In this post I have shown, and evaluated the steps taken to create my final image series. After receiving my final images, I experimented with multiple lay outs and effects, using design tool; Canva.
Experiments
The first collection I created was in a collage, scrapbook style, inspired by an editorial image I discovered in vouge – explored in my previous post, covering vouge. I also experimented with black and white filtering.
In this series, I used an occasional pop of colour to highlight the two main images, anxiety and depression. However, I insured to keep the colours dark, to still fit the overall effect. I believe adding a large range of elements over these images, in a scrap book style, really helps to elevate the images and create an overall dramatic effect. This also helps build upon the deeper meaning of these images, touching on the idea that many elements build up in the cause, and effects of these disorders.
Although I am really happy with the outcome of these images, and believe they meet my expectations, I don’t feel I can use these images for my final piece, as they are in black and white. This filtering limits the overall effect I created within the makeup, therefore I believe I must create my final images in colour.
As I really liked the effect of the previous images, I created an exact replica, this time using colour images. Although these images do create a great effect, I feel this effect was much stronger when the images were in black and white. I feel in colour, the anxiety, and body dysmorphia looks are quite effective, but OCD, and depression don’t seem to be as dramatic. For this reason I have decided to experiment with alternative lay outs for the final series
Next, I created an editorial inspired poster image, with my OCD look. Although I think this works well with my design, I don’t feel it is as impactful as I intend it to be, taking away from my overall desired finish. However, I do think the short and simple wording is effective, and gets one thinking bout the deeper meaning behind my images.
Here, I experimented with an alternative poster style, using my depression look. I like this outcome, and believe it ties all elements of my design together, and even highlights the performance elements of my course, as I believe it looks like a film poster. However, I again feel this is not as effective as it could be, so will continue to experiment with alternative outcomes.
Next, further exploring editorial inspired posters, I created this outcome using my anxiety inspired look. I do feel this may one of the most effective outcomes I have created so far, however, I also believe the filter over the image takes away from the overall effectiveness of the hair and makeup design, similar to the black and white filtering used in the first series.
Next, I created this poster using my body dysmorphia design. Once again, I believe this poster looks like a film poster, with helps to also highlight the performance elements of my course. This design is effective, and I love how powerful the short, and simple wording is. However, I do feel I am capable of creating a much more dramatic effect.
Next, I created these outcomes to show off multiple of my final images, taken of each design. Although this layout does allow me to effectively show my designs from different perspectives, I feel the filter used hides the overall effect of the makeup. However, I could create a similar effect without the filter.
When I first saw this template, I immediately knew I wanted to create a similar outcome. I feel this template helps to highlight the subjects of social media and mental health, making my audiences think about the connections between the two. However once again although I believe this is effective, I am sure I could create a much more dramatic effect.
Again, I feel this image may make my audience consider the connections between mental health issues, and social media. However, I also agree, once again, this design could be much more effective if the images were separate.
Creating a similar design, here I used an individual image of my anxiety inspired look. I feel this outcome could be more powerful if there was writing, or collaged images around the polaroid frame. Although this is effective, I don’t feel it is dramatic enough to meet my desired effect.
Carrying on with a similar style, I created tis image using one of my body dysmorphia outcomes. I feel this is a really effective way to represent this condition, as it highlights the struggles one may suffer as a result of this disorder. More often than not, many people who suffer from body image issues will consistently stare at images of themselves, highlighting any flaws, which I feel is powerfully represented within this image. Although this works well with this look, I am wanting all of the images in my series to look similar, and I don’t feel this effect will work as well with my other looks.
Like the previous poster, I believe this effect works really well with this particular disorder, but don’t feel it will support the others as effectively. The torn image effect helps to build upon the untidy, unorganised and chaotic thoughts I am trying to focus on within my design, creating a contrast between the realities, and stereotypes of the disorder. Again, I feel the short and simple wording really helps to create a dramatic final effect.
This poster is very simple, yet effective. This design allows me to show my hair and makeup design off to its fullest potential, as there are no wordings, elements, or filters covering, or effecting the finish of my designs. However, I almost feel the design is too simple, comparted to what I am wanting to create.
I created this poster using one of my depression outcomes. Much like many of my other experiments above, I believe this works really well with this specific make-up look, but will not work as well as the others. However, this design once again supports the idea that the short and simple wordings are very effective when adding dramatic effect to the overall design.
Again, I am happy with the outcome of this look, and feel it would work extremely well with all of my make-up and hair designs, however I feel it is too simple. Although effective, this design does not create an impact as dramatic as my desired effect.
Like the previous design, I think this poster creates a very effective finish, and would work with all of my designs, however the overall finish is still not as dramatic as I would have liked to create.
Final outcomes
After considering all of my previous designs, and evaluations, I decided my scrap book outcome was the most effective. However, as explored above, I felt those outcomes were much more effective in black and white. I also explored the idea that I felt my work could create a much more dramatic effect if the images were created and presented separately, rather than in a grid style. After deciding which were my favourite elements, I decided to create another, scrap book inspired outcome, for my final images.
I feel these designs are very effective, as the minimal use of text and elements helps to ensure my hair and makeup design in showcased to its fullest potential. As previously explored, I believe using a scrap book style over these designs helps to represent the idea there are many elements that come together, within the causes and effects of these disorders. Therefore, combining these ideas together has created what I believe is a very effective, and memorable image. I also feel these images will be suitable for presentation, both on social media and in person, which supports the plans for showcasing my designs.
Megan Hoff 