveymonkey Results

I created the survey on the 19th I think it's about time to study the results and consider how this might effect the way I approach the project.

11 People have taken the survey

1. How would you describe your relationship with music?
Passionate 8
Casual 3
Indifferent 0

2. Are you aware of Diesel:U:Music?
Yes 4
No 7

This is interesting, as it suggests that music campaigns like Diesel:U:Music may only be found those looking for it, those already so inclined.

3. Do you agree with the following statement: Illustration and Music can inspire each other?

Agree 11
Disagree 0

4. The album cover is dead


Strongly Agree 1
Agree 1
Neutral 2
Disagree 5
Strongly Disagree 1

This tells me that majority opinion thinks the album cover still has place within the music experience
 
5. Which Illustration style do you prefer?

Vector 2
Vexel 0
Mixed Media 5
Traditional 3
Photo-manipulation 3

Strongest opinion was on a mixed media approach with the second strongest tied between traditional and photo-manipulation. I think a mix of traditional methods and photo-manipulation (a form of mixed media) could be a potential approach to the type of illustrative response I create.
 
6. Have you heard of the band InMe?
Yes 4
No 7

This tells me that because not many people have heard of InMe, that the style I go with whilst tailored to the target audience of the band, can be distinctive if done right.
 
7. If you have heard of InMe, what do you think of their music? (if applicable)
Amazing 0
Good 2
Not bad 1
Terrible 1
Not heard of them 6
(1 skipped).


8. In which ways do you connect with music in your experience?
Auditory ( I enjoy listen to it) 9
Visual ( I Enjoy music videos and album art 7)
Kinesthetically (I enjoy music concerts/gigs) 5

This tells me that a solid piece of illustration may be more preferable to a more interactively geared illustrative response.

You Won't Hear From Me Again - "The Enemy"

For the illustrative response to the song Cracking The Whip, i've decided to focus on the theme of "The Enemy". In the song, he compares himself with his "enemy" so I think some research on contrasting forces/elements such as good and evil would be a good starting point. I'm thinking of having "the enemy" in a mirror/reflection, so it's a side of himself he rejects or is setting himself free from.

http://dholl.deviantart.com/art/Good-is-also-Evil-120302975?q=boost%3Apopular%20good%20and%20evil&qo=0
http://saibel.deviantart.com/art/Good-vs-Evil-119019506?q=boost%3Apopular%20good%20and%20evil&qo=22
http://anda0105.deviantart.com/art/Good-vs-Evil-119024281?q=boost%3Apopular%20good%20and%20evil&qo=9
http://payno0.deviantart.com/art/Good-Vs-Evil-118580815?q=boost%3Apopular%20good%20and%20evil&qo=26
http://payno0.deviantart.com/art/GOOD-versus-EVIL-119342459?q=boost%3Apopular%20good%20and%20evil&qo=129

Illustration Research

Some more research into illustration styles. I find mixed media to be the most visually appealing but from the ones above, shows vector can have a distinctive charm as well.

http://www.albertocerriteno.com/portfolio/freedom.html
http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/magnificent-modernday-movie
http://www.behance.net/gallery/Little-Creatures/306611
http://www.behance.net/gallery/Nike-Elemental/589288
http://www.behance.net/gallery/flavour-yeh/256135
http://www.behance.net/gallery/The-Brass-Tack/436578
http://mcbess.com/illus.html
http://www.behance.net/gallery/Illustration-8-%28-special-symmetry-%29/830473
http://creativebite.net/illustration/beautiful-illustrations-by-shadow-chen-aka-saltyshadow/

InMe research

I've been a fan of InMe since around about 2001 when they first appeared on MTV. There musical style has never stagnated, it went from angsty rock to alternative metal with their latest fairings specialising in more melodic and technical guitar riffs.

Their 4 albums to date are Overgrown Eden. Tracklist listed.

1. Underdose
2. Firefly
3. Wounds
4. Lava Twilight
5. Natural
6. Her Mask (P.A.)
7. Energy
8. Crushed Like Fruit
9. Ice Warm
10. Trenches
11. Neptune
12. Mosaic

Their second fairing was White Butterfly

1. 7Weeks
2. So You Know
3. This Town
4. Otherside
5. Faster the Chase
6. You'll Get There
7. White Butterfly
8. Safe In A Room
9. Just A Glimpse
10. Almost Lost
11. A World Apart
12. Chamber
13. Parting Gift
14. Angels with Snipers*
15. Every Whisper Aches*

Their third album was Daydream Anonymous

1. Myths & Photographs
2. Far Reaching
3. I Won't Let Go
4. Turbulence
5. Cracking the Whip
6. In Loving Memory
7. Daydream Anonymous
8. Here's Hoping
9. Raindrops on Stones
10. Thanks for Leaving Me
11. Soldier
12. 2nd Jonquil
13. A Toast to Broken Glass
14. Papillon's Stalemate*

And their latest album, the fourth, is Herald Moth.

1. You Won't Hear From Me Again
2. Belief Revival
3. Nova Armada
4. All Terrain Vehicle
5. Captain Killjoy
6. The Art of Moderation
7. Single of the Weak
8. Ferocity In Desire
9. Happy to Disappoint You
10. I Will Honour You
11. A Mouthful of Loose Teeth
12. Master Storm
13. Love's Heartless Jest*
14. Secret Tragic Fiction*
    
    

InMe are an English alternative rock band based in Brentwood, Essex. To date, the band have released 4 highly successful studio albums spawning a number of Top 40 UK singles and years of touring and playing great shows and festivals around the UK, Europe and the world. InMe have toured with the likes of Nickelback, Limp Bizkit, Pendulum, Deftones, Serj Tankian, Staind, Feeder and Biffy Clyro as well as having played massive festivals such as Reading, Sonisphere, Download & Summer Breeze.
The InMe of 2010 is very different animal to that of their 2003 debut album "Overgrown Eden". InMe have continually evolved over the years, maintaining a fiercely loyal fanbase and challenging themselves further as musicians with the release of every album. 2010's "Phoenix - The Best of InMe" celebrates the bands successful career so far and features exclusive tracks that showcase InMe's progression even more.

InMe - 'Phoenix' Released September 27th | Home Page. Accessed on Web. 27 Feb. 2011. Available at http://inmeofficial.com/

InMe track 2 - You Won't Hear From Me Again

Perfection was never on the horizon or the agenda for that matter
I'll learn to appreciate these moments, even if they have to be spoon-fed
Why is it all so wonderfully hysterical these days
Even the jaded, have unmistakable grins

You wanted something different and I know I'm not a part of that
This blood is separate and I respect that
I will not leave my men, even if they fall
Respect the enemy, though they can be so cruel
You've got your precious home; I've got your crumple zone
You've got your bible; I've got survival
You turned your back on me, your cuts are seemless
This prisoner's been set free won't hear from me again

Cautious grins are interpreted in many ways
Reserving trust alike dust upon old photographs
You criticise but you don't even know my name
You love to hate, when to me it's just a big fucking game
I will swallow this moment of emptiness as I know my time will come
With my fist clenched and tight as my teeth
I try to say something nice to you but I can't

You wanted something different and I know I'm not a part of that
This blood is separate and I respect that
I will not leave my men, even if they fall
Respect the enemy, though they can be so cruel
You've got your precious home; I've got your crumple zone
You've got your bible; I've got survival
You turned your back on me, your cuts are seemless
This prisoner's been set free won't hear from me again

I think this will be a fun one to make an illustration on because it's main theme is about celebrating difference and belief in your own journey.

InMe track 1 - Cracking The Whip Lyrics

Liberation day, face down in the reservoir, where's your street credibility now?
(Theo has dropped his crown)
Mirror-imaged shadows, passive fragments floating
A dignified loss suits you just fine my friend

Forgotten soldiers daydream
Your courage is not what it seems

Please forgive me, please believe me 'Cause our faith is strong
I don't deserve you I'll rest forever in this honesty eyes closed
Breaking the war-chest the soldiers complex, we just need more time
Just get on your knees and know that I'll be the one cracking the whip from here on

In bed with the moon flower, contradict the nestling
They think that your some kind of power elite
(Stay strong stay) true
Dreaming of nostalgia, emerald still gleaming

Every snowflake pleads not guilty in an avalanche

Please forgive me, please believe me 'Cause our faith is strong
I don't deserve you I'll rest forever in this honesty eyes closed
Breaking the war-chest the soldiers complex, we just need more time
Just get on your knees and know that I'll be the one cracking the whip from here on

This is goodbye, why will neither of us cry?
If the battle is won, why must we always come undone?

Please forgive me, please believe me 'Cause our faith is strong
I don't deserve you I'll rest forever in this honesty eyes closed
Breaking the war-chest the soldiers complex, we just need more time
Just get on your knees and know that I'll be the one cracking the whip from here on


I've picked this track because a lot is left open to interpretation, for instance, is about one person or many, what situation happened, etc. This could be a lot of fun to interpret.

Survey

I've created a survey for myself in regards to the D&AD brief. The aim is to gather peoples opinions or understand their awareness of certain areas related to the brief and my possible chosen responses. Thus far, 11 people have taken it and has proven a bit of insight into what people think of the relationship between music and design. By the end of this week, I will use the information gathered and evaluate whether it should influence the way in which I respond to the task.

You can complete the survey here

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B2QQJG7

Illustration Interview (research link)

Forgive the lack of posting the last few days but i've been down to London to see the 4 designers conference and today I went for an interview for Graphic Design (BA Hons) at Huddersfield.

I figured i'd attatch a link for this interview I read at abduzeedo about a brazillian illustrator/artist. I found his style and opinions interesting so i'm including this as reference.

Torres, M. "Interview with Illustrator and Artist Pirecco." Abduzeedo | Graphic Design Inspiration and Photoshop Tutorials. 23 Feb. 2011. Accessed on Web. 23 Feb. 2011. Available at http://abduzeedo.com/interview-illustrator-and-artist-pirecco?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: abduzeedo (Abduzeedo Feed)

I've finally picked the band/artist

I've been wracking my brain for a good few weeks about which artist/band to pick, all the while ignoring one of my all time favorite bands. I wanted it to be tracks that I could draw a lot of inspiration from and emotionally connect with, something I could visually interpret from it's lyrics, etc. So...drum roll please.......I picked InMe. I've listened to these guys for a very long time and the more I think about it, the more I think it's the absolute right choice.

Now it's just picking the tracks which should be MUCH simpler. Happy days

http://inmeofficial.com/

Sketchbook Update 1

I realise I haven't actually posted some photos of my sketchbook on here yet so without further delay, here is some initial idea work.

Group Concept

The image in this post is from a group session undertaken on Monday to help our team generate some concepts for our project. Key conceptual ideas are

Themes such as temptation, passion, quirky, humourous and attitude filled illustrations. Music artists such as Lady Gaga and Marilyn Manson who walk the line between sexual content and abstract content. Youth culture and music, festivals, etc.

MCR Interactive Extra

When I downloaded the lastest My Chemical Romance album, this came with it on iTunes. It's an interactive way to view the lyrics, includes a few extras like artwork and things. I think this could be an interesting avenue to explore.

Urbis Diesel Wall 2008

In 2008, the Diesel Wall competion had it's winners work on the side of the Urbis.

"The concept behind the winning piece is to give the impression to the observer of a large bowl into the side of the building. It is made of lines which follow exactly the lines of the windows, but then curve away in a disorienting fashion."

"Urbis - Diesel Wall." Urbis - Homepage. Accesed on Web. 11 Feb. 2011. Available at http://www.urbis.org.uk/page.asp?id=3244

Music Streaming Services

Music streaming services allow people to find large amounts of music and listen to it on demand, rather then it being a passive thing like listening to the radio. Most of them are free and are intergrated into existing social networks or have their own communities. Many of them have a related artist feature, making it easy to find music similar to what they are listening to.


http://www.last.fm/
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/
http://www.spotify.com/uk/

How i'm deciding which tracks to use for my illustrations is using one of these services because of how useful and easy to use they are.