#21 Project Brainstorms

In preparation for the following stages of the project, I decided to go through my research and collate it into the different themes I had previously identified. In addition, I filled some sketchbook pages with my notes extracted from my research to aid in mind-mapping ideas.

Once I some shorthand notes in one place, I began to separate what I had found into the four themes once again. As I was doing this, I spotted significant gaps in my research for specific themes. For example, my project seems to be focusing on the sexualisation and objectification of women in film; however, if I am to branch out into one of the other themes, I may need to consider further research in these areas.

Once I had completed this, I began thinking about where my project would sit in a real-world situation and what form the outcome could take. I started brainstorming but struggled with ideas. I will return to this brainstorm once more visual work is completed. The graphic work should aid in the choice of form for the project.

Once I completed the brainstorms, I returned to some questions from a previous tutorial to see if I could better outline my project.

What can graphic design do that can't be done elsewhere?

Graphic Design is a visual tool that can engage an audience to learn more about complex subjects. Adbusters, for example, have tackled issues in the modelling industry with regards to eating disorders; they have displayed their thoughts of capitalism as well as looking at the harms of smoking. These simple images created to tell a whole story. The research conducted for this project has been predominantly text-based. Authors have performed analysis, discussed experiences and drawn on visual culture concepts in their writings. Learning and conducting this research has been time-consuming, and it is no wonder film lovers aren't aware of the issues behind our screens. Graphic design is fundamental in creating easy to understand visuals that could explain what is happening without having to read streams of text. This will get the information to wider audiences in an easy to digest format.

Who is your audience?

My audience is 18-30-year-olds who are avid film lovers. In addition, I want to target film societies and online forum members. This age range is the highest consumers of cinema as well as those heavily acquainted with streaming services.

What is the function of the project?

The goal is to educate and raise awareness of how cinema and the film industry mistreat women. The hope is that this will encourage audiences to seek out content that includes better representations and build an understanding of problematic representation in other content. The visuals designed will aid in fast learning and understanding of topics included without them having to seek it out in long texts for themselves. In addition, graphic design will make the information more accessible to the audience targeted.

Now I have outlined the project slightly more solidly, I need to consider what exactly the project is communication and how it will do this. To do this, I aim to experiment visually with collected imagery to define the project further and consider what form the outcome will take.

Bibliography

Adbusters. (n.d.). Spoof Ads. Adbusters. https://www.adbusters.org/spoof-ads

Sodexo. (n.d.). Showcasing Five Consumer Trends in Cinema. Sodexo: Quality of Life

Services. https://www.sodexoengage.com/blog/cinema-promotions/showcasing-five-consumer-trends-in-cinema#:~:text=1.,%25%20of%2055%2B%20year%20olds.