This post is to reflect on what I have done in Developing Practice so far and consider what design decisions s that still need to make to develop my practice as a printmaker / graphic designer.
Consider different ways of presenting the work and where/how the work will be viewed
I think I have got a good solid idea and I should keep doing what I am doing and not give up. But I need to develop different ways of presenting the idea. The key I've introduced is a good systematic way of doing things. I think I could make the key part of the design. For example, if I use the composition of a framed gold disc vinyl, the key can go below the disc and it can hint at the idea of a vinyl to the viewer. As my designs are abstract, I need to meet the viewer half way by giving them visual clues. It's about being subtle but not too obvious.
 |
| some intitial sketches of how to lay out a gold disc layout |
Adding the variable: color and considering different paper types
I've stuck to black and white because I wanted the limit the amount of variables to work with so that my project wouldn't become too broad. I feel that I will have time in the next module to try out different colours in screen printing. Although usually vinyl is black/white, you can also get some records that are in colour.
I want to investigate how colour temperature helps reinforce the visualisation of music. Do certain colours help strengthen the mood of a song?
 |
| sketches of possible screen printing effects I could use |
I can also consider what is the best paper stock that is suitable for my work. In my screen peice, I've choosen a thick expensive paper Somerset Satin 300gsm, and on the relief print a warm Smili Japon 180gsm. However, there are many other possibilities and I should try more to see what works best.
An idea is to print the negative onto black somerset satin paper, with silver tinted ink and/or some varnish, it could look really stunning.
Think about the quality of vinyl,
After looking at Printmaker's William Kentridge, there are certain aesethetic qualities of vinyl that I could include in my work. The label is an important feature of a record as it usually has the record companies logo on it along with the EP/LP infomation.
Also other imperfections could include scratches, cracks in the vinyl. These are all variables I could experiment with in my work. I saw a poster for a local music community event by 123 Space called Copper Sounds in Bristol. I really liked the textures used in their work particularly on the "label" part. It's got a derelict look to it, as if the record is old and has been played countless amounts of times.
Further research into other Practitioners work
Similarly in Christian Mclay's documentary video, he talks about making music out of the unwanted sounds that Vinyl make. I see this as making the imperfections of the record into art. We easily discard a skipping record as something bad, but Mclay is trying to acknowledge that these sounds could potientially just be as valuable.
Other notable research worthy practitioners would be from the "People of Print" by Marcroy Smith. It has a comprehensive compliantion of print designers in it, many of which look like a real visual treat to look at and try to relate to my own working process.
