The brief

Start a scrapbook, sketchbook or use a blog to document the visual world around you.  Find examples of visual language that interest you.  These could be taken from anywhere (art, film, photography, illustration, design, craft, cinema, hobbies etc.).  Reflect on what you have been collecting.  Are there dominant themes emerging?  You may find yourself interested in a particular area of design, era or design product.  What does this tell you about your own visual language and cultural awareness?

Visual diary of nature

I have been collecting pictures from nature for a couple of years now.  I usually photograph images that capture my attention whenever I travel to a new place.  I use these photos to draw in my sketchbook or “finish” the impression I see with a digital layer on top of the picture, as seen in figure 1.  I photographed dirt on a wall.  The big blob looked like a bird’s head with an open beak trying to catch an ant sitting on the wall.

I did this for fun, but it keeps my mind in creative mode.  Photos and drawings like this can be used in different ways. Here are a few examples of my pictures and how they can be used.    

The nature images in figure 2 can be used to draw an illustration (image 2).  First, I photographed the purple flowers (image 3) and then sketched them at a later stage.  Image 10 is a beautiful texture inside a boat, and image 11 is a texture on a wall.  Figure 3 below shows how I can use these textures on the text and the background.

Figure 4’s photos were taken from different geographical locations ranging from the bushveld (images 1 – 7) to the coast, and then any beautiful bloom always captures my eye.  The chameleon-textured skin can be used in Photoshop as a texture on text (figure 5).  This was done by using a clipping mask, increasing the saturation, and embossing the letters to create dimension and a leather feel. 

I used my visual diary (figure 3, image 2) as an inspiration for sketchbook paintings (figure 7) and the grass image (figure 3, image 1) for the grass combined with lettering (figure 8). 

Visual diary of cut-outs

The card-making in Part 2 raised my awareness of anything die-cut or folded.  I became more aware of how often cut images and paper crafts are used in window shops and displays.  Figure 9 shows a few examples of what I’ve seen while running my daily errands. 

Paper-cuts can be simple, as seen in figure 9, images 1 and 3, or they can have intricate edges and folds like the window dressings in images 4, 5, 6 and 7.  Even food can be used as inspiration for making a paper-cut, as seen in image 2.

Visual diary of packaging design

I collected pictures of packaging designs that were visually attractive.  I like label designs on wine bottles, gin bottles, coffee cups, candles, room scents and clothing.  I think these labels appeal to me because they are traditional, symmetrical and simple.  The paper is part of the design and contrasts with the smooth bottle.  All the materials are considered in the design process.  Most of the labels are black and white or have a subtle monotone.  Removing colour means that the image relies entirely on tone to describe light, shape and form.

I find that a warm-coloured cardboard background, as seen in the Motherland Coffee cup (figure 10, image 7), gives the design a friendly yet sophisticated feel.  The embossed gold label on the gloss glass candle holder (image 8) creates a luxury feel and reminds me of the Art Nouveau era.  The limited colour palette allows for the design to be intricate and still work as a whole.

Visual diary of illustrations

Most designs have an illustrative element, even if it’s just the lettering.  Although simple tones can look elegant and sophisticated, so can colourful illustrations fit the right mood.  Below (figure 11) is a selection of illustrations in my visual diary.

I enjoy bright colours contrasting with dark navy, greens, lively blacks, and browns.  The printed feeling of some of the above illustrations feels friendly, inviting and visually pleasing.  I like images of birds, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and food that convey an organic or earthy feel.

Visual diary of greeting cards and books

Whenever I see a beautiful or well-designed card, I take a photo for my visual diary.  I also keep images of attractive book covers, vintage lettering, signage and gift wrapping.  Paper shopping bags can also be cleverly designed and elevate a product’s shopping experience.

Overall, the dominant themes emerging are things from nature like birds, flowers, fruit, insects, and vegetables.  I am interested in book cover design, greeting cards, wrapping paper, packaging illustration and design.  

I am fascinated by the history and craftsmanship of art and design before the 1970s.  The hand-lettering from the 1940s and 1950s has an authenticity about it.  I love that era, which could be because of my interest in beautiful dresses and the period of well-dressed people.  My grandmother told me stories about that time after the war, which was difficult for most people, but there was also an appreciation for family.  It was a time of hope.