Thursday 24 September 2015

Invisible Cities: Thumbnails 7-12


Recently took advice from tutor: not to take pencil sketches already as clear and detailed final designs, but concept art which can be finalised later in process. In addition, to be more energetic with sketching to get down ideas in a quick and excited way, and not to take Calvino's texts literally but adapt from his loosely detailed descriptions of the cities:

Armilla [7-8] - Ongoing exploration of "forest of pipes", his description reminding me of public art work in Turbine Hall of Tate Modern: Carsten Holler's Tube Slides, creating new village of pipes from different platforms (perhaps I can evolve from that idea). Gradually realising need to improve on perspective awareness and not make original concept seem flat and two-dimensional like it's set design for platform video game.

Baucis [9-10] - Exploring exciting concept of raised town above wilderness forest, although essentially would sound something like simply rainforest canopy, really wanted to exaggerate proportions and play with interaction between rising stilts and forest below - lampposts, cyclists, birdhouses, etc.

Despina [11-12] - Really excited in sketching, to my perspective, cruise-ship inspired harbour city, as passenger and his camel are amazed by structures popping up high all around them - ship components such as funnels, waving flags and wooden boardwalks. Inspiration from Cardiff waterfront [collection of varying shapes and colours from different time periods], as well as Disney Cruise Line - intertwining traditional ship structure with colourful recreation facilities [huge contrast between multicolour and plain seawater].
 
 
 
Links - Carsten Holler's Test Site [2006, Tate Modern, London], rainforest canopy bridge, Disney Cruise Line [Fleet: 1998-2012]

2 comments:

  1. Hi Robin :)
    Looking promising... I am really drawn to number 13 at the moment, for the shapes involved. Don't forget that a thumbnail doesn't have to be a 'whole city' every time...you can explore a close-up of a pipe, for example, or just use a few strokes to work out the perspective. Think back to how Jordan changed the angle on his 'dude in a forest' sketch...literally, just a few brushstrokes.
    Looking forward to seeing your digital experiments :)

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  2. ...also, keep your thumbnails at a 16:9 ratio, as this will help them feel a lot more dynamic and filmic :)

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