Module 4 - Chapter 1 - Media Research

I have assembled a large collection of media items for inspiration. Recycled envelopes and parcel paper to use as a base for design in chapter 2, and making paper in chapter 4. Some of the packaging materials can be used to weave into grids for chapter 3.

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Items of stationery, books and cards that have interesting form and structure. There are some very exciting books with intricate construction.

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Looking through my collection of books I have found many ispirational images of  art books, such as:

Isobel Hall

Jan Messant

Beryl Taylor

Initial thoughts of themes for recycling items of paperwork and development of finished media item. This will be added to as I work through the chapters in this module, hopefully helping me to come to a decision for my construction at the end of the module!

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There is a huge selection of alphabet fonts and texts available online. Some are bold & heavy, giving dark tonal qualities when used in text. Others are light and delicate, some are ornate, elegant, italic & sketchy and some are just designed for fun, adapted so that characters form specific shapes.

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'Ransom note' alphabet created from letters cut from newspapers and magazines.

One thing I noticed when collecting letters from magazines is that very often publishers seem to stick to just 2 or 3 typefaces throughout the magazine. One for large titles, one for the main body text and perhaps a third for a creative splash or to draw attention to something. Therefore I had to cut into a wide selection of subject matter to collect varied fonts!

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A selection of paperwork displaying foreign and ancient texts, including Chinese, Polish, Urdu, Arabic and Old English.

The Old English and Arabic texts have a painterly quality. Perhaps this is just because they are hand written. The coloured and age stained backgrounds seem to add to their beauty of appearance. The Chinese printed text is harsh and angular, particularly against the white newspaper background, whereas the handwritten Chinese text on the rust coloured background  has beautifully graphic, decorative and pictorial qualities.

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Illuminated text from The Book of Kells created by monks around 810 AD.

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A selection of fonts used films, advertising, and corporate identity. A lot of thought is given to typography when establishing brand identity as its appearance can express personality. Serif fonts give the impression of tradition and professionalism, wheras sans serif fonts appear to be crisp and modern. Decorative and formal script is considered sophisticated and feminine, and casual, handwriting fonts give the suggestion of being friendly and approachable.

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Man has always had the desire to communicate cultural or self expression. Through pictographic script primitive man has been able to mark his teritory, or express his thoughts and wishes. The word GRAFFITI comes from the Italian word GRAFFIATO which means scratched. In acient times graffiti were carved onto walls with sharp objects.

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Modern day graffiti is also used as a form of self expression, as an indication of gang related activities or to convey underlying social and political messages.

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Another way text can be used for self expression is in the form of tattoos. This can be done simply as a fashion statement, for self identity, to honor loved ones or to indicate gang membership.

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I love the imaginative and painterly way that text has been used in the following images. In some, the words have almost been lost in rhythmic and graceful layers of text and all you can see is the beauty and form of the script.

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