Get Crackin’
Looking back at the schedule I made for myself a few weeks ago, most of the work I have done thus far has been researching subject matter and gathering inspiration. I have done some image making and storyboarding, but I have been doing a lot more thinking than making. I have solidified some key constraints to move forward, but explaining them doesn’t do as much justice to my concept as visually showing them.
Next immediate step, I need to consolidate all of the thinking I have done into a finalized project brief. Once that is out of the way, I think it will be imperative to jump right into image-making and exploring styles and executions while this new, refined direction is fresh in my head.
I have been referencing paintings, costume design, set designs, illustrated posters, etc. from eras like Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism and Suprematism from all artists, not just the ones we know as masters. Here are some examples:
After talking with DJ in class, he brought up an interesting point about finding a balance between the two forces that are pulling the character in the video, which is having one choice, and having far too many choices. In a general sense, “Socialism vs. Capitalism.” This is the balance the main character needs, but can’t achieve. Being a Maximizer in Western Society, they know that there are very many options, and they want the best one. How do they come to a realization that a “good-enough” option will be the best one for them in the long run, saving them time and easing the stress they face during and after the decision-making process.
This tension between “too little” and “too much” is something I can play with visually to create a sense of ease or lack-thereof for the viewer. This will help connect them to what the character is facing in the moment of deciding between different options. How is the space of the screen being maximized by images and color when the character is at a decision point? How can the space become more balanced, offering the viewer and character moments of rest? How can the character be shown in a moment of rest, but the urge to maximize is still there? How does the character learn that maximizing is causing them to stress and miss out on potentially great opportunities?
With all this mind, it is time I get to cracking down on what this video looks like and how to get my message across visually.
