Alphabet Showcase

This three-week project was an experiment in making new forms out of accessible materials (digital and print). Using black ink, the first step involved making as many different marks as possible, using surfaces such as sketchbook paper, post-its, and scotch tape. Documenting the process via photographs and video, the idea involved further manipulation in order to isolate the results from the initial marks. Letterforms were ultimately put together via collage, each letter created on top of another with an additional image from the documentation process. The product became an animated video capturing the vibe of MTV bumpers, showing variety in usage of style juxtaposed with a static logotype.

Assets

Week 1: When considering the chosen medium to be used for the letterforms, I wanted to go for something loose - a material I don't traditionally use in my practice. With black ink and two different wooden brushes, I started to scatter and spread water to ensure an explosive effect. Besides mixed media sketchbook paper, post-its, tape, and paper towels were also used as surfaces. Videos taken show a progression of the spreading ink as well as the new spots added onto the paper.

Ink and Post-Its in Mixed Media Sketchbook.

Ink Stains Close-up.

Ink Stains on Paper Towel Surface.

Ink, Post-Its & Tape Close-up.

Ink, Post-Its & Tape Grid.

Week 2: Using the photographic documentation from last week with the ink process, the images were manipulated even further when working in Photoshop and Procreate. The idea is when making one letterform, I must need to figure out a way to use only the image and an additional photograph from my documentation to create a new letterform. The process felt a bit lost at first, unsure of what type of style the letters would have, until I chose to stick to making organic marks with the brushes available with the platform. Playing around with hue, half tones, chromatic aberration, transparent layer modes, and illumination, the letters began to inhabit their own atmosphere (the manipulated photos). Working under a time limit of 10 minutes for each letter, I went from A to Z using different brush strokes and background combinations.

Week 3: The last step involved making a video showing off the letterforms. The process involved referring to recorded documentations from two weeks prior and experimenting with ways they could actively frame each letterform. The grid filter, which broke off the recorded subject into smaller rectangles became an interesting tool for placing masks of other videos in simultaneously with the letters. A wiggle movement, on top with recorded audio of food being fried on a pan created a strong effect on the composition's atmosphere. Photographs taken of the ink brushes I drew with also felt appropriate to incorporate seeing how they are the utensils of my selected medium.

Alphabet Showcase. Letters A through Z.

↑Back to Top