Rapid Speculation

Messy Messy

2012-12-09T17:28:00.000+00:00

This blog has become cluttered and unmanageable, and generally full of posts I care little for at the present time. I will be starting fresh on the likes of Weebly or something in the near future, so I wouldn't expect to see anything new here anymore :)
-Lewis

Self Promotion Project

2012-03-14T18:52:00.001+00:00

Brief:

In response to an advertised job, develop a self promotional pack to fit in an A4 padded envelope. This pack is to contain stationary used for your company, the items to include are:

• Logo

• Self Promoting Poster

• Letter Head

• Covering Letter

• Compliment Slip

• Business Card

• CD Label

• 8 page booklet CV

*For all stationary, excluding the brochure, use only two Pantone colours.

For my brochure I designed a fold out booklet printed double sided on a sheet of A3. The logo is a vector conversion of the ink drawing I posted on this blog a couple months back, also included in the brochure, as I believe it's one of my best non-digital illustrations. The Pantone's used were solid uncoated 158 U and 419 U.

2012-03-11T12:21:00.003+00:00

Deadlines have been rearing their ugly heads once again, after this week be sure to check back more the abundance of work I will then upload. Including final screen prints from projects past! Till then check out my store on Society6 using the embedded widget just to the bottom left that uses words such as 'buy'!

Dada Font Drafted

2012-01-27T14:05:00.004+00:00

Mock up of how the font will look, some changes to certain letters to be made

Birds, birds, birds

2012-01-25T20:12:00.001+00:00

Some small illustrations of birds thrown together in relation to the "My Dad's a Birdman" children's book, likely to be used when naming the feathers or as part of the scenery.

Magpie

Pigeon

Seagull

Crow

Peacock

*Edit: Been thinking of taking the thicker pastel outline out of the image, anyone agree?

Projects this term . . .

2012-01-19T21:30:00.001+00:00

1. Design Theory - 2000 word essay on question of my choosing and presentation + 1000 word dissertation plan

2. Illustrating extract of children's book with 'Seven Stories' - book entitled "My Dad's a Birdman" (David Almond)

3. 48 page journal using InDesign based on Dadaism and the creation of a unique font under this movement

Regarding the children's book here's what I have so far done in Corel Painter 12.

* Edit: further work on bird suit

And after briefly reading up on the Dada movement I began drafting some font. Based on the idea that Dada is anti-everything, disregarding logic and promoting chaos.

Doodle of the day

2012-01-12T22:57:00.002+00:00

Really getting the hang of this tablet . . . that is all

*Edit: Corel Painter 12 colouring

New Tablet

2012-01-12T04:51:00.001+00:00

Accidentally misplaced my class today so thought l'd have a wonder into town and maybe get some equipment. To my luck I came across a used Bamboo Pen tablet when looking for a copy of Rayman Origins (cause I'm hardcore). Needless to say I couldn't resist, and i haven't stopped using it since I came home. Here's what I've been practising doing to get to grips with using it.

Those calligraphic brushes are so much better to use with a pen.

* Edit: Corel painter 12 colouring

Kraken

2012-01-11T05:21:00.001+00:00

Now seeing as the new term has started, and I'm betting it's going to be a busy one, I figured it was high time to start getting some drawing in where I can. Because I don't quite feel 'in the mind set' yet I have opted to first draw something already existing and then run it through Illustrator for practice. As I'm currently bashing away at FFI anniversary on the PSP I thought what better than one of the four fiends.

Kraken, Fiend of Water

In Illustrator I tried my hand at some calligraphic brush work instead of using the pen tool. However I feel this is better utilized on a graphic tablet, what with the pressure and variation of stroke settings that would have been available, alas I do not own one but I figure I'll try and get hold of one at Uni soon.

Quick mockup of shades

Term 2 has commenced

2012-01-10T00:57:00.000+00:00

As of today (10th) the new term has started, although I do not have my first day until tomorrow. Not much is known yet as to what work I will be doing for the next project but I do know that it will involve illustrating a manuscript for a children's book. The brief we were handed also has some vague mention of the London riots which hopefully HOPEFULLY does not mean what I think it does.

The Impact of Inequality

2011-11-30T02:40:00.001+00:00

Our latest project we are engaged in (excluding printmaking project two, in progress) is to design the cover for a book that is to be republished in the near future. It's title, wait for it, "The Impact of Inequality:How to make sick societies healthier". At first we weren't given the full title of the book (something usually gets left out till weeks later) so initially I drafted up this little image.

Ugh

Needless to say, it's terrible, I soon realised it was far to cliché and so did many of my peers who were helpful enough to point out, also it's generally displeasing to the eye. But do not fret I had a far greater idea following a warm up project we were issued to do with illustrating the NATO phonetic alphabet.

Original Sketch

Messing around

Final Image

This I find fits perfectly with what the book is all about, as it explains how lower classes suffer due to upper and middle readily 'excluding' them from society and how it creates what's known as the social gap (I haven't read it myself but did look into a few synopsis'). The back cover has been looking bare however so I also threw this little piece together just to tuck into the corner and add some colour.

Back Cover

After some filtering, burning and colour alteration I added it to the document in InDesign and finished what I think may well be the final piece that I will hand in.

Final Piece

Amy Johnson

2011-11-30T02:23:00.000+00:00

A renowned female pilot/engineer who broke many world records such as fastest flight times. For printmaking project one we were given a list of famous people from Nelson Mandela to Amy Winehouse, and given the task of choosing one, researching their life and creating a 2 colour print representing their character, ideals and any significant events.

Stencil of Print

I designed this using Photoshop to print out and trace to acetate and then transfer to a silk screen using light sensitive emulsion. I have no final prints to upload as of yet but they have been produced and will be added to the post when scanned in.

Plane - Named Jason by herself, every plane that followed was also called Jason

Ring - Was proposed to mid flight by a fellow co pilot after having only first met less than 8 hours earlier

Wrench - For her remarkable engineering skills at a young age

What happened next?

2011-11-30T02:07:00.000+00:00

The second project, following the running theme of inequality and social injustice, the class gap and the general concept of 'being labelled scum in Britain' (there's alot of this occurs this term), we each were told to produce a poster based off a quote from David Cameron.

"Let me be clear"

My idea behind this poster was to incorporate as much British imagery as possible, so as to send the message "It concerns you if you are in this country". As this was a poster design in favour of human rights I chose to use a boot signifying someone trying to 'stamp out' the rights of another. The tape wrapping around the boot as if attempting come in between the assailant and it's target, pulling back on the boot. The hand placed in such a way so it would appear as though it were reaching out for the words that hover in it's defence.

So what have I been up to you say?

2011-11-30T01:54:00.000+00:00

Well it's been a pretty busy second year so far that's for sure what with having pets leave us, gaining new additions to the house and family engagements. But fear not there is plenty work in amongst all that don't you worry, so I guess this is the point where I make some additions to my work blog. Well here we go.

Guardian Editorial - The Squeeze

The first project we did this year was an image for an article in the guardian newspaper following the riots in London. The piece I call 'The Squeeze' represents politicians grabbing hold of London and pressing tight in hopes of gaining something positive. The oil which seeps out is the outcome of their methods which in turn leads to what is referred to in the article as "flammable streets" where any spark could cause social uprising as was seen in august. My tutor actually loved it, for once.

Trip to Whitby

2011-08-01T23:25:00.000+01:00

Went to visit Whitby today to look round the shops and it was scorching hot. Thought it a good idea to walk up the abbey steps, which I soon realised was a terrible choice in activity. I would have loved to have bought some goggles or a new spacer but was lacking appropriate funding (dam students). I did however notice an awesome T shirt design whose designer I can't remember but I did draw part of the image that I liked. I didn't see any seals . . .

Tough Cookie

Apologies, here's an update

2011-08-01T01:47:00.002+01:00

This is a very very overdue blog update, just over 2 months since my last post, so ill quickly sum up how life's been since my last projects. First off, I've passed my first year of Illustration and Design! However they lost my marks for a presentation I did for the class and so originally stated I was missing work and failed, luckily that's been sorted thanks to some hounding. Second, I have done very little work since, infact I have not wanted to do any art till now because frankly I felt a little sick of it but I've decided that I've lounged for long enough and have begun drawing again. Today I had practice with inks for the first time since my book cover project very early in the year and im glad to say I found it incredibly enjoyable, especially when a few friends were showing interest and keeping up with my progress. Im going to try and make a new piece, or just practice a bit of drawing every 2 days or so if time allows for it. So anyway here's what I did today for you all to have a look at.

I originally planned on a clean blade and blood spewing
round pouring over the skull to bend reality a bit

2011-05-27T12:08:00.000+01:00

Just as I promised heres some of the sketches from my sketchbook for Assignment One. As for my other projects, the graphic novel is coming underway, I am close to finishing having printed draft copies of the final design, I am just unsure as to whether I want to colour my images or not, Assignment Two I have made up a brief sketchbook with some basic ideas but until the graphic novel is finished I will be benching the character design for now.

Ink and Pen observations

Assignment Two

2011-05-18T11:14:00.000+01:00

Digital Design Assignment One has been handed in successfully as of last Friday, this Friday is the deadline for the Assignment two research book. Assignment two is character design based upon either a piece of literature, sonnet or lyric, I have opted for lyrics and chosen the song "To Holmgard and Beyond - Turisas". The aim is to have around 4 - 8 designs done by the final deadline so I better get started with some drafts.

Far beyond the sea and distant lands

Came men with thirty ships

Had wanted to reach the Neva by night

But the weather was not on their side

And as the wind grew stronger and stronger

The rain ran down our cheeks

The bow was turned towards Gardar

The sail flew up again

That's where the winds will us guide

For fame and for gold

Set sail for those lands unknown

Osmo and Dalk, Kyy, Kokko and Ulf

Were glad to be off the oars
Turo had eaten too much again

Now hanging himself overboard

The Tostensson twins were excited as always

Adventure was their game

Myself, Hakon the Bastard

was out to find my name

Holmgard and beyond

That's where the winds will us guide

For fame and for gold

Set sail for those lands unknown

Who is "I" without a past?

A river without a source?

An event without a cause?

Threads of different lengths

Some longer, some shorter

So many of them spun together

The crones keep on weaving

The algorithm of our lives

Cause and effect, the fates of men

We know the way to Aldeigju

Upstream the river Alode

You take us to the portage

And further [South]

Long is the way to the unknown

Long are the rivers in the East

Far lies the land that Ingvar

And his men desire to reach

Many dangers lie ahead

Some of us may never return

Rather sold as a slave to the Saracens

Than chained to your bed, chained by your life!

Holmgard and beyond

That's where the winds will us guide

For fame and for gold

Set sail for those lands unknown

Photoshop Empire - Final Design

2011-05-06T00:57:00.000+01:00

After having a lengthy period of thought, with the same ideas coming and going, it suddenly hit me, what's more unreal than an entire fictional universe with its own races, laws of physics and elements! Thinking this way I decided to base the image on a game, after a couple of vague plans from the likes of Gears of War to Warcraft I finally settled with a choice. It may be obvious to many at first glance.

Shinra Empire

The game influencing the design is of course Final Fantasy 7, as can be seen by use of the Shinra Logo, Meteor and the Lifestream (which took the longest to do as the logo was converted to 3d which slowed down rendering times significantly). Both my final designs will be getting printed and handed in for marking later today, and because I finished them a day early I should by rights get an early leave tomorrow!

*In addition: I personally enjoy the lit bulbs across the tower

Ai Empire - Final Image

2011-05-05T15:00:00.000+01:00

As of about 15 mins ago I finished the final design of the Empire in Ai, next up is a Photoshop version following the title "make the impossible real" which I have interpreted as do whatever you want.

The Empire Theatre (Ai, May 2011, Lewis Ross)

Friday Deadline

2011-05-05T02:13:00.000+01:00

Project one of my Digital Design elective is coming to a close and as such the Empire is approaching completion. As luck would have it I have found out my Photoshop image will be due in by the end of Friday also but that shouldn't be a problem as I am half way through colouring my Ai image and have the day tomorrow free (except for voting). Anyway here is the final design of the Empire Tower framework, and below it where I am up to with the Live paint. Now I am going to give it a rest for tonight as it is 2:08am and need to spend the whole day on this tomorrow.

The pen tool in all it's glory

Live Paint in process

Image being worked on

It's getting there . . .

2011-05-01T01:12:00.000+01:00

Just a quick update of the work in progress, I've been spending a couple hours a day on it for most of the week with the inevitable distraction at fixed intervals, but I am proud to say the frame work is nearing it's completion. Once it has been drawn out it will simply be a case of filling the spaces with colour using the eyedropper tool (hopefully) and perhaps reduce the stroke lines to 0pts width. If all goes well I'll have an impressive final piece to hand in on the upcoming Friday.

One week to go

2011-04-28T19:12:00.000+01:00

Benn enjoying easter time off Uni a little too much perhaps, as I have neglected doing any work until recently :s But fear not I am on my way to finishing my Digital Design project which I believe is in for next friday, my only issue I think is going to be colouring using the live paint tool in Ai.

The Empire so far (look at previous blog entry for image being worked on)

In other news I have been playing some of the Gears of War 3 Beta with my group and have to say it is looking to surpass previous Gears titles by far when it comes to multiplayer. The level designs, though small, are well planned out and weapon placement is in no way biased which means those 'trick shooters' with the longshot will be nothing to fear once more. There is however a problem with players who like to sit tight in a huddle waiting for a power weapon such as the 'One shot' to spawn which leaves human counter parts across the world spamming their gamepads furiously. Needless to say it is fun when you win.

You've got to go deeper

2011-04-14T12:41:00.000+01:00

Taking a break from design work - sort of. Today's post is all about MINECRAFT! Recently I bought some Magenta/Green glasses to take advantage of it's 3d anaglyph mode and it was awesome to put it frankly, I even built myself a mini castle just to test it out. Not the best thing out there, but it's not like I spend every waking moment on it.

Swords, swords, swords

2011-04-13T13:18:00.002+01:00

Been playing around with Lightwave some more, this time with some texture packs a friend gave me so I can get the hang of UV mapping and applying them to the model. So far it's been a success, they don't look fantastic but then again these textures weren't designed for the model I whipped up. I'm looking forward to designing some of my own work to create models of but for now I'd like to take babysteps so I don't miss something important.

This model has far fewer points and polygons attached as I took out that which was unnecessary such as all the innards, kind of like gutting a fish.

EDIT*: I just figured out how to increase the resolution of the texture >.< So now it looks better atleast. Also colours don't match because I inverted the texture in places.