Product / Context / Function Task

I tried to complete this task without using the internet so that it forced me to go out and find things in my surroundings, whether this be in my house or out in the world. I couldn't avoid the internet altogether though because one key place where illustration exists is online. All other photographs or scans are my own though. 

Character and Narrative

Animated films on Netflix

Context: These illustrations appear online on Netflix and have been designed to fit in this format. I imagine the DVD cases for these films would have similar designs but would have to exist within a portrait format instead.

Function: To get across the theme of the film and give a little bit away about some of the content, but not so much to spoil the film itself. 

Graphic Novels

Context: Characters exist within a story which is told mainly through visuals in the format of a book. Books like this can be found in comic shops, book shops, libraries, etc... Artwork from books like these often gets turned into merchandise in the form of other products. 

Function: Characters must be distinctive so they can be recognised in different images. Their appearance usually reflects aspects of their character and position within the story. 

Food Packaging - sweets

Context: Supermarkets, newsagents, other shops. Specifically in the confectionary aisle, this example was placed on a low shelf so it was clearly visible to children and within their reach. 

Function: To attract children and make the sweets appear as playful and exciting. 

TV Series - The Simpsons

Context: I found this copy in the library but they would normally be found in shops. The principle of choosing a film to hire or buy is still the same though in either location. 

Function: To appeal to a certain audience and make it clear that this DVD clearly is art of The Simpsons series. The metallic casing suggests that this is some kind of special edition or box set - something worth buying. 

Apps - doodlejump

Context: This app appears on a phone screen so has to work within that portrait format. I imagine this would also be available for tablets such as iPads which would mean that the graphics would need to work on a bit larger scale as well.

Function: To get people addicted! It has a very simple design and concept to the game which keeps people hooked. The images used for the various components of the game are easy to understand and suggest playfulness and excitement. 

Product and Packaging

Food Packaging - everyday essentials porridge oats

Context: In the supermarket.

Function: The packaging simply illustrates the most common thing that people would use this ingredient for, which is porridge. The image used is kept very simple, fitting in the 'basic' and plain feel of the product. This illustration is more functional than anything, it is not pretending to be something its not. 

Ceramics - campervan mug by Jam Tart

Context: This product would possibly exist in a homeware shop, gift shop, department store, surf resort/beach shop or at events where the camper van would be desirable such as a camping and caravanning show. 

Function: Does this have a function other than to decorate? I suppose its aim is to appeal to a certain audience, most likely females by the use of the pink. 

Tote Bags - Nation of Shopkeepers

Context: This is a free tote bag I received at a freshers fair. 

Function: To promote and advertise the Nation of Shopkeepers. As it as given out to people new to the city, it may provoke some thought about what places are around that you could visit. 

Costume and Decoration - Halloween in Home Bargains

Context: Bargain shops, these were specifically at halloween time. 

Function: To attract children (mainly) but also adults who want to decorate their home for halloween on a low budget - although this would still probably be for the interest of children. These products as a whole also function by keeping the shop up to date with current events. 

Drinks labels - Old Rosie Cider 2L Bottle

Context: On a large cider bottle, this was brought from a supermarket but I actually first saw the illustration on a pump at the bar of a pub. 

Function: This bottle label needs to be able to be connected with the label which appears on a bar pump because people may see this in a pub or bar environment and then want to purchase some for themselves from an alcohol shop or supermarket. The colours evoke a sense of indulgence and warmth.

Publishing and Book Design

Political cartoons - Britain and China's trade deals by Steve Bell

Context: This appeared on the Guardian website, a lot of people choose to read the news online now and not buy a paper copy. 

Function: Expresses an opinion about a current topic without the need for any written explanation. This could accompany an article if the same opinion was shared between image and writing. 

Instruction Manuals - Car manual

Context: This illustration was from a car manual. 

Function: To clearly outline an action that needs to happen. The words and images need to work together to give the most detailed and clearly understandable description of a process. This is a technical piece so the drawing is not overcomplicated and is very informative.

Magazines - Frankie

Context: Cover of a creative magazine, found in the college library but could also be found in book shops, magazine shops or centres of creativity. 

Function: To have a hand crafted aesthetic, inspire creativity and appeal to a female audience with the subject matter and selection of colour. 

Books in Education

Context: Library, book shop, cover is also used as product image on websites like Amazon.

Function: To show the topic of the book as being about design, drawing and illustration. A creative design to mimic the creative content inside. 

Kindle Ebooks - children book - Grandpa's Great Escape

Context:  Nowadays books exist online as much as they do in print so the book cover design often needs to be suitable for screen as well. This is a children's ebook found on Amazon.co.uk. 

Function: Give a sense of the story through image and suggest what the plot is about. Evoke a feeling of excitement and adventure. Must appeal to children and seem appropriate to parents as they will most likely be the ones buying it due to online payment methods. 

Editorial and Reportage

Editorial illustration - YOU Magazine

Context: This is an illustration accompanying a magazine article about skin care and makeup, taking tips from the French.

Function: It gets across a notion of elegance, sophistication and a 'woman who has her life sorted'. It also needs to get across the French theme which is done with the use of the french dressing table and representing the woman as a stereotypical elegant and stylish Parisian lady. The illustration is trying to sell this lifestyle to its readers. 

Editorial illustration - nytimes.com - Robert Neubecker

Context: This was an online article accompanied by an editorial illustration by Robert Neubecker. It appeared in the travel section of the New York Times website. 

Function: The article was about selling surprise vacations, where people book a holiday but don't get told the destination until just before they are about to leave. The illustration needs to function as an exciting, mysterious image with a sense of adventure and surprise. 

Tesco Magazine article - Illustrations by Andrea Turvey

Context: Illustrations accompanying these bitesize mini-articles about a variety of topics. This appeared in Tesco magazine in the food and living section. 

Function: The idea for this page is to have mini articles which are so quick to read that you can get through them all in one tea break. It appeals to a female audience with the colour selection and conveys the idea of a 'break' with the subject matter of tea and biscuits but also the relaxed, playful style of drawing. 

Editorial illustration - Neil Webb

Context: Illustration accompanying a magazine article about heating your home in winter by Neil Webb. 

Function: The caption in the bubble says 'It is the homeowner's responsibility to keep their home in a good state of repair' so the illustration needs to show that if you look after your home, it will look after you. It needs to incorporate the idea of temperature, whether this be cold, warm or both, depending on how they are used. It needs to encourage people to take action. 

Reportage Blogs - Scribble My Street (Liz Ackerley)

Context: This is an online blog where reportage artist/illustrator records her up to date work. 

Function: To inform people about what she has been doing, capture experiences and record her impressions and understanding of the world around her.