In this tutorial we discussed re-structuring the introduction of the essay to make it address the question better. Some sections were also discussed for their potential and how they could link to the introduction. With a better organised introduction the final essay should become more structured.
Additionally there was discussing about defining what a publication is, thinking of how pdfs and fan zines may come under this too. Books are made by an editor, online created by an anonymous user, whilst journals require a team of editors. Think about accountability.
Finally the essay also needs several more contemporary examples that link to theories learnt in the essay, these will be my next focus.
Thursday, 6 December 2018
Practical - Centre Spread Experiments and Class Crit 5.12.18
After sketches were made I began to construct digital mock-ups for potential layouts of the magazine. Three specific styles were experimented with as discussed in the previous post. I plan to use four different stocks in making the magazine which should make sure the magazine is an engaging sensory experience. However, in the crit, it was suggested that I could also print the designs on newsprint to distribute for less money. This is something I should experiment with so that there is a more affordable option for people to read from all backgrounds. I also plan to produce the magazine on Issuu too, as research suggests many magazines do this to remain relevant.
'Contemporary' Experiments
These designs were simple and clean, the focus was the photography so the type and additional shapes were made simple so as not to detract attention. The 'CONSENT IS CONSENT' tape was an interesting experiment but would perhaps need to be developed further to seem more contemporary. A combination of serif and sans serif typefaces have been used to maintain a playful and fun feeling against the more modest layout.
From feedback people suggested they like the second spread most, they found it struck a good balance of formal and informal - offering something more formal than online feminism but also keep it light to retain attention. They said the type in the shape of the pants works, but the colours might seem too suggestive - perhaps more experimentation is needed with a colour scheme. A key response was that the variation in typography works, it 'communicate different voices, opinions, body types' which was my intention. Finally, it was suggested that perhaps a wider variation of underwear could be used to show variation, women's briefs for example. This could help to cater to a more diverse, intersectional audience. Because of these designs were most successful, they will be the ones taken forward in future.
'Minimal' Experiments
For this experiment I decided to make the designs soft and serious, with lines to divide the page allowing the information to become the focus. The clean lines juxtapose with the imagery of crumpled underwear to create a 'controlled' appearance.
From feedback it was suggested that the design look too corporate and formal - the lines overwhelm the page and the negative space is too plain. The magazine needs to be exciting. The non-consensual sex illustration is an interesting idea, but perhaps it could be trialed in other formats. It is important for some of the content to be controversial, harking back to the predecessors of modern feminist magazines like Nova and Spare Rib.
'Playful' Experiments
For these spreads, colour and shape became a bigger focus in order to seem more exciting and engaging. The non-traditional format was to make the topic more accessible for people who are likely to find most of their information online. The playfulness was also intended to make a serious topic less 'off-putting' but by making it 'palatable' it doesn't have high impact and seems almost disrespectful. In order to be taken seriously the designs should not seem childish.
The feedback agreed that the aesthetic was childish and too fun, it reminds of a teen-mag. In order to be taken seriously the design has to reflect some formality.
'Contemporary' Experiments
These designs were simple and clean, the focus was the photography so the type and additional shapes were made simple so as not to detract attention. The 'CONSENT IS CONSENT' tape was an interesting experiment but would perhaps need to be developed further to seem more contemporary. A combination of serif and sans serif typefaces have been used to maintain a playful and fun feeling against the more modest layout.
From feedback people suggested they like the second spread most, they found it struck a good balance of formal and informal - offering something more formal than online feminism but also keep it light to retain attention. They said the type in the shape of the pants works, but the colours might seem too suggestive - perhaps more experimentation is needed with a colour scheme. A key response was that the variation in typography works, it 'communicate different voices, opinions, body types' which was my intention. Finally, it was suggested that perhaps a wider variation of underwear could be used to show variation, women's briefs for example. This could help to cater to a more diverse, intersectional audience. Because of these designs were most successful, they will be the ones taken forward in future.
'Minimal' Experiments
For this experiment I decided to make the designs soft and serious, with lines to divide the page allowing the information to become the focus. The clean lines juxtapose with the imagery of crumpled underwear to create a 'controlled' appearance.
From feedback it was suggested that the design look too corporate and formal - the lines overwhelm the page and the negative space is too plain. The magazine needs to be exciting. The
'Playful' Experiments
For these spreads, colour and shape became a bigger focus in order to seem more exciting and engaging. The non-traditional format was to make the topic more accessible for people who are likely to find most of their information online. The playfulness was also intended to make a serious topic less 'off-putting' but by making it 'palatable' it doesn't have high impact and seems almost disrespectful. In order to be taken seriously the designs should not seem childish.
The feedback agreed that the aesthetic was childish and too fun, it reminds of a teen-mag. In order to be taken seriously the design has to reflect some formality.
Wednesday, 5 December 2018
Practical - Initial Sketches for Spreads
For the inside spreads I sketched several different type of layout for the same article 'Consent is Consent'. The first taking a more contemporary/clean aesthetic which research suggests is popular at the moment, being both serious and playful. The second was designed to be more minimal and serious, allowing the information/ideology to be the focus and the purpose of the magazine. Many people are turning to alternative magazines in order to have a clearer sense of politics, so the information could be presented as very sensible and trustworthy. Self, the editor of Real Review magazine, says the purpose of modern magazines should be to communicate information - 'Anyone who's primary motivation is to make a magazine (rather than to communicate) is doomed from the outset'. The final sketches were for a more playful, colourful take on the feminist magazine. This was to try to appeal to young adults who are used to the constant stimulation found online, making the magazine equally stimulating with bold colour and shapes popping from the page. One worry is that this might be perceived as too childish.
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| Contemporary |
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| Serious/Minimal |
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| Playful |
Monday, 3 December 2018
Practical - Cover Experiments and Self-led Crit 3.12.18
Logo Development
Cover Experiments
For several of the cover experiments, I decided to use the images of the fruit to encourage a theme of diversity and to create a friendly, cheerful appearance to encourage the reader. It was suggested in the crit that fruit appeared more appealing than the shot of the body and the underwear. Although the logos in white worked better than the black. Although the body is bolder and more experimental, using an image of one women of specific size and race might counter the intersectional theme I intend the magazine to have.
One of my ideas was to draw over the fruit to mimic body types, it was suggested this could work if done carefully. It was suggested I could trace the images and then digitally input them into the designs or I could use collaged shapes to cover the fruit.
The back of the magazine could be a reflection of the front to create an intriguing mirrored effect. It was suggested that a continuation of the front image might work well, or potentially using a different image that links to the front.
Typeface
As discussed in a previous crit, I intend the magazine to have a combination of both serif and sans serif typeface to synthesise a traditional feminine and masculine aesthetic. The typeface used for Headstrong is ZapfHumnst Ult BT Ultra, which could be considered a Humanist typeface. The style is sans serif yet has more variation in stroke thickness than traditional sans serif, it works to celebrate an amalgamation of the feminine and masculine. It was suggested that I should experiment to find a sans serif typeface which is more rigid and traditional for the inside of the publication, which will balance with the serif typeface Caslon. Within the magazine the content should be playful to match this, making use of variation within the grid system.
For one of the covers I decided to do a quick experiment involving an illustration, this had an interesting, 'emotive' effect but lost some professionalism. This perhaps could be intesting to explore as an insert into the magazine, which might reflect an era of feminism that was more experimental, like the 60s/70s.
A suggestion was given to me to experiment with having the logotype 'Headstrong' in a V shape, as it is a firm symbol for feminine empowerment and the female body. There was some worry that the V shape looked like a tick, however, within context it doesn't give that impression. The most successful design was the top left, which had equal sized lettering, and spaced the words at a direct diagonal. This felt more considered and bold.
Cover Experiments
For several of the cover experiments, I decided to use the images of the fruit to encourage a theme of diversity and to create a friendly, cheerful appearance to encourage the reader. It was suggested in the crit that fruit appeared more appealing than the shot of the body and the underwear. Although the logos in white worked better than the black. Although the body is bolder and more experimental, using an image of one women of specific size and race might counter the intersectional theme I intend the magazine to have.
One of my ideas was to draw over the fruit to mimic body types, it was suggested this could work if done carefully. It was suggested I could trace the images and then digitally input them into the designs or I could use collaged shapes to cover the fruit.
The back of the magazine could be a reflection of the front to create an intriguing mirrored effect. It was suggested that a continuation of the front image might work well, or potentially using a different image that links to the front.
Typeface
As discussed in a previous crit, I intend the magazine to have a combination of both serif and sans serif typeface to synthesise a traditional feminine and masculine aesthetic. The typeface used for Headstrong is ZapfHumnst Ult BT Ultra, which could be considered a Humanist typeface. The style is sans serif yet has more variation in stroke thickness than traditional sans serif, it works to celebrate an amalgamation of the feminine and masculine. It was suggested that I should experiment to find a sans serif typeface which is more rigid and traditional for the inside of the publication, which will balance with the serif typeface Caslon. Within the magazine the content should be playful to match this, making use of variation within the grid system.
For one of the covers I decided to do a quick experiment involving an illustration, this had an interesting, 'emotive' effect but lost some professionalism. This perhaps could be intesting to explore as an insert into the magazine, which might reflect an era of feminism that was more experimental, like the 60s/70s.
Practical - Visual Experiments for Articles
Feminist Characters Are Mentally Strong
This article discusses feminist characters that strong for their mental abilities and not their physical abilities. The sketches are rough and simple, yet when framed by a dark background they seem more precise. The contrast with the background works to uplift the piece into something more professional.
The clever one or the pretty one? Feminist reflections on my love affair with Bobby Brown
Because this article is about growing up being compared as sisters, I thought it would be good to use imagery of Helen and Nancy as children. This adds a more personal relationship with the author and the reader which is something I have found is important for feminist magazines in my essay research. Lacy, a past member of the Feminist Studio Workshop, suggests that be using design to reveal private experience it can 'influence cultural attitudes and transform stereotypes.'
This initial type experiments have a traditional feel to them, which is manipulated slightly by the variation in size. The classic appearance of Caslon goes well with the 1970s feel of the image.
This article discusses feminist characters that strong for their mental abilities and not their physical abilities. The sketches are rough and simple, yet when framed by a dark background they seem more precise. The contrast with the background works to uplift the piece into something more professional.
The clever one or the pretty one? Feminist reflections on my love affair with Bobby Brown
Because this article is about growing up being compared as sisters, I thought it would be good to use imagery of Helen and Nancy as children. This adds a more personal relationship with the author and the reader which is something I have found is important for feminist magazines in my essay research. Lacy, a past member of the Feminist Studio Workshop, suggests that be using design to reveal private experience it can 'influence cultural attitudes and transform stereotypes.'
This initial type experiments have a traditional feel to them, which is manipulated slightly by the variation in size. The classic appearance of Caslon goes well with the 1970s feel of the image.
Practical - Photo-shoot for Article Content
A lot of the research has suggested that the modern feminist magazines rely on high visual stimulation and imagery. This lead me to organise a photography session to get some visuals for certain articles of the magazine. These needed to be bold, colourful and professional.
Consent is consent
This article is discussing a recent case in Ireland in which a lawyer held up a pair of rape victim’s underwear in court and told the jury “You have to look at the way she was dressed. She was wearing a thong with a lace front.” Leading to the rapist being acquitted. Because of this, many women took to the internet, photographing their lacy underwear as a form of confrontation. This visual symbol has been so powerful, it felt important to explore as a stimulus.
Some of the photographs used pink and blue backgrounds, this was to create a softer aesthetic that would be more fitting for a magazine. The harsh white background feels more clinical, which might make the message stark and bold, but also feel less visually pleasing. Every image should be made with the purpose to encourage the reader to keep reading.
Your Nipple Should Be Here
This article was written by Joanna Greenhill and is about a consultation for a breast reduction which made her reflect upon how we view our bodies. The idea behind the shoot was to create a composition of different types of fruit, to symbolise variation in body type and diversity, linking to the intersectional theme. The visuals were designed to be colourful, positive and varied. Those on the pink background have been most successful as they again have a warmer, softer aesthetic, which should help to give the magazine a welcoming style. Some research suggests that feminists are reclaiming the colour pink, and this is highlighted by its bold use as background.
For some of the photographs, a model was used in order to have a more impactful link to the theme of breast size. The use of a body contrasts well with the shapes of fruit, by having them side by side it makes the body seem more subjective. Size or colour should not matter, just as it doesn't when concerning fruit. As Hooks has said 'women do not need to eradicate difference to feel solidarity' which is a feminist objective conveyed within this article.
Consent is consent
This article is discussing a recent case in Ireland in which a lawyer held up a pair of rape victim’s underwear in court and told the jury “You have to look at the way she was dressed. She was wearing a thong with a lace front.” Leading to the rapist being acquitted. Because of this, many women took to the internet, photographing their lacy underwear as a form of confrontation. This visual symbol has been so powerful, it felt important to explore as a stimulus.
Some of the photographs used pink and blue backgrounds, this was to create a softer aesthetic that would be more fitting for a magazine. The harsh white background feels more clinical, which might make the message stark and bold, but also feel less visually pleasing. Every image should be made with the purpose to encourage the reader to keep reading.
Your Nipple Should Be Here
This article was written by Joanna Greenhill and is about a consultation for a breast reduction which made her reflect upon how we view our bodies. The idea behind the shoot was to create a composition of different types of fruit, to symbolise variation in body type and diversity, linking to the intersectional theme. The visuals were designed to be colourful, positive and varied. Those on the pink background have been most successful as they again have a warmer, softer aesthetic, which should help to give the magazine a welcoming style. Some research suggests that feminists are reclaiming the colour pink, and this is highlighted by its bold use as background.
For some of the photographs, a model was used in order to have a more impactful link to the theme of breast size. The use of a body contrasts well with the shapes of fruit, by having them side by side it makes the body seem more subjective. Size or colour should not matter, just as it doesn't when concerning fruit. As Hooks has said 'women do not need to eradicate difference to feel solidarity' which is a feminist objective conveyed within this article.
Practical - Visual Ideas for Magazine Aricles
After having contacting different feminists from around the UK, I began to amalgamate the contact and plan the types of visuals that could go alongside each article.
Articles Received:
Confirmed articles and main ideas for visuals:
Articles Received:
- How feminist characters are mentally strong.
- The bold leading women.
- Consent is consent.
- The clever one or the pretty one? Feminist reflections on my love affair with Bobby Brown.
-
“Give us a smile”: Catcalling as a demonstration of power.
- Your nipple should be here.
- Protest Press
- The Club
- Lolshevism - A socialist feminist comedy club.
- Ladies, Wine & Dine with Jessica Walsh
- Leeds Arts Feminist Society
- Feminist Craft Market
- Free Sanitary Products in Leeds Arts Uni
Confirmed articles and main ideas for visuals:
- How feminist characters are mentally strong - illustrations of brains.
- Consent is Consent - Illustrations from illustrator Hope Allmark and Photographs of underwear, manipulated to comment on their use as evidence in court.
- The clever one or the pretty one? Feminist reflections on my love affair with Bobby Brown - Childhood pictures of Helen and Nancy.
- "Give us a smile" Catcalling as a demonstration of power - Images from photographer Laurence Chaffey and potentially a collage of smiles.
- Your nipple should be here - Photo shoot involving fruit and a topless body, commented on the varying nature of body types.
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