How text can affect an image.

Text can have a powerful affect on an image. When looking at an image we generally assume the meaning behind it which may be very apparent, where as adding text it can either reinforce our first thoughts on the meaning or create a whole new meaning that we may of not even thought of. It can convey emotions that we may have overlooked from a still image and that may be the underlying message.

Propaganda uses this technique, especially during the first and second world war. In some cases it was made to try and distort your view of things that you may of thought were normal or friendly yet in fact the state would find it a threat. This American propaganda poster was made to warn against civilians leaking information about troop movements. The woman in the photograph would appear to be your normal friendly neighbour but the text creates a feeling that you can’t trust anyone. Text can be used in various ways to create different feelings and if used in the right way it can be very strong or influential.

How text generates emotion.

Linking with the previous principle, text can be used to create a different emotions toward the image and of course help us to discover and understand underlying emotions that the character or main subject of the image may have. For example illustrator Raymond Pettibon creates striking images using just the simple black lines and white space. The first image initially is very disturbing and aggressive however when you read the small caption below it enters you into the head of the victim showing more to their personality, creating a different dimension onto the picture. It shows a more vulnerable side and helps us to identify with the character rather than it being an anonymous man victim to a brutal act.

The second image ‘I see before me words you should not have written’ creates the same urge like the previous one, making you want to find out more about the story, you want to find out what these ‘words you should not have written’ are, almost like you are concerned for the character. What is it that is made his so uneasy or stressed? The image plays off the text as much as the text plays off the image and so if the body language was not captured as well as it has been it may not work as well as the illustrator would of hoped.

When and how was the first book in Europe printed?

Goldsmith Johannes Gutenburg printed the first book (the bible) in Europe in Strasburg in 1445. This was done by using the printing press, a revolutionary invention by Gutenburg himself, where he in fact developed his idea from the hand screw press.

He created individual letters that could be put into lines to create sentences, ink would be rolled onto it and then it could be pressed onto a sheet of paper. He used this to print the bible using 42 lines and this way of using the printing press revolutionised the world of literature and made the materials cheaper and the end result more available to the public.

The Experts: Su Blackwell

Su Blackwell is one of my all time favourite artists. Although a sculpture I like to call her an illustrator as well. I find her sculptures absolutely amazing and the detail and time that has gone into every single one of them is exquisite, as I am a sucker for detail she automatically stood out to me. Her theatrical take on fairytales and stories is also a key feature as to why I like her and the fact that she used actual illustrations from the book she is cutting suggests that the story is growing and coming to life right before your eyes, they are children’s paradises and I feel I still have that curiosity inside of me as well as an appreciation for craftsmanship. She has a way of giving a book a sense of life and mystery that completely amazes me, her use of light also interests me as it can create so much more depth and also helps to tell the story without even reading it.

After studying a foundation course I looked at Su Blackwells work for an essay and I found a new love for sculpture, installation and 3D, finding that you really can mix media and genres together to create something rather unique and enchanting because of her work. She also inspired me to look more into book illustrations and putting my own creative identity upon a story. Illustration doesn’t have to be stuck to drawing, it can be something that you can touch and it becomes a whole other world

Developing ideational fluency

I find it extremely helpful when preparing for a project to do a mind map of ideas and words, it also helps to clear my mind and organise my thoughts. They act as a way of remembering things you may have forgotten or might have not of thought of if you were simply listing ideas, this also helps me to think more creatively finding more descriptive words or help me to put more than one idea together.

I personally think that listening to convocations and being with company helps thoughts pop into my head, almost working as a slightly different type of mind map. Having a radio or the television on in the background also works in a similar way if I am alone, not only does this help me with ideas but it also helps me to write essays.

This mind map shows time management, the use of pictures helps to visualise the notes and especially appeals to a creative person like myself.

Managing a creative enviroment

I personally am a bit of a hoarder, I enjoy keeping memories whether big or small and this can sometimes be seen within my work. I also love a bit of extravagance and ornate objects and being surrounded by this is my idea of heaven especially within a working environment. Some people enjoy being in a very simple room when working to help them think but I feel that being surrounded by things I find interesting and beau

tiful helps to inspire me and help my creative mind.

I feel that this lifestyle is reflected in my work as I have an obsession with perfection for every little detail when it

comes to doing my work and making something that I am very interested in.

Things such as this butterfly collection I find fascinating and is also an excellent stem to start drawing from. Even in my own bedroom every little trinket and object tells a story or has a fond memory and this visually helps my creative thoughts.