I have developed ideas further applying the textured backdrop with lines and including a console silhouette. I think this simple approach to the design of these pieces strongly links back to Michael Paukner’s designs. This composition I have also put together works well balancing the text with the other visual principles in the piece. I intend to continue developing in this style of work and experiment with the block typefaces, as well as introducing facts about the consoles and the ideas I am promoting.

Here I’ve began to develop layering block shapes and lines in my designs, these continue to add aspects of Retro design and appeals towards a young audience.

Developing my ideas I’ve began using the textured backdrop which i experimented with earlier, placing shapes and block letters on top. This combination of these elements put together I feel links back to aspects of my artist research looking at Michael Paukner and Craig Ward as well as providing a Retro atmosphere in the design.

This is a photograph I took in a small alley outside the Whitechapel Gallery, the photographs of Lady Gaga has an 80s vibe reflected from it. The top two images reflecting punk culture which emerged infamously from the era, whereas the bottom images of the sunglasses reminded me of my exploration considering Geek Chic. I like how these four images have been combined together as a collective and each consist of the strong brand label Supreme, being an urban fashion label aimed at the young and alternative scene. I think in creating a brand label similar to this but linking back to the ideas of Retro Geek and Video Gaming, I can create a contemporary design that markets fashionably towards young people.

[Typography Cut-outs]

Below I have experimented with shapes and lines, using geometric shapes to create a potential typeface or brand logo. Aspects of Sci-fi and Geek culture link into this style of design.

To develop further ideas within my experimentation, I have looked briefly at the illustrator Ian Wright. His work here has been created using Hama Beads, each bead intricately acting as a pixel shape in his designs. I think there are successful aspects towards these pieces where he has created portraits and typography. I could potentially develop ideas based on Video game pixels and incorporate these within my designs and experimental pieces. 

My experimentation

Below I have experimented with Ian Wright’s Technique to create his designs using Hama Beads. I didn’t complete the portrait however as it was time consuming and difficult to piece together an effective pix elated image. My choice in the colour of the beads also did not emphasize the tonal shadings of my face and wasn’t successful as Ian Wright’s Jimi Hendrix portrait.

I have experimented here with a range of design ideas linked to my project, some of these have been influenced from aspects of my secondary research and artist studies.

I think the designs above are both quite strong as they stand out using bold shapes and block colours. The silhouette links back to ideas of pix elated video graphics in my research.

I think these designs above are quite weak as they have very few colours in which would add depth to the designs. The text white outline in the red design can be improved by perhaps introducing further colours and shapes to grab the viewer to the design.

Here I have developed more ideas using my primary photographs and experimenting with a range of mediums after researching my artists Michael Paukner and Craig Ward. Although these pieces are not directly linked and created within the artist styles I have researched, I have referred to other aspects of their work. From these pieces below I think that the layering of text and of images work well together and I want to continue this in my experimentation. 

To create designs and develop ideas for my project I have strongly considered aspects presented within my designs being aimed at an audience. I want to promote my ideas based on Retro Video Gaming, Geek Culture, and the concept of reviving the 80s for my Exploration and Discovery exam theme.

By making elements of the 80s fashionable again, my designs would have to cater for a young audience who tend to follow current changing trends, I want to do this by having references to information about the past using video game imagery and symbolic references will entice my audience in the idea of reviving an old era. My designs should continue being developed with a contemporary twist as well as retaining a familiar link to the topic I am promoting.