absurd Expressions
Illustration & Typography Project
Absurd Expressions Graphics, 2023, Adobe Illustrator, 8.5x11”
Absurd Expressions Booklet, 2023, Adobe InDesign, 15.75x2.25” full, 2.25x2.25” folded
Introduction
Software
Adobe Illustrator, InDesign
Goals and Requirements
Connect verbal and visual communication by illustrating a set of 6 idioms
Explore rendering and illustration styles
Compile illustrations into a cohesive booklet, to be printed and cut from one sheet of 11x17” paper
Ideation
For my topic, I decided to address the issue of burnout, specifically in the case of student athletes. As a former athlete, I witnessed burnout firsthand in myself and others, but didn’t have resources to understand what it was. Because of this, the focus of my webpage was to educate the audience, provide resources, and spread awareness.
Target Audience
Non-native English speakers to provide a creative way to learn idioms, native English speakers as an entertaining booklet
Process
Concept Sketches
Focuses
Exploring all idiom options
Finding ways to combine literal and implied meaning
Illustration Style Exploration
Focuses
Experimenting with illustration and rendering styles
Color Exploration
Focuses
Experimenting with color and how it affects tone and communication
Final Designs
Reflection
Challenges
The largest challenge I encountered was achieving consistency in the level of detail between illustrations. Because each image was on a completely different scale, I had to figure out how to simplify some images and add details to others.
Design Choices
In the end, I went with a slightly moodier color palette, in order for the colors to stand out, but not have them be too dark and unapproachable. For the typography on the booklet, my focus was on readability and simplicity, letting the illustrations be the main focus. For my heading text, I wanted one with slightly more personality to match the blockiness and smooth lines of my illustrations.
This project was one of my first major print projects, so I learned a lot about translating web color to print color as well.