This is my third just image book. My intention was to convey an idea of two separate life paths. I decided to do it with a little bit of "cultural lint" - Asian. Growing up I was always advised to going into something that would make money. So as a first generation going to college wanting to go into art did not make my family very happy. It was always instead suggested go into the family business (restaurant), or go to school to be a lawyer or doctor. So I tried to play off these ideas by creating a contour image against my current colorful life of arts education.
I like the image that suggest the two roads for me it defiantly helps to convey the content. I also like the concept. I feel like I understand why you chose to have the restaurant, the doctor and the law they way they are black and white but they look so cartoony that I'm not sure they totally work.
I love that you decided to make a personal statement in this book. If I remember correctly in the past your books haven't portrayed your personal takeaway from your text. I would like to see your photo and drawing images blend together. I think the differing medium/style of the two roads you are showing on each page may be too drastically different.
I totally understood this book and really enjoyed the honesty and humor.
Here are some observations:
In my opinion, the cover does not reflect the interior of the book. The interior of the book connotes a juxtaposition of flat, linear thinking with expressive, vibrant enthusiasm. I would hope to see that reflected in the cover even a little bit so that it can clue us in to what kind of treat we are in for.
The first spread took me the longest to get my head around. I think the part that I had the hardest time with is that the classroom is empty and looks "closed." Even if they chairs were not on top of the desks, it might help. But I am not very well versed in the typical K-12 classroom environment, so it might just be me.
The second and third spread is where things started to click into place as far as your design intention coming through loud and clear.
The line quality of the drawings between the spreads: I wish were more consistent. The line weight in the first spread is much lighter than the other speeds.
Lastly, the back cover: I have similar thoughts as the cover: how can we have the front and back cover visually convey the interior of the book? Content wise, I think they are consistent, but visual style wise, they seem quite different.
I would have liked to see how the book would have turned out if you chose to go with all photos or all drawings. What made you decide to go half and half?
For your cover, I like the trees, but the path is not very clear. Perhaps the cover and back can have elements of the visuals your are using in your book. I love the smiling face of your students, I believe it shows that you have made the right decision in becoming a teacher and not a grumpy lawyer.
This is my third just image book. My intention was to convey an idea of two separate life paths. I decided to do it with a little bit of "cultural lint" - Asian. Growing up I was always advised to going into something that would make money. So as a first generation going to college wanting to go into art did not make my family very happy. It was always instead suggested go into the family business (restaurant), or go to school to be a lawyer or doctor. So I tried to play off these ideas by creating a contour image against my current colorful life of arts education.
ReplyDeleteI like the image that suggest the two roads for me it defiantly helps to convey the content. I also like the concept. I feel like I understand why you chose to have the restaurant, the doctor and the law they way they are black and white but they look so cartoony that I'm not sure they totally work.
ReplyDeleteI love that you decided to make a personal statement in this book. If I remember correctly in the past your books haven't portrayed your personal takeaway from your text. I would like to see your photo and drawing images blend together. I think the differing medium/style of the two roads you are showing on each page may be too drastically different.
ReplyDeleteHo Yin,
ReplyDeleteI totally understood this book and really enjoyed the honesty and humor.
Here are some observations:
In my opinion, the cover does not reflect the interior of the book. The interior of the book connotes a juxtaposition of flat, linear thinking with expressive, vibrant enthusiasm. I would hope to see that reflected in the cover even a little bit so that it can clue us in to what kind of treat we are in for.
The first spread took me the longest to get my head around. I think the part that I had the hardest time with is that the classroom is empty and looks "closed." Even if they chairs were not on top of the desks, it might help. But I am not very well versed in the typical K-12 classroom environment, so it might just be me.
The second and third spread is where things started to click into place as far as your design intention coming through loud and clear.
The line quality of the drawings between the spreads: I wish were more consistent. The line weight in the first spread is much lighter than the other speeds.
Lastly, the back cover: I have similar thoughts as the cover: how can we have the front and back cover visually convey the interior of the book? Content wise, I think they are consistent, but visual style wise, they seem quite different.
I liked how you made it personal!
ReplyDeleteI would have liked to see how the book would have turned out if you chose to go with all photos or all drawings. What made you decide to go half and half?
For your cover, I like the trees, but the path is not very clear. Perhaps the cover and back can have elements of the visuals your are using in your book.
ReplyDeleteI love the smiling face of your students, I believe it shows that you have made the right decision in becoming a teacher and not a grumpy lawyer.