Image//Scale/Frame/Format//Printed Sock Eye Chart A2 Poster.

The printed A2 outcomes for my sock eye chart design, prepared for this afternoon's Image session- printed onto A2 cartridge paper stock (bought from the college library). Generally good comments and feedback- the colour and reversed out detail worked well- highlighted the patterns and designs within the socks without the designs getting lost within the background. Although it was suggested (standing 20ft back as a test, as eye sight charts are usually distanced) that the bottom row of trainer socks looked like clogs- which, when looking at them printed, I totally agree with. Before the module hand in, I would really like to experiment with some more hand-rendered work and screenprinting, as I feel that the vector style is a little flat and boring- but happy with the feedback and comments I received nonetheless!

Image//Scale/Frame/Format//Designs.

After my initial research, and generating some simple hand-rendered pattern ideas in my sketchbook, I turned to generating some vector-based design for my final A2 poster which will later go on to be screenprinted (on Wednesday night at the Vernon Street drop in session, time permitting).

My initial idea for the one colour plus stock design was to use a warm, autumnal colour with white or cream- perhaps red? Something a little festive and bold- with one of my very initial concept ideas being "Christmas socks"- and knew that the red and white colour combination would work well together in a screenprinted design.

I began working with the length of socks to determine the order of my eye chart, as previously discussed on past posts on my blog- though felt that the length alone perhaps wasn't enough, and therefore went on to define a series of styles to break up each of the lines- 

1/ Ski socks, 2/Hold ups, 3/Knee highs, 4/Ankle socks, 5/Trainer socks- ensuring that the style of socks in terms of pattern was consistent on each of the lines to show that they were part of a "set", and, as a result, ensured that the design as a whole wouldn't look too messy or cluttered. Originally, (image two above) I considered designing the "gentleman's golf sock", though the argyle print was too fussy and bold in comparison with the other styles on the page.

At the level of tired (it's been a very long working weekend), I felt that I needed some back up as to whether or not my design was effectively communicating socks- and whether or not it was clear as a stand alone design piece. I was very happy that it was generally understood- one friend even guessing that it was for an eye test. Crakerjack!

However, one piece of feedback from fellow GD friend, Luis got me thinking that perhaps the red could cause confusion and miscommunication- looking like more of a "Christmas" design than one about socks. Therefore, I decided to play around with different colours, and I found that a dark, navy blue worked well against the white- still bold, yet maintaining interest without being too gender specific.

The final design chosen- played around with the scale just a fraction to enlarge and centralise the design. Ideally, I would have liked to have spent a great deal more time on the design, but with current project demands through other modules, I unfortunately have to prioritise and put these first- though I still intend to spend the time screenprinting the design, not only to add more diversity to my module portfolio, but also to experience the process again (it's been too long!).

Both digital and screenprinted designs will be posted on the blog as and when they are produced before Thursday afternoon's image session.

Image//Scale/Frame/Format//Pattern Drawings.

Some basic pattern design and idea generation for the scale/frame/format sock eye chart design for the image module- starting to hand-render some typical, and some slightly less typical designs (the moustache pattern inspired by a pair of socks I bought for my partner in his facial hair phase...) that you may find on socks before creating vector-based patterns to the design that will be ultimately screenprinted.

I'll certainly try and keep it minimal within my design so it's not too flashy/messy looking- but purely crisp, pictorial images- perhaps limiting the design to spots, stripes, or both- more vector-based illustration to come.

Image//Scale/Frame/Format//Sock Photographs.

Rummaging through my own personal sock collection (though I'm really more of a tights girl myself) for inspiration in terms of patterns and mark making for my final design outcome for the Scale/Frame/Format image brief- an eye chart comprised of various styles of sock. 

Although my own collection is a little short- a good source for observational drawings and looking at recurring design features such as block toe and heel cuff colours, as well as repeat pattern prints- something to consider when creating my own vector-based designs.

Image//Scale/Frame/Format//Concept Development.

Brainstorming and developing concepts from today's given brief: Scale/Frame/Format which looks at how we can visually communicate a selected object in a simple, legible, clear way (up to a distance of 20ft away- as we would find in eye tests in an Opticians- the source of inspiration for this design outcome). My randomly selected object was 'socks'- which I will go on to research and develop through both primary and secondary sources. 

From this brainstorm I looked at different "sock factors" including material of socks, possible patterns, designers (such as Hackett and Paul Smith), as well as the different types of sock.

Looking at existing eye chart designs, I have decided that the concept I want to develop is based on the length/style of socks. Working in the way of the traditional eye chart test (with the large, single letter at the top- and the row of small letterforms at the bottom), I will have the longest sock- an over knee graduating down through a knee high, gentleman's sock, ankle sock, trainer sock, and babies socks, etc- looking at the shape, scale, pattern and fashion design elements to help distinguish one style from another in a crisp, pictogram style- hoping to create a vector design ready for screenprinting (either monochrome or red and white- still undecided) to create a faded- washed out (washed sock!) outcome- design developments can be found on Design Practice, whereas research and concept development shall be built up on my Design Context blog.

Image//Scale/Frame/Format//Brief & Rationale.

The brief and written note rationale detail's from today's Image project briefing- a week long project with the method outcome/mandatory requirement to produce an A2 portrait design of an eye chart (that you would find in an Optician's) with the letters replaced with an object selected for us (randomly) within today's session- mine being... SOCKS. 

The chart must be produced for next Thursday's session using two colours (including stock).