OUGD504 - Brief 3 - Development: Illustration layout

OUGD504: Brief 3: Type In Context

Development: Illustration layout 

Taking inspiration from the carhartt clothing based on feedback from a tutor I started to experiment with the placement of the illustrations around that page in the hope of achieving a more playful and engaging aesthetic. Placing the illustrations around the page with more space created a more abstract aesthetic that contrasts the structured nature of the text and image, This contrast is effective in making the spread more aesthetically playful and creating more white space between the individual illustrations. 

Unsure if the illustrations were too large on the page I reduced the size to produce a creative repeat pattern similar to the Carhartt pattern that formed inspiration for this design. This arrangement is simple, playful and vibrant that fills the white space. This design will appeal to the target audience and adds a playful tone that will make the content more engaging with the custom illustrations adding context and excitement to the spread. 

Based on further feedback from students I incorporated a line version of the illustrations into a spread creating an alternative variation, in concept this sounded like it could have been effective however in practise it doesn't add anything to the design. The lines feel quite structured adding to the overall structured aesthetic of the spread and don't connote the playful aesthetic I was aiming for there feel it is unsuccessful. 

Feedback: 

Preferred arrangement

I then presented these designs to a range of students to see how they feel the illustrations work within the spread. The majority of the students I asked for feedback told me that they preferred the arrangement with a small repeat pattern of the icons as they felt this was the most playful response. One student said 'I really like how the icons are tailored to each individual picture as it puts it in an instant context that supports the text' 'I prefer the smaller icons dotted around everywhere because it makes it more fun and the bigger ones look too full on' 

I then asked my tutor in a sign up tutorial for feedback as to which arrangement he felt would be the most successful. He agreed no illustrations would leave the spreads too minimal and agreed with the consensus of the students that the smaller icons were the most effective in creating an engaging layout that is aesthetically pleasing with playful icons that complement the structured nature of the type and image. From this range of feedback I will develop the smaller illustrations into a final spread that will be consistent across the whole publication.