Sequential Process

The definition of a process is a systematic series of actions directed to some end --and, now, we have finally met our end. This project was probably one of the most process oriented projects I have ever worked on, as a designer. I final outcome was a book but have very many steps in between.

First, we created line studies that represented the words balance, progression, and randomness. After making about 30 of each, we moved on to the next process which was manipulation.

Phase i Line Study: Balance

Second, if was assigned to take all of our lines studies and create more by skewing them using a projector, the scanner, and the photocopier. And came up with images that looked like the following:

Process ii: Curved Line Study

After finishing this process, we then were told to take pictures of the surrounding Kansas City area that reflected some of the line studies that we had come up with --both from process i and process ii. After taking those pictures we pared up the line studies with images and put them side by side to create juxtapositions. This process took me a while because I was caught on still figuring out the best method to go about matching line studies with the photos that I took. I ended up coming up with the process of taking my line studies with me while I was out and about shooting photos.

After going on our "photo safari", we scanned and traced the line studies from process ii that we were interested in using in our final book.

Process iii: Traced Curved Line Study

After tracing them, and pairing them as we liked, they were then scanned onto the computer and then vectored in Adobe Illustrator, using the pen tool. After many, many mock up books were made, many images were printed off, many printer problems, and lots of money off of my p-counter account, the final pairs and vectors were perfect and printed out for our book, resulting in the following:

Phase iv: Final Vectored Image with Photo

I have also learned that precision is key. If you don't measure out your line studies, your line weights, your borders, how far down you drag your line, etc, you will end up having to redo it. Slacking makes for no good in any process. The last thing anyone would like is to redo something and fix a problem that could have been noticed and avoided before hand.

Another thing I have learned is that craft is essential to the final outcome of each stage. Craft can improve by staying organized, having patience, and have the right tools. All of these things reduce stress and chaos to a minimal. Being able to multitask and go back to different stages of the project to improve the last stage with make things better for everyone.

Below is the overall process depicted in more of a sequential manner. Click on the image to enlarge. I have learned quite a bit about the process of this project. Overall, I have learned that good things come with time and nothing is perfect the first time it is done. Reiterating a piece several different ways bring benefit.