Project #2 (Digital Illustration) - Conformity
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Exhibition TextTitle: Conformity
Medium: Digital Illustration Size: 39.63 cm x 16.29 cm Time of Completion: October 2018 Titled Conformity, this digital illustration intends to showcase the consequences that come when an individual complies with their surrounding society. Inspired by American pop artist: Andy Warhol, with specific works such as “Marilyn Monroe,” and “Cows,” providing the most inspiration for the project itself. Through the combined usage of varying hues and the repetition of subjects, Conformity highlights the changes an individual undergoes when surrendering to the surrounding societal standards. |
Critical Investigation/Artistic Inspiration
Throughout the research process of this project, I repeatedly struggled with creating possible themes to use throughout my work. Initially desiring to create a block print, I turned towards investigating prints created by Andy Warhol in order to see how artists worked with color and contrast in order to present a specific idea within their work. However, as a continued examining these works, I felt myself shifting from the desire to create a block print, to instead creating a digital illustration. This shift was influenced by the increased possibilities and tools that I was capable of utilizing within a variety of digital programs that could create a considerably more refined artwork, of which could similarly display contrasting colors and sharp lines as presented within Warhol's various works.
Furthermore, while investigating the themes frequently thought to be presented within Warhol's Pop Art pieces, I felt myself growing inspired by his critiques of society and public events. This inspired me to create my own artwork, of which would similarly present a critique of modern society. However, in attempts to connect my artwork to the standard themes presented within the Pop Art movement, I decided to distance myself from Warhol's work, and focus more so on the negative aspects of the surrounding world. More specifically, I desired to use contrast and unnatural hues - of which were similarly within Warhol's work - in order to present the idea of individuality and traditional values being lost within society when one conforms to widespread standards. Ultimately, in contrast to my inspiration, I decided to create a digital illustration opposed to a block print, as I felt that it would be considerably easier to complete in the given time frame. However, I still ensured to include the same aspects such as contrast, color, and line from Warhol's Pop Art pieces into works of my own. Specific inspirations come from Andy Warhol's, "Marilyn Monroe Series," "Cow Series," as well as "Campbell's Soup Cans." |
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Planning Phase
Planning Sketch #1
Planning Sketch #2
Planning Sketch #3
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The first sketch I created during the process of this second project were attempting to showcase the artistic side of my life, and furthermore provide an opportunity for me to experiment with human anatomy. However, as I quickly developed the rough outline for this sketch, I was unable to feel satisfied with the positioning of the main figure, and additionally felt that my final illustration would end up appearing too cartoonish based on my sketches alone. Not only this, but I felt that the theme presented within this project was considerably different from the themes of my other artworks, and therefore decided to scrap the piece early on. Ultimately I intend to return to this planning sketch, and hopefully create a separate artwork from it solely to work with anatomy and proportions - of which is something I don’t often experiment with throughout my various artworks - yet this won’t be included in my final portfolio, as the theme of the illustration itself would still remain incompatible with my other pieces.
With the rejection of the first planning sketch, I then decided to distance myself from the original ideas I had created for this project in order to efficiently reevaluate how this artwork would connect to the other pieces within my portfolio. This lead to the idea of focusing on a wider spectrum of social interaction, and furthermore highlighting the commonplace issues in modern society. In order to efficiently show this, I desired to create a contrast between an individual before and after falling victim to the harsh standards of their surroundings. Ultimately, this caused me to investigate artistic interpretations of numbness and emotional decay. While researching common symbolisms for such feelings, I started thinking of flowers and similar objects, as I felt it would be considerably easy to depict starling decay and - in contrast - prospering life. As a result I began sketching varying versions of roses that were both unique, yet allowed room for experimentation throughout my remaining process. However, I ultimately felt that these roses were too simple for my project, and therefore were ditched as a possible illustration. Despite the second set of my planning sketches being declined as an option for my final product, I still focused on utilizing and experimenting with the idea of society being viewed from a negative viewpoint, as it is a common aspect within various other pieces I’ve previously created. After examining additional works from Andy Warhol, I suddenly felt inspired by the frequent repetition of certain figures or commonplace items from his specific time period. This lead to the decision to create an artwork critiquing conformity, and in addition to this, how it negatively impacted a given individual. In order to properly display negative emotions within my work, I decided to use natural hues in order to confuse the viewer. As a result, I started thinking of items that were easily recognizable, as well as easy to edit. In the end, I decided to focus on working with watermelons for varying reasons. One of which was that I felt that such a common fruit would recognizable, while in addition to this, altering the appearance of said fruit would appear unnatural - and even unappetizing - as the fruit itself would no longer appear edible. This change in the traditional purpose of a watermelon emphasized the idea that society can alter an individual, and furthermore negatively impact their life as they surrender to conformity and widespread standards. This sketch specifically depicts the final image I used within my digital illustration. |
Process
To begin this process of developing my digital illustration, I edited the canvas size in order to better suit the presentation of my piece. At this point, it should be noted that the program that’s visible throughout this project is commonly known as Smooth Draw 3, of which is a digital illustration program that I’m considerably familiar with. I ultimately determined that I would be able to produce the higher quality artwork by first using a program I was already used to using, and then later editing any additional details through Photoshop if necessary. As a result, the digital canvas follows different measurements than those used within the Photoshop canvas, as Smooth Draw 3 only uses pixels as a valid measurement, opposed to centimeters or inches. Anyways, after creating a canvas I felt considerably satisfied with, I started developing - and naming - various layers in order to easily navigate the different sections of my artwork later in the illustration process. These layers were titled according to the varying watermelon aspects that would be displayed on them. Some examples of these layers include, “Main Lines,” “Main Color,” as well as, “Background.”
Following the creation of both an appropriate canvas, as well as a vast variety of layers to easily organize my illustration, I started pasting images of my final planning sketch into the program. I ultimately pasted this image into my project three separate times, as I felt this established repetition within the piece, and furthermore connected my artwork more closely to works from Andy Warhol such as, “Marilyn Monroe,” as well as “Cow.” However, upon closer inspection of my planning sketch, I realized that the watermelon was considerably asymmetrical, and looked unappealing when placed on a white background. In order to remedy this, I decided to mirror the planning sketch image, so that both sides were even with one another. After completing this, I then picked out three different sets of color schemes to efficiently convey the loss of originality and traditional values throughout society. I then organized the color schemes so that the two unnatural sets were along the sides of the illustration, while the original colors were centered within the artwork. I decided to do this so that the viewer would be more likely to notice the original watermelon first, then utilize movement in order to showcase the changes that an individual suffers when confronted with high standards and conformity. Once I had organized the varying sets of hues alongside the three watermelons, I then began outlining each planning sketch in the respective colors to create a boundary for the various fruits. This way, I would accidentally create an uneven watermelon, as the symmetrical sketch provided an even template for my illustration. After this had been completed, I then started filling in the top portion of the watermelon with the same colors that made up the outlines of each sketch. I repeated this process each time for each watermelon, with the only difference in my process being the hues I used to fill in each object. The second image in this specific slideshow shows the difference between the watermelons before being filled in with color, and afterwards. After the main portion of the watermelons had been completed, I then started working on creating the rind of the watermelons. Starting with the leftmost watermelon, I used smaller pens to create detail work alongside the bottom of the fruit. I would draw until I hit the outlining boundaries of the illustration, after which I would then move on and begin creating the outermost section of the watermelon rind. Once these layers had all been created, I then removed a small portion of the original outline in order to finish editing the varying levels of the watermelon. This was done in order to ensure my illustration accurately depicted the structure of the watermelon, specifically so that the viewer would not confuse the fruits as another object of type of food. Following the completion of the rinds, and general base of the watermelon, I then started adding seeds to the surface of the illustration. In order to create seeds that were appropriately sized for my digital illustration, I hide the previous layers I worked on in order to view my original planning sketch. I then used this sketch for reference, so that I could draw seeds that were sized as I originally intended them to be. More specifically, I did this by tracing the outline of a single seed on top of a sketch I made in the planning process of this project. Afterwards, I then copied and pasted this seed multiple times throughout the illustration, so that the watermelon would look structurally accurate. Ultimately, I made the decision to do this opposed to drawing more seeds by hand because half of my planning sketch was destroyed when I mirrored the image itself. As a result, the watermelon would have symmetrical balance, of which isn’t considerably common in real life versions of the fruit. Since I would be altering the colors of these fruits, I attempted to ensure that the viewer could identify the fruits without needing to use color. Once this watermelon was completed, I then repeated this process for the other two watermelons, of which produced varying results. Although, all three generally look similar to one another. |
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Once all three watermelons had been completed, I then finalized this piece by removing both the background sketches from my planning phase, as well as the color swatches that I had been previously using for reference throughout this project.
Experimentation
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Throughout the process of illustrating the watermelons within my Conformity piece, I repeatedly referenced various color wheels in attempts to establish a visually pleasing set of color schemes that additionally applied to the overall theme of my artwork itself. During the first initial stages of my experimentation phase, I considered using varying types of hues to color the differing watermelons within my project. More specifically, I attempted to use a series of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors throughout the various watermelons in order to create variety and establish movement through the inclusion of multiple, vibrant, hues. However, after layering these colors in accordance to their possible appearance on the illustration itself, I ultimately determined that the hues were too glaring when combined with one another. As a result, I attempted to lessen the intensity of these colors by experimenting with pastel palettes within my illustration. Yet, despite the softer colors enhancing the overall quality of the piece itself, the sole usage of pastels distanced my artwork from my inspirations, as Andy Warhol frequently used bold colors throughout his works. Hence, this idea was rejected as well, of which resulted in the idea to only use shades of gray within my illustration. I actually sincerely enjoyed the idea of this - as I was attempting to convey the idea that conformity removes individuality from a community, of which would easily be represented through a very limited color scheme - but felt that my piece would lack variety and discourage movement. This lead me to simply experiment with multiple different colors, and to test which hues looked most visually appealing with one another.
In addition to this, I also experimented slightly with the final set of the three watermelons within my artwork. In order to present the loss of individuality I decided to cover up the traditionally-colored watermelon with heavy, black, lines. By crossing this watermelon out, it placed emphasis on the other objects within my project, as the other two fruits were not obscured by similar lines. These unnatural watermelons showcase the loss of traditional values by almost completely obstructing the naturally-colored fruit. I ultimately decided that the addition of these harsh lines would benefit the presentation of my theme within my artwork, and therefore, I included them in the final piece. |
Reflection
Considering the technical aspects of this artwork, I feel generally pleased with the quality of the overall piece. Personally, I believe that my illustration is polished, and is considerably clean of imperfections or accidental blemishes. However, following the completion of this project, I slowly started feeling dissatisfied with the overall simplicity of the artwork itself. I repeatedly found the desire to add more to the piece, as I felt that the lack of subject matter left the artwork decently underwhelming as an illustration. This feeling was enhanced when considering the tools I had available to me throughout the creation of this project, as I ultimately made the decision to leave my project so plain despite the possibilities. If I had decided to experiment more with my artwork, then I may have been able to produce a piece that conveyed my desired theme, without looking cheesy or overly cluttered. Yet, despite my issues with the simplicity of the final product itself, I’m decently happy with the other technical aspects of my work. Such an example of this can be seen within my ability to efficiently emulate the qualities of works by my artistic inspiration: Andy Warhol, as the high contrasting hues presented within Conformity are reminiscent of the varying colors within his Marilyn Monroe print.
On the other hand, though, I’m still struggling to feel anything other than disappointment with the theme I attempted to present within my piece. Although I feel that my intentions were well thought out, I failed to properly communicate my message through visual components. Making the subjects within the illustration watermelons hinders my overall theme, as the fruits makes the message appear to be focused more on health opposed to identity. While additionally the presentation of unnaturally colored watermelons can convey various, contrasting, messages. If I were to renovate this project, creating a piece with more solemn hues would have conveyed the idea of conformity destroying originality much more successfully. Furthermore, if I were to increase the number of watermelons, the piece would have a better sense of societal standards, as the vast number of subjects would have been more reminiscent of a community. While finally, having each fruit consist of a different set of colors appears to communicate the idea of diversity opposed to conformity and unison.
On the other hand, though, I’m still struggling to feel anything other than disappointment with the theme I attempted to present within my piece. Although I feel that my intentions were well thought out, I failed to properly communicate my message through visual components. Making the subjects within the illustration watermelons hinders my overall theme, as the fruits makes the message appear to be focused more on health opposed to identity. While additionally the presentation of unnaturally colored watermelons can convey various, contrasting, messages. If I were to renovate this project, creating a piece with more solemn hues would have conveyed the idea of conformity destroying originality much more successfully. Furthermore, if I were to increase the number of watermelons, the piece would have a better sense of societal standards, as the vast number of subjects would have been more reminiscent of a community. While finally, having each fruit consist of a different set of colors appears to communicate the idea of diversity opposed to conformity and unison.
Connecting to the ACT
1) Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork.
2) What is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
4) What was the central theme or idea around your inspirational research?
5) What kind of inferences (conclusions based on your evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
- I am clearly able to identify the cause-effect relationship between my inspiration and my artwork through the frequent inclusion of similar Elements of Art and Principles of Design, such as contrast, line, color, variety, and repetition.
2) What is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
- Generally, the authors I reference throughout the research portion of this project frequently felt that Andy Warhol was a revolutionary Pop Artist, of which frequently utilized common icons/figures throughout society in order to draw attention to his works. Furthermore, he used such popular and commonplace subjects within his work in attempts to convey his personal thoughts and critiques on society during his time period.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
- I have concluded from my research that Andy Warhol frequently used repetition, color, and line within his works. These Elements of Art and Principles of Design were commonplace within the Pop Art movement, but more importantly created consistency and established motifs throughout his career.
4) What was the central theme or idea around your inspirational research?
- The central theme I researched when investigating my artistic inspiration was the commonplace critique of modern society that is generally a widespread theme throughout the Pop Art movement.
5) What kind of inferences (conclusions based on your evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
- Some inferences that I made based off of evidence and reasoning combined centered around the idea that Andy Warhol generally felt negatively towards society, and used popular figures in order to distinctly critique public events.
Bibliography
“Andy Warhol.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 1 June 2018,
www.biography.com/people/andy-warhol-9523875.
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“Andy Warhol Cow 1966.” Andy Warhol. Cow. 1966 | MoMA,
www.moma.org/collection/works/71923.
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“Andy Warhol Cow Series.” Guy Hepner,
www.guyhepner.com/artist/andy-warhol-art-prints-paintings/andy-warhol-cow-series/.
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“Andy Warhol Overview and Analysis.” The Art Story,
www.theartstory.org/artist-warhol-andy.htm.
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“Andy Warhol Untitled from Marilyn Monroe 1967.” Andy Warhol. Untitled from Marilyn Monroe.
1967 | MoMA, www.moma.org/collection/works/61239.
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“MoMA Learning.” MoMA | Andy Warhol. Campbell's Soup Cans. 1962,
www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/andy-warhol-campbells-soup-cans-1962/.
www.biography.com/people/andy-warhol-9523875.
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“Andy Warhol Cow 1966.” Andy Warhol. Cow. 1966 | MoMA,
www.moma.org/collection/works/71923.
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“Andy Warhol Cow Series.” Guy Hepner,
www.guyhepner.com/artist/andy-warhol-art-prints-paintings/andy-warhol-cow-series/.
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“Andy Warhol Overview and Analysis.” The Art Story,
www.theartstory.org/artist-warhol-andy.htm.
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“Andy Warhol Untitled from Marilyn Monroe 1967.” Andy Warhol. Untitled from Marilyn Monroe.
1967 | MoMA, www.moma.org/collection/works/61239.
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“MoMA Learning.” MoMA | Andy Warhol. Campbell's Soup Cans. 1962,
www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/andy-warhol-campbells-soup-cans-1962/.