Bittersweet endings to a curious adventure.
Reflecting on the last term and the rolling out of the much anticipated Core Design project has stirred up some unexpected thoughts and feelings. Looking back at the beginning of term when we were meant to be in Swellendam on the Design and Ecology module but due to regulations, we instead got a headstart on the core design project based on the design research that was done.
Engaging with the design process to develop a campaign identity and creating content for the elements was both gruelling and rewarding at the same time. Going back and forth through the process to make sure each design decision was thought about and considered lead to some wonderful insights and results. Determined to continue my adventure of learning something new with every project, I decided to focus my primary campaign element on an illustrated story.
Illustration.
Oof.
While I’ve always enjoyed the art of typography, the tactility of packaging and the casual sketching in my downtime (that nobody but my houseplants see), I had never really considered myself an illustrator. So opening up my watercolours to illustrate immune cells and viruses was a little scary, but at the same time I was delighted to use some hand skills and get creative on paper again. After all the research and looking at references of current COVID-19 messaging, I chose to use a hand-rendered approach to contrast the flat and clinical messaging that was everywhere.
I also got to delve into some interesting copywriting and learned so much more about “Kaaps” (similar to “Kombuis” Afrikaans), the language of the Cape Flats, how it was developed and find ways of using it to reach an audience that is often marginalised by primarily English or “suiwer” Afrikaans. Through the design research I had learnt a lot more about understanding an audience and the importance of language in messaging, especially how much better information can be received when it’s relatable. It also made me reflect on my own heritage of being mixed race, raised by a Coloured mother and an Indian father and my sense of community. I found that talking about my research and project opened up amazing conversations with my family and friends and I was able to hear different perspectives on language in culture and belonging.
As I reflect on the last year, I’m somewhat overwhelmed by the leaps and bounds I’ve taken in my personal and creative growth. The briefs have been more engaging than I could have expected and the support from the lecturing staff, particularly Bruce and Lara, was truly outstanding. I feel very privileged to have been able to complete this year with their guidance and I doubt I would have made it this far in one piece without the feedback and process work.
Possibly the most challenging year I’ve had so far, working a full-time day job and undertaking this full-time course, I’m at a loss for words for the gratitude I have for my village. From the most supportive cheerleading partner, to family, friends I could vent to, helpful colleagues, students I could go to for advice and the gracious delivery guys who reserved judgment as they handed packages to a crazy hermit person, I am reminded of the words from our first research block week:
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”
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