paper city process

THE DREAMprocess book

The start of a sleep deprived mental roller coasterThe first stages of the project were the basic mind mapping techniques. I started with a single word in the center and branched out ideas based off of connection. My early ideas at this stage had to do with the opposing aspects of a city. That idea quickly turned to an economical issue.

• Word lists• Lead to more words• Image reference from words• Create sketches form word and image• Isolate connections between random

PostcardsThis is still my most satisfying aspects of the project. Felt really happy with the visual language I had created on my postcards. These later serve as a tool for retracing my thoughts, concepts, and ideas.

Planning...........

Beginning form designStarted with plain white paper to get the general idea of basic formation. When de-signing my possible shapes I worked towards objects with the opportunity of persepctive change. My intentions at this step was to have messages arranged around the shapes so that each direction the city was viewed at showed a different message.

Adding graphic messageAfter rough forms were designed I began focusing on graphics and message that would occupy the shapes. This is probably one of my least favorite parts of the process. Although many of my ideas began sprout-ing at this moment, this is the time were my concept was losing solidity. Creating the shapes was making me realize the confusion of multiple messages.

• The physical process• Design • Print• Cut• Re-Print• Re-Cut• Assemble• Photograph

Wallets Consume

More cutting...........

ReevaluatingPrinting, cutting, and assembling followed by much needed reevaluation. Early designs contained information on stock markets, purchases, and credit card debt. At this point my concept was leaning towards the idea of the power grid in which money is circu-lated. However this idea incoorporated too many symbols which led to misinterpreta-tion during critique.

Back to the drawing board...........

Frustration of recreationWhen revisiting ideas I decided (with help-ful input from my peers) that focusing on stocks may have been throwing a completely different problem into the equation. So even though I enjoyed the form I had created, it was time for me to eliminate some objects and build on to more.

The idea of different perceptions to create alternative messages became evident at this stage. Many hours spent skewing, printing, cutting, and taping to try and perfect the perceptual change of the text when spread accross structures. The perceptual angles based off of the forms cuts and bends. The UPC code took charge and led the way throughout the rest of the stages.

Cohesion in concept starts here.......

More concise graphicsThe process of eliminating confusion began with redesigning and going back a few steps. With this in mind I chose to return to the mindmaps for another ponder. Reevaluating my concept from the beginning helped in making correlations between what I’ve cre-ated and what I’ve considered.

Cohesion, almostHere is were things start to take stage as a whole. There were still many issues but the clarity was bcoming more and more promi-nent by the day. At this point I start to enjoy the project again.

Almost there.......

Final revision, structuresHere is a comparison to what I was doing and the final composition. Small revisions make a big difference in the long run.

Almost there.......

Favorite photographyMy approach for the photography was to simulate a very coorporate feel. I used a multitude of angles and lights. The pho-tography part of the project was one of the more gratifying aspects.

Still need a poster...........

Final posterWhat a relief, this project has had it’s share of ups and downs. It’s sad to see it go......

The DreamAaron BranchPolly Johnson3-D Graphic Design fall, 10

Paper city.......