Monday 28 November 2016

Transition words



As I am not a strong writer I decide to collect numerous definitions of words in which to include within the essay, some relating purely to feminism. Transition words were also researched and recorded in order to develop an essay which is smooth and free running. 

Initial essay plan


















In order to gather a greater stance upon the layout of the essay it was decided to formulate an essay plan, including an introduction, thesis and conclusion. Individual arguments were also highlighted, with sources being outlined. To gather feedback the plan was emailed to Simon.




From the feedback gathered from Simon it is clear that the essay is focusing directly upon art rather than graphic design. As a result of this the essay question has now been altered to 'Discuss the role that feminism played in the social change of graphic design'. It has also been decided to focus further on design within the future, as the feminist art movement focused largely upon art. 


General structure of an essay:

  1. TITLE/QUESTION. Every essay title contains an explicit or implicit question. ...
  2. INTRODUCTION: (about 10% of the essay) Explain how you interpret the title. ...
  3. MAIN BODY (about 80% of the essay) ...
  4. CONCLUSION (about 10% of the essay) ...
  5. Reference List

Monday 14 November 2016

Study task 2

Jameson, knowledgeable on politics in terms of ideology, capitalism and socialism discusses the relationship between parody and pastiche referring closely to postmodernism. Examining post-modern architecture, nostalgic film and historic novels.

Whereas Hutcheon discusses the relationship between modernism and postmodernism in comparison to that of parody and pastiches relationship.

Jameson characterizes postmodern parody as "blank parody" without any political bite" , (Jameson)and later continues to suggest that parody is derived from modernism, whereby authors are portrayed by their own styles. "the Faulknerian long sentence, for example, with its breathless gerundives; Lawrentian nature imagery punctuated by testy colloquialism; Wallace Stevens's inveterate hypostasis of nonsubstantive parts of speech ('the intricate evasions of as')"(Jameson) He then continues the statement further discussing pastiches relationship with modernism."Modernist styles... become postmodernist codes leaving us with nothing but a field of stylistic and discursive heterogeneity without a norm" He then goes on to suggest that "the cannibalization of all the styles of the past, the play of random stylistic allusion, and in general what Henri Lefebvre has called the increasing primacy of the 'neo'" (Postmodernism 18)."(Jameson) This therefore suggesting that parody is a distasteful way of imitating the past. Although it may be suggested that parody is pastiche without ulterior motives. Another perspective may be that parody challenges capable establishments through humour and aggression.

When discussing parody Hutcheon expresses she embeds its relationship to postmodern tendencies, suggesting suggesting that parody can contain both a positive and negative impact.   "Parody—often called ironic quotation, pastiche, appropriation, or intertextuality—is usually considered central to postmodernism, both by its detractors and its defenders"(Hutcheon) Contradictory to Jameson, who suggests parody attempts to evoke nostalgia and retain the critical thinking, Hutcheon believes "through a double process of installing and ironizing, parody signals how present representations come from past ones and what ideological consequences derive from both continuity and difference".(Hutcheon) In similar turns suggesting that postmodernism is the parody of modernism. She also refers to this as "ironic readings of the past".(Hutcheon)

Jameson deferates between both parody and pastiche whereas Hutcheon does not, this being due to her beliefs upon it all being self reflective and critical. In some terms expressing them both as the same thing, on different formats.

Jameson is negative in turns of postmodernism, when discussing postmodern architecture his description is as follows "randomly and without principle but with gusto cannibalizes all the architectural styles of the past and combines them in overstimulating ensembles"(Jameson) expressing postmodernism it in a format in which does not appear valid, Jameson's negative approach to postmodernism largely differs to that of Hutcheon who suggests that postmodernism "takes the form of self-conscious, self-contradictory, self-undermining statement".(Hutcheon)Unlike Jameson she attempts to perceive postmodernism upon a different level, one in which attempts to justify its efforts, although her opinion upon the topic is clear.

Hutcheon, Linda. The Politics Of Postmodernism: Parody And History And Frederic Jameson. 1st ed. Print.

Jameson, Frederic. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Nov. 2016.





Following a pastiche style, this graphic design poster explores a similar ideology to that of Armin hoffman's/ Muller Brockman's work, although the background separates itself from their constructed modernist style.




Pastiche is a tongue and cheek imitation used in literature, art, music and movies.


Study task 4

Commenting upon the revolution of feminist art, Cottingham suggests that an artist’s sex has a direct impact on the piece’s validity. “feminist art was commercially unacceptable because it’s practitioners were all women. Seventies feminist art aggravated too many common conceptions about art and life to even be looked at closely from a formal perspective”. (Cottingham 31)This therefore focusing upon feminism as purely an art movement and not the fight for something greater, for work equality between males and females. Embedding the feminist art movement as activation, not style. This quote also suggests that the large contextual presence behind the artist’s workings are invalid, as a result of the ideas not being from a male perspective. Artists such as Cynthia Maugham and Martha Rosler, were developing some of their best pieces within the 70’s, expressing formal, structural innovations, in which were ignored by large corporations as a result of sexual imbalance. The findings of Jaffe contradicting this within a modern age, suggesting that corporations now sell the idea of equality as a format of ‘empowerment’. “the fight for gender equality has transmogrified from a collective goal to a consumer brand.” (Jaffe) Jaffe hereby stating that the role of feminism within creative industries has now morphed into a capitalist injustice. When applying Cottingham’s workings to this modern age juxtaposition key underlying factors remain in which embed the underlying sexist nature of society. Rather than feminist art being used as a form of liberation, in which attempts to change the structures of a sexist society, sexism has now been manipulated in a way in which is for profit. Profit for the 81% of male creative directors in which manipulate feminist briefs for capital gain.

From this information it is clear that a mass change has developed during the fifty year period in which women have seeked equality, yet a clear manipulation is still being held within creative industries. Rather than liberating women the creative industries comply more strain upon females, in which is directed as a norm with trustworthy brands placing their names towards dangerous advertising campaigns. Although design is no longer consciously discriminated against over sex, factors in which Cottingham expressed still relate to the ways in which the creativity industry is formed today. Hierarchy of males expressed within the above text is further embedded by that of Think Progress who as a corporation suggest “Women experience internal promotion rates that are 34 to 47 percent lower than for men.”  ("Women With The Same Qualifications As Men Get Passed Over For Promotion")This information expressing a clear indication that although sexism in the art industry has changed, forms of sexual injustice still occur, with women appearing as the weaker sex.


Cottingham, Laura. Seeing Through The Seventies. 1st ed. Australia: G+B Arts International, 2000. Print.

Jaffe, Sarah. "Feminism For Sale". New Republic. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Nov. 2016.



"Women With The Same Qualifications As Men Get Passed Over For Promotion". ThinkProgress. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Nov. 2016.

Study task 3

In collation to study task 3 a manifesto was developed in order to outline the plans for C.O.P level 2. This including the research topic, ‘Discuss the role that feminism played in the social change of design culture'. A brief summary of the practical task was outlined, this can be found above. 

Sunday 16 October 2016

Study task one

Visual and Other pleasure


  • Primary document 
  • Collection of analytical essays
  • Male gaze theory
  • Objectification of women
  • Traditional roles of women 
  • Hetrosexual roles within films
  • The male controls film fantasy 


Stars and Audiences


  • Bias- own experiences
  • Criticism of Laura Mulvey's work
  • Explores ways in which males are objectified
  • Analysis of Picnic and the sexualisation of males within it. 
  • Star Profiles

Culture Theory and Popular Culture 

  • Secondary summary
  • In reference to two texts 
  • Mass desire vs castration 
  • Psychosocial theorists-freud
  • Gaining pleasure from the sexulisation of women 
  • Un-biased summary of original text 

Triangulation: A critical analysis surrounding the sexualisation of women 

Primary information is mostly gained from mulvey's work with dyer developing commentary upon her findings, this is then processed further as storey then comments upon the two texts, using both primary and secondary information.


All articles focus upon the ways in which gender may be expressed within film. Mulvey focuses upon feminist issues within the sexualisation of women through film, and argues how the male gaze positions women as objects in which males can sexualise. Storey then gives a brief overview of Mulvey's findings developing a secondary summary, primarily focusing upon the ways in which the media consume texts.Dyer then debates the validity of Mulvey's argument, asking why the reader is always a hetrosexual male within Mulvey's theory. He suggests that both women and males, hetrosexual or not, may be the consumer. He also suggests that males are also widely sexualised within films and contain their own gender roles.

The text in which highlights the primary most effectively is that of Mulvey's work, as she herself is discussing her own theory. Although both Storey and Dyer effectively reference Mulvey, with Dyer using her quotations to back his own valid points.

Dyer uses Mulvey's quotes in order to criticize her work by comparing it to the critical findings of other writers. An example of this being "Laura's use of freudian thinking leads her to conclude that the male gaze produces a voyeuristic pleasure. Studlar argues that the fetasisation of the female body has the potential of producing the alternative measure of  masochistic between male moviegoer and female star."  He then later goes on to formulate that this occurs due to an individual's relationship with their mother. A factor in which is not explored in Mulvey's work although theorist Freud has pre-determined this within his work, a contrary factor as Mulvey has previously looked greatly into his work.


Monday 25 April 2016

Synthesis

Throughout my practical work I have made multiple connections to that of Obama's Hope campaign, with my practical work focusing upon the candidate in which will take over from the President. The campaign in which I have developed for Hillary focuses upon the targeting of youths a factor in which also applies to that of the Hope campaign. A relationship between Gill Sans has also been expressed in order to suggest that Hillary is strong and stable just like Obama. Patriotic colours have been an influence in both designs with Hillary's campaign expressing many characteristics in which mimic Obama's. From the information expressed above I believe it is fair to suggest that my practical work and essay coincide well together.

End of module evaluation

Personally I believe that the last module has given me a greater understanding surrounding that of theories within design, and has opened myself to concepts in which were previously unheard of in my college course.From the lectures I have a greater understanding upon modernism/postmodernism two factors in which I feel myself employing to that of my analytical feedback within other modules. Other influencing lectures I feel have stood out to me are that of consumerism and colour, with colour theory being highly prominent within my work.

The essay itself was a component in which I enjoyed to write as I found it a highly interesting topic area. As I like to believe that I have an extensive knowledge upon British politics, I felt that this essay allowed me to look deeper into that of America's. A factor I feel important as America is one of the most influential countries within the world. Choosing the right essay question was important to me as I wanted to gather greater knowledge upon a specific topic area. In an attempt to push myself to unknown boundaries marks were probably lost as I had to gather knowledge rather than rehearse previous, this being the main reason in which I did not select the gender question as I extensively studied it in my A levels. As within school I never exceeded within English, I really pushed this essay in order to gather the strongest result possible, a factor I am happy with when reading back through it.

The physical body of work links closely to that of the current 2016 presidential campaign whereby I focused specifically upon promoting Hillary. The three posters were targeted specifically at a younger demographic 21-30 years, in order to gather attention from minority voters. This also being a factor in which Obama's PR attempted within his Hope campaign. The designs themselves focus upon issues rather than the protagonist, a factor in which I believe to give my designs a personal edge. Overall, I am happy with my outcomes although if I had more time I would like to develop them further.

Saturday 23 April 2016

mock up


The above image shows how the design will be constructed in one circumstance.

Comparing the posters





When developing the posters I wanted to maintain some form of continuity and thus the typeface and colour schemes remained the same throughout. I also attempted to use image in a similar format although I feel the gun crime poster doesn't express this coherently as well as the others.A tag line was expressed through a highlighted format on each, with a similar type size also being used. In order to make the connection back to Hillary her logo was also used, this appeared alongside a short slogan for example 'Vote Hillary for Sustainability'. This expressing continuity alongside a difference between each design.  I believe that the designs are recognisable to each other and work effectively as part of a set, as well as individually.

Which logo to use




When deciding upon how to link Hillary with my campaign her logo was an obvious choice. As she had two logo's, with one containing text, I decided to choose between the two in order to express continuity within my designs. As a younger audience is seen to be more aware of logo's, I decided that the symbol approach would be much more effective. This logo is faster and straight to the point, a factor in which is more appealing to a younger demographic than that of the formalised logo. 

Gun poster evaluation

The sentiment of displaying multiple people alongside one another linking hands was to express the unity of America in a time whereby gun violence is at its highest. The people themselves were depicted in blue to suggest that they themselves had no reasoning to be targeted. The usage of one colour also express the idea that any person, any race may be involved within gun violence. I felt this was important to outline, as it is often associated that more young black males in America are involved within gun crime.

The design itself breaks away from the block colour background in which is expressed within my other posters. This would definitely be a factor in which would divide the poster from the others, and thus if I were to develop the design again I would explore with following a similar format.

As the deisgn is built up from multiple sections it appears much more interesting than that of the other designs, a factor in which I feel will consume the demographic for longer, and thus they will take more of an interest.

Gun poster final crit

When taking my designs to the final crit I was unsure upon which design should be selected, and thus I developed a tally in which my peers could vote for each design. From this I found that the 'people' approach was far more impactive than that of the video game, with the illustrative people forming an interesting background.

It was suggested that the design should explore a less restricted male, female, male, female approach. The idea of using multiple people was also expressed, as this would suggest different age groups being affected by gun violence. This is definitely a factor in which I would explore if I had more time.

Final evaluation environmental poster

The general house style of this poster explores the same colour palette and illustration style to that of my previous designs. The merging of both the image and the background explores the concept that the Earth is slowly fading away due to human impact. This is then embedded further with the usage of a warning banner depicted in red, a factor in which rounds up the design.  The design itself is impactive and would grab the consumer's attention a factor in which I believe to be extremely important when developing poster designs. Hillarys logo is again positioned within the design, and important factor that allows Hillary to be expressed within the poster.

If I were to re-develop this design I would definitely focus upon making the design bolder, a factor in which I feel would alert the consumer more. Maybe the dripping of blood would enforce the realistic outcome in which pollution is killing our planet.

Environment poster final crit

When taking this design to the final critique it was suggested that the imagery used was far stronger than that used earlier as it depicts a futuristic image rather than one in which depicts an everyday occurrence, a factor which in turn specifically appeals to a younger demographic.

 The usage of colour within this design is far more impactful than that used previously, with the red highlighted text exhibiting danger. The blue background expresses the universe much more coherently than that of the red or white, a factor in which I strongly debated with when developing the design.

Overall the design follows a format in which links closely to that of the abortion poster, with text, colour and compositional factors appearing the same, an important asset when deriving a set.

Final evaluation of abortion poster





When developing this poster I felt it necessary to involve America's flag colours,as the US is a
constituent in which widely practices nationalism with days such as the 4th Of July being key events in each individual's calendar year. And thus the colour scheme strongly embeds that of American culture within the design, a factor in which is most likely to appeal to that of the American audience.The colours being used within a political format suggest Hillary as being widely passionate about her country as well as denoting her as strong, independent and powerful leader. All factor in which are likely to gather her attention as a candidate for the 2016 election.

The illustration used is simplistic and hard hitting, two factor in which were developed intentionally in order to gather the attention of a demographic in which is often associated with being lazy when seeking out information. 

The usage of a highlighted component amongst the text allows it to appear impactful against that of the highly poignant imagery, a factor in which positions the audience in a manner that would see them voting for Hillary. 

I believe the concept itself is strong, as when seeking other similar conceptual designs I felt very hard hit behind the realisation of the coat hanger symbolism. I also believe that the intended demographic would also experience this.

The usage of Hillary's logo within this poster is an important factor in which symbolises that her polices are more important than herself, an idea in which sets her aside from that of her competitors. 


Final Crit abortion poster

When taking my design to the final cit it was suggested that one of the strongest components within this design is that it is built up of American iconography including illustrations, typeface and colour scheme. These all being factors in which relate to that of the American demographic.

The illustration itself was seen to be simplistic, a component in which would allow it to appear legible from a distance. This would be an important factor when deciding upon how the poster will be displayed. Criticism surrounding the illustration suggested that the relationship between the coat hanger and America wasn't clear, with suggestions being made surrounding ways in which the coat hanger and America may be positioned to make the concept more obvious.

The concept was seen to be strong, with a large proportion of my peers suggesting that it was hard hitting enough to gather the attention of a younger demographic. The designs simplistic and impactful nature has also been seen to express this.


Friday 22 April 2016

environment poster drawings





Following my research I began to explore ideas in which invitably exhibit ways in which environmental issues can be displayed.  A range of concepts were developed ranging from deforestation pieces to that of large corporations polluting the planet. As Hillary's manifesto largely focuses upon renewable energy I specifically looked at the effects on the world if no action was taken.
The designs in which I perceive to be strongest are that of the melting Earth and polluting factories. I decided upon these designs as I felt they were most effective at grabbing the consumers attention. I also believe that these designs could be really pushed into a strong final piece. 

environment poster final



Following my drawings closely, a melting Earth was developed. A factor in which expresses reality to youths. 




Colour was widely explored as I felt that a more realistic colour pallet would position the consumer to believe in the reality of the issue. I also felt that this was an important factor as the illustration expressed didn't follow a realistic format.



Text and colour was then explored, with the red approach expressing further danger, this in turn somewhat scaring the consumer. Composition and scale was also manipulated, with the smaller Earth feeling more intricate. By scaling the Earth smaller it also appeared the same width as the text, this in turn balanced the poster. 


When expressing a red background the design appeared to not coincide with the poster. As the universe is  usually depicted in a black/dark blue colour the red contradicts what the consumer recognises the universe to appear aesthetically, in turn uncomfortably positioning the audience. 



As I had previously recognised the red exploring the Earths demise, I felt that a highlighted red approach may successfully connote this. I explore with a white background but felt that this didn't appeal to a younger demographic and thus explored further with colour. 


As the Earth contained blue aspects I was unsure whether a blue background would clash with the already present tone. Once the background was applied I no longer found this, and felt that the difficult to see Earth appeared as it was fading, a factor in which applies strongly to the designs concept. 

environment poster one and crit


To begin this design I explored imagery, a factor in which I feel an important influence when gathering youths attention. The desolate image depicts a dark unnatural smoke filled world, a dingy outlook onto what may become a sad reality for that of a younger demographic. The image being captured within a circle is a symbolisation for the world, in turn expressing a world full of pollution. 


Using the image as an influence I experimented with tag lines, choosing a phrase in which is suitable to the image as well as the demographic. With the world 'future' being expressed it states that action must be made or there will be a limited future. This symbolises Hillary as someone who is able to tackle large, international issues. 




Colours were then explored, with the usage of the highlighted approach being used in order to maintain consistency. I felt that the design appeared highly separated due to the gathering of white space within the image.

Due to this I decided to explore with the colour palette, suggesting a white background. Although this had made my previous designs appear clinical I felt that the composition of this poster set it against the other designs. Again a tag line was used in order to position Hillary as a strong leader with the phrase 'vote Hillary for sustainability'. 



When taking this poster design to the intermediate crit it was suggested that although the concept behind the piece was strong, the relevance to that of a younger demographic was weak. The deisgn itself is very structured with the illustration being formed from that of shapes, a factor in itself that goes against the free individual nature of youth and complies to that of an older more restricted demographic. The ways in which the patriotic colours have been displayed is also a factor in which limits the demographic as it appears very formal. Suggestions were made that the idea of a melting Earth would appeal to a demographic in which is unable to visualise this relivantion.

Thursday 21 April 2016

environment poster research

In order to gather a greater insight into that of environmental posters I conducted research into pre-existing posters.

The above design explores the melting of the earth due to carbon emissions. The approach in which depicts the earth physically melting expresses an idea in which would be terrifying to the younger consumer who is going to have to experience the effects of humans on the earth. 



These posters are part of a set in which explore renewable energy. Their house style is similar with simplistic illustrations being used in each.  The colour palette, text and composition all follow a similar format.I must ensure that my own set of posters follow a similar format. 



The usage of nature within these designs embeds the concept further as it develops a personal relationship to the consumer in connection to the issue. As leaves are part of humans every day iconography the consumer can also easily connect and relate to the issue, in turn perceiving the data being represented as trustworthy. 



A comical approach in which would target that of sci-fi fans. As star wars has also developed further films recently this is also a good marketing technique for both causes, 


The phrasing of the text within this design would suggest that the intended demographic for this piece is middle aged parents. The mentioning of child is a factor in which relates to them more personally than that of a younger demographic. Within my own piece I must ensure that the correct phrases are used in order to position the design to the right audience. 


Gun poster 3 pushed further


As the colour scheme was slightly off from that of the American flag I altered the colours. I did this not only to create contextuality but to also keep consistency with that of my other designs,



The text was then centralised with a left flus being used, I did this in order to convey to the rules within Vignelli's cannon, as he suggests this enforces legibility.

The slogan 'vote for Hillary, vote for change' was also used in order to sum up the piece and give further reference to Hillary.