Final Major Project

Aim:

To create a range of illustrative designs for a stationary collection inspired from myths and legends from around the world.

Objectives:

• To refine research to Chinese, Mexican, Roman and Greek myths and legends.
• To document all research in a series of sketchbooks and research file.
• To produce a variety of drawings illustrating Roman myths/legends in a range of books of varying scale.
• To experiment with a range of drawing techniques and styles including digital rendering.
• To collect information for a Technical File and Research File.
• To create a range of mood boards summarising theme, colour/trend, companies and client profile.
• To research the target market.
• To explore and experiment with laser cutting techniques.
• To produce a final collection of prototype samples.
• To produce a collection of stationary designs.
• To visualise products using CAD visuals.

Introduction:

For thousands of years, all around the world, people have been telling stories. Often, they were not written down, but told aloud, passed along from person to person. Every time they were told, they changed a little, with a new character added here and a twist to the plot there. From these ever-changing tales, myths and legends were born.

'A myth is a traditional story that tries to explain the way the world is, or the relationship between gods and goddesses, and human beings. Myths are made up, but they often help to explain local customs or natural phenomena.' - The Kingfisher Book of Mythology, Page 7.

'A legend is very like a myth. The difference is that a legend might be based on an event that really happened, or a person who really existed. That's not to say that the story hasn't changed over the years.' - Ancient Greek Myths and Legends, Page 2.

The personal journey I have taken as a textile designer on this degree course has led to a great interest in illustration, largely as a result of the Welsh Literature project set in 2008. A great influence to my work has been the illustrator Margaret Jones who has produced beautiful drawings for the Mabinogion. To develop my own original illustrative style I would like to explore laser cutting. In Mexico and China paper cut designs are used to decorate and celebrat religious festivals and national holidays. I would like to use this idea of 'celebration', and bring to life the myths and legends that are close to home and part of our culture.

Proposal:

I intend to concentrate on Roman and Greek mythology due to a keen interest in the city of Bath where I live; situated here is one of the largest tourist attractions in South West England, the Roman Baths. I intend to collect primary research by making sketches of the gods and goddesses created by the Romans. These sketches will inspire my illustrations for the myths and legends that I select. I also intend to visit the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon and take photographs and collect relevant information via leaflets and guide tours.

The secondary sources I intend to research are listed below:

• Cardiff Library
• Llandaff and Howard Gardens Library
• Llandaff journal room
• Internet

The research I collect will help aid my drawings. A strong development of a personal style should be visible in my sketchbooks and a progression of ideas, experiments and resolutions. I intend to expand out of the confinements of a book and draw on large scale sheets such as A2 and A1. Once a range of illustrative scenes and characters have been created, I then intend to make a collection of laser cut samples. I have been inspired by the illustrator, paper cutter and artist Robert Ryan who uses this technique. I aim to research and trial materials appropriate for the laser cutter and also research paper cutting techniques abroad, for instance in Mexico and China.

The final collection of designs will comprise of gift wrap, cards and other suitable stationary items. Main designs and co-ordinates will be selected.

Possible Outcomes:

• A range of drawing books exploring myths and legends around the world, specifically Roman and Greek.
• A series of drawing books exploring scale and media to find suitable shapes, characters and scenes that can be paper cut.
• A Technical File and Research File.
• A range of mood boards.
• A studio book.
• A collection of laser cut samples displaying illustrative scenes from one myth/legend chosen.
• A collection of digitally rendered surface patterns suitable for gift wrap and the insides of envelopes.
• A collection of hand made cards.
• CAD visuals showing laser cut designs.