OUGD406 - Secret 7 - Concept One

Concept Manifesto

Two overlapping circles creating a centralised ellipse, in which there is a blue eye. This design will make reference to not only the track name, 'clearest blue,' but also the album name 'Every Open Eye.' Connections are established through colour, imagery and song lyrics. The eye represents the act of being able to see clearly, whilst the interconnected circles play on the lyrics 'shaped by the clearest blue' through the presence of circles - which also subtly links back to the geometric visual identity used by the band in their artwork and promotional material. Other lyrics informing the design include 'caught inside' as the eye sits within the space created by the overlapped circles, which also address the notion of 'meeting halfway.'

Before production of the concept one resolution could begin, I needed to ensure my document canvas was 7x7" and using a CMYK colour mode as to adhere to the Secret 7 brief requirements and ensure featured colours are eligible for accurate reproduction in print.

I began to construct the concept one resolution using circles to form and develop the design. The overlapping sector is removed from two circles, leaving a pointed-ellipse shape reminiscent of the typical framing of the eye from the lids, creating space in which the blue eye can sit centrally as
the focus point of the composition and visual information as a whole. The eye is formed via three circles, alternating in size to provide clear distinction in representing the iris, pupil and reflection
of light for the most basic, simplified result.

The colour palette bears cyan blue in three differentiating light values/intensities to establish consistency of colour, tonal cohesion and a bright, energetic aesthetic.

Although the colour palette may be tonally consistent, the distinction in the elements of visual information present in the design is lacking. I feel a greater tonal energy needs to be introduced 

via increased contrast to aid the prominence of each individual shape and provide the resolution 

with enhanced energy. To resolve this, I changed the Light Cyan Blue to a darker shade of blue, instead opting for Pure blue. By exchanging these colours, the tonal contrast and energy of the

design is enriched, making for a more distinct design with greater visual prominence.

At this point in the development of the concept one potential resolution, I feel it is important to receive feedback on the design so far as to discover possibilities for progression and enhancement 

of  effectiveness.

Critique

What are your immediate thoughts when looking at this initial design?

• To me it looks much too flat, its very digital - perhaps too obviously digital. I like how the circles form the eye through the negative space though.
• I think the use of shape/circles to produce the design is nice, and it reflects the song, but it needs something to make it less solid.
• Design is very flat and simplistic - there is no depth.
• As a starting point I can see how it could be developed into something very effective. Its a strong concept, but needs work. The composition of shapes you have produced work nicely.

What could be done to improve the design and/or make it more effective? Please provide suggestions.

• Focus on making the eye really stand out - perhaps a more realistic representation.
• Try to make the design less flat by adding textures or alternate processes - maybe paint or printing?
• If you feel able to, paint a more detailed eye to contrast the flat blue circles. Make a real point of focus.
• Show more skill and process to make the design less simplistic and digital.

Additional Comments

• Use contrasting techniques/processes to diversify your design.

This critique has allowed me to identify that the design is currently too flat and obviously digital, lacking depth and distinction. Though people found the concept and initial composition of shapes effective in their simplicity in conjunction with a strong tonal contrast, it has been suggested that I explore detail through the eye to enhance depth and evidence of process.