An illustrated book on Japanese culture
Context
This was my last project in A-level Graphic Design and in a way, sums up my learnings by using techniques and styles I've learnt along the way.
The final outcome is a visual on Japanese culture, exploring modernity, tradition as well as more controversial aspects of Asia as someone of an Asian background who shares in some experiences wanting to raise awareness.
I watch a lot of documentaries, particularly on culture and economics, and I admire the sort of journalism which presents opinion backed by facts and data as I also understand to question information. And so I would hope that I tackled any controversial topic in a respectful yet educational manner as being deeply rooted in empathy.
Final outcome
Final research outcome
tools
Proposal
To bring out meaning through drawings, perhaps due to the inadequacy of words, especially with the limited ways of communication during the early ages of humanity, is what draws me towards illustrations.
It is understood then, why early illustrations stood alongside words in books. It fascinates me, the messages artworks can procure, even with the evolution of words today, one can look at an image and produce a different meaning from another person.
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I am going to study three illustrators within different time periods who will serve as inspiration for carrying out a personal project which will be a book promoting aspects of Asia.
I will look into the greatest pulp-fiction artist, Virgil Finlay; the art collective, Eboy and emerging artist, Victo Ngai.
This study will set to firmly establish my belief that illustrations evoke different feelings and work alongside words as some form of artistic symbiosis. With a strengthened perception of illustration, I will go on to produce a practical project.
Research
These are just some of the ways I researched. For full documentation, get in touch :)
Ideation
These are just some of the ideations. For full documentation, get in touch :)
Final Design
Front/ Back Cover
Inspired by Ukiyo-e cat art from the Edo period.
Simple line art depicting the innumerable Japanese population but the lack of colour also suggests the stagnant growth of their population.
Cell- shading technique inspired by Japanese animations, this illustration presents the mix of modern and traditional fashion of Japan.
Using traditional mediums (pencil, charcoal, watercolour) digitally, I was able to present a classical but also bygone era of traditional art in Japan where tattoos are seen negatively as being linked to the Yakuza.
A digital and modern rendition of Hokusai's 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' instead depicted as the Japanese trend wave, focussing on how Japan has captured Western markets (in games like Nintendo, Anime, food etc.)
Using 3D modelling as irony, I've created an illustration which shows technology, despite its conveniences and creating digital social networks, also allows people to become shut-in, known as Hikikomori in Japan. I used SketchUp as a base along with ClipStudio's 3D models.
Using a mix of digital drawing and photo manipulations, I wanted to create an immersive experience of Japan with this panorama.
Inspired by retro anime, I created this with a mix of 3D modelling and digital art.
Showing an emphasis on texture using different brushes as I was dealing with the topic of food.
Inspired by RPG game art which is prevalent in Japan, focussing on doll-like beauty.
A mixture of photo manipulation, compositing images to portray the unique architecture.
Focussing on dynamic poses, a fun illustration on the equally fun idea of Japanese vending machines.
Adding More User Interaction
What else could I do so readers would more readily engage with the content? I first came across AR when I visited the Tate where some of the paintings were interactive- I saw many people enjoyed it so I followed tutorials from Udemy and Youtube. I used Unity as the platform where I could also add 3D models, code movements in C#, and integrate with Vuforia to create the image targets. I found people enjoyed the book more whilst also delving into the learnings on culture it had to offer.
