Plan of Action: designing through subversive practice.

I have completed some initial research and documented what interests me from my findings and gathered imagery for inspiration I need to consider my approach. I realise I haven't been so great at blogging all my stages so I am not sure whether there needs to be some extra blog posts added?

My aim of the module is to answer the question, In what ways can subversion develop creativity in relation to practice? So far I have looked at New Wave and gathered images, which I have managed to post on this blog. I have also looked at Psychedelic Design and Surrealism. After a recent tutorial I might have a look at Punk Graphics as well as I am not sure about the surrealist 'graphic design' I have looked at.

In order to answer my question, I have decided, that I need to examine whether subversion within my practice aids my creativity. To test this I need to consider what methods/working practices I will use to design and if I need a comparison.

Test Idea

I have concluded that I will need to complete 4 pieces of work for this first test. Initially, I was going to only complete 2 however I will explain later why I believe 4 will give me a more accurate outcome. The works created will all be about subversion and creativity. This gives me an open brief and allows me to focus on the methods I am using to create rather than distracting myself with the brief.

Method 1

Create. I am going to dive right in. This is about me subverting my practice. Normally when given a brief I like to plan everything; considering content, layout, type. I plan through sketching and then begin digitally. This time I am just going to start making, only using found items and collaging. I have chosen this method as a result of my research on New Wave design. A lot of pieces, although carefully constructed, have a cut and place feel to them which is why I think collage may be a good medium of working in this case. I also felt collage could be a challenge for me and that trying something new within my practice would develop my skillset.

Method 2

Plan. This time I will sketch out my ideas first and have a few experiments. I still have to follow the same style however I feel something is missing I can collect items more specific for the collage.

I hope that from these methods of creation I can see if one works better for me in terms of creativity. The order in which I create the works may be an issue however as it may affect the outcome. This is why I think I should complete another 2 pieces in the reverse order. I might find that overall doing one method first, before another, actually collectively creates a more creative outcome.

Bibliography - research yet to include in blog.

Bigman, A. (2015). Tripping out: The History of Psychedelic Design. 99 Designs. https://99designs.co.uk/blog/design-history-movements/tripping-history-psychedelic-design/

Genzlinger, N. (2020, February 20). Bonnie Maclean, Psychedelic Poster Artist, Is Dead at 80. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/20/arts/bonnie-maclean-dead.html

Gosling, E. (2013, August 14). Subversive Design. Design Week. https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/august-2013/subversive-design/