I attempted to learn the pen tool in Photoshop to make my contour drawings more consistent in line width (more challenging then I thought - Photoshop won.) I settled with printing my already done contour drawings to scale and putting a piece of vellum over it and tracing it. I attempted to rework the cover with a childhood picture and pieces done with the drawing, in order to convey what was to come. It was not successful though. I settled with just text in beginning end and think it works as providing distinction between start and finish. Words I attempted to create an more expressive line, but then noticed the letters and sequence got a little confusing. Settled with simple word lines.
What you are trying to say with these two past books is so important, but I think without knowing you that an average Joe might not understand what it is you are trying to say.
It seems like maybe you need a character (you) throughout the book so we understand that there is a person needing to make a decision associated with these environments you are drawing/photographing. And I wonder if using only drawing or using only photography would help to tie these relationships together. The left and the right of the spread seem so separate, but you are trying to communicate a relationship between these two paths.
I think Jenn has a very valid point! I would love to see your efforts in resolving the issue of "how do you communicate that this is about YOU and your life choices?"
Also, the right side of the page: these images felt like they had more of an arch—beginning, middle and end—before in your other book. (even though I remember saying that the empty room with the up-turned chairs were confusing.)
I feel the juxtaposition of the line drawing to the photos is confusing. I agree with Jenn that possibly using either photos or drawings might help with this. I like the concept but I don't know if I would get it with out having already know what you were going for.
The first 2 photographs are very similar: students sitting on their art tables. Consider changing that up a little. It might relate more to you if you were in some of the images as well, instructing the students. If you are uncomfortable being in the picture, you could crop them in such a way that it is still clear there is a teacher instructing students as apposed to being a lawyer, doctor or working in a restaurant. I would also recommend you combine the line drawing into the photograph. The idea is great, especially because it is so personal.
I agree. I was also struck by the blankness of the last page. Even though, to us, it is obvious that you chose a teaching career, to another reader, they may not know what choice you chose.
I attempted to learn the pen tool in Photoshop to make my contour drawings more consistent in line width (more challenging then I thought - Photoshop won.) I settled with printing my already done contour drawings to scale and putting a piece of vellum over it and tracing it. I attempted to rework the cover with a childhood picture and pieces done with the drawing, in order to convey what was to come. It was not successful though. I settled with just text in beginning end and think it works as providing distinction between start and finish. Words I attempted to create an more expressive line, but then noticed the letters and sequence got a little confusing. Settled with simple word lines.
ReplyDeleteWhat you are trying to say with these two past books is so important, but I think without knowing you that an average Joe might not understand what it is you are trying to say.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like maybe you need a character (you) throughout the book so we understand that there is a person needing to make a decision associated with these environments you are drawing/photographing. And I wonder if using only drawing or using only photography would help to tie these relationships together. The left and the right of the spread seem so separate, but you are trying to communicate a relationship between these two paths.
Dear HoYin,
ReplyDeleteI think Jenn has a very valid point! I would love to see your efforts in resolving the issue of "how do you communicate that this is about YOU and your life choices?"
Also, the right side of the page: these images felt like they had more of an arch—beginning, middle and end—before in your other book. (even though I remember saying that the empty room with the up-turned chairs were confusing.)
I feel the juxtaposition of the line drawing to the photos is confusing. I agree with Jenn that possibly using either photos or drawings might help with this. I like the concept but I don't know if I would get it with out having already know what you were going for.
ReplyDeleteThe first 2 photographs are very similar: students sitting on their art tables. Consider changing that up a little. It might relate more to you if you were in some of the images as well, instructing the students. If you are uncomfortable being in the picture, you could crop them in such a way that it is still clear there is a teacher instructing students as apposed to being a lawyer, doctor or working in a restaurant.
ReplyDeleteI would also recommend you combine the line drawing into the photograph. The idea is great, especially because it is so personal.
I agree. I was also struck by the blankness of the last page. Even though, to us, it is obvious that you chose a teaching career, to another reader, they may not know what choice you chose.
ReplyDelete