Responsive: What is the Problem?

Part 1

After attending the second seminar for Responsive, I decided to sit down and tackle my briefs a bit more, and why I have chosen them.

• To what extent  will the briefs allow you to meet your criteria for success within the module?

I always try and incorporate a lot of graphic design and colour into all of my work, but I feel like I still haven't found my style yet. These briefs will allow me to explore that, and become more comfortable with applying it to different themes and tasks. Also with some of the book briefs, because I love books and stories, I think it will be very useful to my practice as narrative is extremely important to having a successful animation. In addition, I am used to exploring ideas and concepts through a piece that lasts a period of time, and I think it will be a challenge to try and convey a whole story in one or very few pieces of work!

• To what extent will the briefs benefit you with regards to the benefits of entering competition briefs?

The briefs will allow me to expand my experience in the industry, as well just simply working for a set, fixed brief. I have not worked from such precise briefs in a few years so I think this will allow me to practice for the future. Also the prizes. For example, with the Penguin brief, the prize is to spend four weeks in the Penguin Random House design studios on a work placement, and I think this is an amazing opportunity. Penguin is a reliable and powerful brand across the world, so not just the UK, and to work with others from this company would be very exciting for me.

• Any problems that you can foresee with the briefs in relation to the issue discussed in the session.

Most definitely trying to capture a whole narrative in only a few images. I will have to consider themes, core values, ideas, messages, audience, etc, and this is a scary prospect to me now that I am used to the comfort of having a set time to express these key elements. Also there will be more than a couple of people looking at my work, and I have to make sure that what I produce is up to what they are looking for. And what that is, I am going to have to research a lot.

PART 2 

What problem(s) are identified by the brief?

- Trying to embody a whole narrative in only a few images.

- Trying to appeal to several ages and audience.

- Trying to reinvent classic iconic novels.

What is the brief asking you to do about it/them?

- Be innovative, imaginative & creative.

- Don't be cliche.

- Interpret the novels the way you want to interpret them, to create something individual.

What is the brief trying to achieve?

- Reaching out to young artists who can take stories and books that are already well established are reinvent them so that they reach new and more fresh audiences.

- Target young adults to pick up classics.

- Interest new readers who are less inclined to read non fiction.

Who will benefit?

- Those buying the book.

- Me (an avid reader and an artist).

- Author of the book as they will be attracting new audiences.

What is the message?

- Be innovative and don't hold back. Try and think of something that no one else will think of.

Who is the audience?

- Emil & the Detectives is a children's novel, so 12 and under.

- How to be a Woman is non-fiction, so could be targeted to those who can't follow a narrative. Also to woman and those who like humour.

- A Clockwork Orange is obviously for classic literature lovers, those who like drama and those who aren't put off by themes of crime and drugs.

How will the message be delivered?

- Through line work, colour, rhythm of the illustration on the page, well thought out layout.

- Themes on the cover, mystery, a but of obscurity.

Can you foresee any problems?

- Being to cliche, or picking a theme that many people will also choose.

- Not representing the book properly/doing it enough justice.