Folder Template

Last year I received these 'Port a Plants' which a cut out plants and you can put together and take apart etc. It was the folder that it all came in that I was interested in as it seemed to be the perfect design for my illustrations to be packaged in. The sizing isn't quite right but I cane take the idea of the design and make it the right size and shape for me. I like how the sides are raised and how the one side slots in so tall folds together neatly.

Development of page 6: Colouring In!

I selected some of the imagery I had produced from the two previous pages and stripped away the colour. I added these to another page and kept the line drawings black and white in order to create a colouring-in page. I think this really starts to work as a pack for families with children as it's now interacting. I chose to make the title and boarder black too as I think it works well and as they colour in the colours will be a prominent feature. 

Development of Fifth Information Card

I illustration the drawings if the birds shown above. I wanted to work in the same way as I produced the Robin I did earlier in the brief. I decided that 8 birds would be a suitable amount to fit on an A4 page. Based on the research I gathered from the RSPB website and information guide I was able to identify the main birds we see in British gardens. There was a lot, so I picked my 8 favourites based on shape and colour.

I'm so happy with how the page has turned out! It works well with the other pages I have made for the set but still looks strong enough to work on its own. I'm happy with the illustrations of the birds, however quality could be better. I decided to add tick boxes so that it is interactive for children.

Development of Fourth Information Card

Using the imagery I had produced for my previous idea (information postcards), I created a page identifying the animals/insects that you may find in your garden other than birds. This is so kids can look out for them and look in to how they can help. It shows them that it's not only humans and birds that use the garden but these animals too. It makes people realise how many animals rely on our gardens as their habitat.

The imagery above was original analogue pen drawings which I then took in to Photoshop, cleans up and coloured. I was selective with what I chose to draw as I wanted to illustrated animals that all looked very different as this will stand out to children more and be more exciting for them. I am happy with the illustrations I produced. I'm most impressed with my frog illustration as I think it is at a high quality with both line and the colour/editing. I don't feel like the same can be said with the hedgehog and squirrel and they lack professionalism. However I am happy with the overall presentation of this page.

Development of Third Information Card

Key Habitats

This page for me was important as it links most clearly with essay question and research. Based on the research I gathered from the RSPB website and information guide I was able to identify the key habitats within a garden. This will help people know the important where the parts of their garden are and how to capitalise on this to help

 the local wildlife.

The page as a whole is slightly more empty that the others but I'm not worried as I think it would look boring if they all looked too similar. I particular the illustrations of the tree and sheers ad the shapes and textures work really well. I still need to add text but overall I'm happy with how this page looks.

Development of second information Card

I used my first image (homemade bird feeder card) as a template when using the font, background, layout and boarder. This will help the images work as a set and show they are from the same information pack. I am happy with both the imagery and layout of this page. My only negative feelings are towards the illustration of the cat food can and I don't think it looks very well drawn, however I don't know how I'd make it anymore exciting.

Final imagery- Development

As i mentioned in my previous post, there were some elements of the image below that I intended to change. I added a boarder which I think brings the illustrations together and create unity. I also moved the illustrations around so that they feel more balanced on the page.

I thought about putting it in to context by adding the 'RSBP' logo on the bottom left. Although it looks ok I didn't think it looked great and also didn't think it needed it. The logo my not work on all my future images so I've decided not to use it.

Development

After producing these illustrations digitally I decided this was the right medium to use and go forward with. I'm using a Photoshop brush that produces a pencil/crayon type line. This is appropriate for both the audience and aesthetic I wish to create.

I like what I have produced below but I feel like it needs a boarder and the imagery needs moving around to fit better. I chose to make the background colour a more beige to soften  the imagery as the white was too harsh to look at.

Aesthetic Development

In my sketchbook I've been looking in to what medium I will use to illustrate. I already know the style and look I want to create I just don't know whether to produce it be hand or create the same style  but digitally. I'v done this drawings in my sketchbook using coloured pencils and although they look fine, I think that once I've scanned them in to Photoshop, I might lose the quality. It seems that producing the work digitally will be the better option to achieve a high quality, professional finish.

Practical Research

The rspb has a wonderful website full of helpful information that I've looking at. After my essay, the rspb is my second biggest inspiration for my practical response. The website is mainly aimed at adults so I think that is where my ideas stands out as it's aimed at children. Nevertheless, I can get lots of trustworthy information from here to include within my work.

Synergy- How does my essay and practical link?

These are highlighted quotes from my essay that are informing my practical. My essay explores 

Fearn's (2013) theory that the use of shock tactics is too upsetting for the audience and if we need to produce less harsh means of persuasion. The words 'actively engage' is something I'm picked out particularly as my practical response will really engage with children and families. The market can actively get involved with the facts and tips I am giving them to help wildlife habitat in their garden. By practising engaging and practical components to my work, I feel I'm still 'persuading' my audience to get involved, as children will need a fun, active part to persuade them in to wanting the pack. Also, so many children spend more time inside on electron games rather than playing outside. Parents will see this pack and be 'persuaded' through not only wanting to help animals but to get their children outside, doing something active and practical.

My main inspiration for my practical response is taken from my research in to the RSPB, poetically their 'giving nature a home' guide. Rather than using shock tactics and graphic imagery to make viewers feel bad, they're showing what you can do at home to help and what your help can achieve. Society likes to feel like they're in control and like to feel what they're doing is making a change. For me personally, I don't feel like donating £1 a month will change much and I believe other people do to. The information and tips in my pack will show my audience just small things the can do to so they don't feel helpless. 

My practical response will illustration key animal 'habitats'-exactly what my essay talks about. It'll show how you can improve on those habitats and what you can do to encourage wildlife to come and live in your garden.

Development Sketches

I've drawn out some initial rough ideas for the content and layout of each page I intend to produce. After a slow start of pinning down a final idea, I finally feel like my work is developing in the right direction. I intend to produce some fun information cards that will be packaged inside a folder with a wrap around to keep it all together. I will be drawing quite loose with the line work as that is how I work best.