Body Modification / World of Suspension

"A Native American tribe called the Mandan first practiced suspension as a tradition marking the transition from boyhood to manhood. Tribe elders used handmade hooks to pierce the skin, then lifted the boys into the air using ropes. They'd hang like this, often for days. Those who could survive the ritual officially became men." (source)

It is interesting how a practice that is originally a tradition in another culture, can become an extreme activity that is now carried out in various locations in the West. For example the shop I have visited back home in Blackburn, Hex Piercing, has suspension events which gives individuals the opportunity to experience it.

I got in contact with Laura from Hex, to enquire whether I could take photos as my own primary research at the next event. Although I could find images online, this gives me the opportunity to record qualitative data that can give me a better insight into this activity, and provide a more personal account. 

She agreed that although there is no events coming up soon, she would keep me updated for the next one.

Creative Networks / Development

Idea 01 

Idea 02

We discussed potential ideas before separating to produce our own individual responses as initial ideas. These were then communicated and pitched determining which was the most effective and engaging design that could be translated into a substantial identity for Creative Networks. 

Idea one is a contemporary composition utilising minimal shape and type, showcasing the speakers name within a semi circle. This communicates a friendly and inviting tone of voice as the circle looks like a smile within the pleasant shape. The circle also reflects the Creative Networks logo. All information has a place, increasing interactive ease and legibility. 

Idea two utilises a striking rectangle within its composition hosting all of the relevant information on the event in one concise area again for ease of reading and legibility. In the background would be the speakers artwork or a photo of them for context. 

Idea two was the most appropriate to develop as it left an area for the speaker's imagery and the use of the rectangle was effective and easily allows the audience to read about the event with ease, whilst also showcasing fun splashes of colour and will be easy to translate through the collateral.  

Developing the concept

Myself and Rhys concerned ourselves mainly with the development of the print based promotional materials whilst Jack produced the moving image material. Through feedback, we were informed that the type hierarchy and use of the CN logo within the circular type was effective and looked professional whilst communicating a sense of creativity and fun. 

Due to having all the information within a concise rectangle we noticed that this can easily be translated into a flyer of the same shape, as though the rectangle can be removed from the poster as its own separate entity.  

Once the concept and overall appearance of the identity had been established, it was translated into a professional pitch to the team, utilising a colour scheme for each individual speaker, influenced by colour choices within the research stage. When paired with a full bleed image the colour pops out along with the details for the event. 

Creative Networks / Idea Generation

We conducted this stage of the development as a group. We each came up with ideas and reconvened and discussed. Rhys had produced an example of an idea in that we place all the relevant information on one area of the page, and also showcase a piece of work produced by the guest speaker. 

From this we all began developing ideas further. 

Jack's idea:

Jack's idea combined the classic colour palette of black and white whilst displaying information using a circle. This was a great idea as it is a way to communicate the word 'network' or 'connection', whilst adding an engaging treatment to the composition. 

I felt as though the circle and the rectangle could be applied together. I came up with these designs following on from the rectangle of information and circle design. I wanted to produce something engaging, colourful and also reflect a contemporary practice. I chose a 3D artist by the name of Zolloc as an example of applying different colour palettes to compliment each composition. Utilising the circle and placing the Creative Networks logo within it centralises the brand's identity and combines it with the select guest speaker:

Analysis 

We all agreed that the circle was an important article of the composition in that it reflects the 'connection' associated with connecting students with guest speakers, and also could represent Creative Networks as they are the company which makes these events accessible. The typeface Harbour is also a traditional looking slab serif which communicates a sense of establishment and credibility which is important to the professionality of the design - whilst the vibrant composition balances the formality. Univers is a great typeface to use for body copy and even display, as we were unsure of how readable the information is in the circle at first glance.

However, problems we thought we might face with these pieces are that out of the loop of graphic designers, will other students understand the aesthetic choices? The key to poster design is to deliver information to the audience in order for them to engage with the event, and so we decided to try and maintain the aesthetic we had developed, but create a layout that is easier to follow and read in our next developments.

Creative Networks / Research

Looking into past promotional designs for the Creative Networks events will determine the successful areas and also areas which can be improved, reflect on this and begin to use this research to generate a successful and unique concept for our own proposal.

2015/16 Cycle offers a clean and minimal approach to the events, which does not concern itself with a high level of decoration, rather it focuses on the information and minimal image. This collateral appears very sophisticated and clean through the use of the serif type, which matches the credibility and professionalism that should be associated with events held by high profile guest speakers. However, it does not offer much of a unique concept, rather just a breathable aesthetic that may be successful with delivering information but not so much with engaging an audience.

The cycle for 15/16 is successful in that it uses mixed media and treats each event uniquely, catering to the guest speaker's style to provide an engaging design for each individual poster, however this hinders the consistency of the promotional material as a whole, which may differentiate each event from Creative Networks as a whole. These designs also use the LCA logo as an element, combining this with guest speaker's work to integrate the College and Creative Networks as a single unit. 

This example which is also part of the 2014/15 is particularly striking through the use of large bright type, framing the image yet using techniques to highlight details. This definitely grabs attention which is crucial as the aim of the posters is to generate interest and attract plenty of individuals to the event. Although eye catching, this poster does not contain a lot of clear information on the event, i.e the location, time, or full name of the speaker - which is fundamental to a successful poster. It also does not have continuity with other posters from this cycle. 

Creative Networks / Brief

This brief is a live opportunity from the CCE team of Creative Networks. It entails the production of all the promotional material for high profile events within College for 16/17. Due to the high profile speakers who will partake in the program alongside many individuals who will be attending from a diverse range of locations, this brief seemed like a great opportunity to get work seen. 

The first stage of the brief is to determine who will be working with the team to produce the promotional material. Briefed by Joshua Edgington, those who will be completing this brief must produce two A3 posters which demonstrate their idea, and/or a moving image if desired. This will give an idea of how the materials would look, and determine whether the team like the idea or not. 

It was suggested that teams of 3/4 would be the most effective for the brief, and so I teamed up with Jack Solomon and Rhys Jones. We all have different specialisms to offer which provides a great group dynamic; Jack is highly competent with digital promotion, After Effects/moving image and considering the experience of the user / audience, whereas Rhys has skills in concept, branding and also offers an academic outlook. I have skills within print output, working strongly with poster and editorial design. We are also good friends and so this creates a relaxing and convenient setting to work.

Plan

The plan is to now begin to solve the brief by generating concepts and ideas which are appropriate, and then reconvene and discuss narrowing down our ideas to one focused concept which we can then develop further. We will also research into past Creative Networks promotional material to gauge what was successful with other entries. 

Body Modification / Research / Tattooing in the UK

Apparently, we still are not at the peak of tattooing yet in the West, as an article in the Telegraph predicts this won't be until 2025. source

Why has tattooing graduated from being associated with sailors, criminals and biker gangs, to trendy and so widely popular, especially with the younger generation?

"Tattoos, suddenly, are everywhere. According to one survey this month, a fifth of all British adults have now been inked (as contemporary usage has it). Among 16- to 44-year-olds, both men and women, the figure rises to 29%. Only 9% of over 60s have one, according to a survey of 1,000 adults by the Ask Jeeves website, but 16% of people aged between 30 and 44 have two. The survey, while not entirely scientific, is in line with a 2008 US study showing that 36% of Americans aged 18-25, 40% of those aged 26-40 and 10% of those aged 41-64 have a tattoo. America, Woody reckons, is "probably about a decade ahead in terms of popularity" source

"Once, this was a class thing: tattoos were for soldiers, sailors, bikers and criminals. Borderline deviant behaviour. Now the prime minister's wife has one (a dolphin, just below the ankle)."  source

Another driving force could be the rise of tattooed celebrities. Many individuals have certain idols they look up to, or see in the media being praised, or getting a lot of attention on social media such as Instagram. If these individuals have tattoos, such as David Beckham, this normalises the artform and places it in a new social position. Bands such as One Direction have an abundance of tattoos amongst them, which could be one of the driving forces in the influence of tattoos amongst the younger generation.

Ten years ago in the UK, there was around 300 tattoo parlours, now, there is over 1,500. There is no doubt that it is a growing business and the tattoo trend works directly in its favour.

Penguin / Initial Idea Sketches

Rough experimentation with texture (img 1) to replicate tire tracks. Creates impact with bold black colour and texture, represents the murderers driving away from the scene, and the tire tracks which can be found on the pathway leading to the clutter's house.

img 2 is experimentation with weapons, using knives and hand rendered type in a deep red. These would need refinement but communicate some of the ideas on the mindmap previously created for the brief.

Body Modification / History of Body Modification

In order to gain a wider understanding of the origins of body modification, I began to research into the history.

"Tattoos are believed to have originated over 10,000 years ago, and the oldest documented tattoo belongs to Otzi the Iceman who died in 3300 B.C and whose body was found in 1991. Tattoos depicting animals and mythical creatures were also found on the mummified bodies of ancient Egyptian people. It is said that some form of tattooing can be found in every inhabited place on Earth but that wasn't always the case."


"Body piercing is another popular form of body modification that has been around for thousands of years. Nose piercings were first recorded approximately 4,000 years ago in the Middle East, and are mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 24:22. Sometime in the 16 ^th century, nose piercing was brought to India from the Middle East. Nose piercings did not appear in the west until the 1960's when hippies traveled to India and brought the trend back to the states. Tongue piercings originated with the ancient Aztecs in the form of a ritual where the tongue was pierced to draw blood for the gods and to create an altered state of consciousness so shamans could communicate with the gods. Lip piercings were also popular among the ancient Aztecs, and were reserved for male members of higher castes. There are also numerous tribes throughout Africa in which pierced lips have a religious signifigance. Tongue piercings are now one of the most popular of all types of piercings. Ear piercings are thought to have originated for magical purposes. Primitive tribes believed that demons and spirits could enter a body through the ear, and these demons and spirits are supposed to be repelled by metal so ears were often pierced. In many societies ear piercing is also done as part of a ritual such as in Borneo where the mother and father each pierce one ear of their child as a symbol that the child depends on their parents. Body piercings, much like tattoos, are becoming more popular with modern culture, and new techniques and procedures are taking the art to a whole new level. Piercers now have the ability to insert surgical implants under the skin, pierce new areas of the body, and perform microdermal anchoring."



"Scarification is a form of body modification that is gaining popularity but is not yet as popular or well known as other types of body modifications. Scarification is defined as the creative or artistic application of scars in a controlled environment to achieve a desired result and appearance. Various types of scarification have been practiced for many years in many different tribes throughout the world but have only recently begun to gain popularity in the west. The goal of scarification is to get a raised scar called a keloid scar, which gives the design a three dimensional appearance. Scarification is most often times used as a rite of passage whether it be during a tribal ceremony, or a personal experience. There are various types of scarifications and different procedures are used to achieve different results. Branding is a type of scarification in which heated metal is applied to the skin to create a serious burn which eventually becomes a scar. While scarification is growing in popularity, it is still not a well known procedure and should be performed by a qualified artist."


source

Penguin / Non-Fiction / Idea Generation

After researching the case, I started to just brainstorm different objects and themes associated with the story, which could be used on the cover design. It must be very iconic and relevant to the book, and be able to leave an impression as a classic.

I also need to consider the audience. The judges are looking for a design which attracts a new generation of readers. This must be taken into account as if it looks out of date, it may not appeal to the younger audience; but it should also still look timeless.

Penguin / Non-Fiction / The Clutter Family Murders

To begin this brief I felt I should have some knowledge of the book's content. When I was younger I watched a film adaptation 'Capote', however my memory is hazy and films do not always represent the novel.

The Clutter Family Murders

Two prisoners by the names of Richard Eugene Hickock and Perry Edward Smith were told by a fellow inmate who worked for the Clutter family that they were wealthy. Upon their release from prison Hickock and Smith planned to perform a robbery on the family home.

"They went to the Clutter home outside of Holcomb, Kansas when four of the six family members happened to be home. Once entering the home, they realized that there was not a safe which contained money, they awoke Herb Clutter. Mr. Clutter gave them the little cash he had and said there was no more. They aroused the remainder of the family and again searched the house, confirmed Clutter’s story for themselves. They ransacked the entire house getting no more than roughly fifty dollars, a pair of binoculars and a transistor radio. Once the two had all they could find and assuming that Herb Clutter wasn't volunteering the information of where the cash was stored, executed in cold blood all four family members.

When officers arrived, Herb Clutter, 48, lay sprawled on a mattress in the basement, stabbed, his throat slashed and a shotgun charge fired to his head. He wore pajamas. His hands were bound and his mouth was taped shut. On a couch in an adjoining room was 14-year old Kenyon Neal Clutter, bound, gagged and shot in the head. In separate upstairs bedrooms were the bodies of Mrs. Bonnie Mae Clutter, 45, and Nancy Mae Clutter, 15. Mrs. Clutter was bound and gagged, Nancy only bound. Each had been shot in the head."

Details of the murder are important in establishing what will be on the cover. The cover must represent that it is a crime non-fiction book, without being overkill. A level of sophistication and subtlety will be what I am aiming for this project. There must be a sense of discomfort, without pushing it too far.

I began to look into images related to the case that could be used.

Herb, Bonnie, Kenyon and Nancy Clutter.

Entrance to the Clutter residence, the Basement and Bedrooms where the bodies were found. 

All of these images due to the time period they were captured and the lack of quality technology, have an old finish to them, encapsulating the mood for the book. It looks eerie, uncomfortable and unsettling. 

Penguin / Existing Covers

Some existing covers for In Cold Blood, to gain perspective on what has already been done, and to gather ideas. 

Realistic footage of the place where the murders happened, where the Clutter family lived. 

Use of blood splatters as the letterforms O. Quite abstract, bright coloured and grabs attention. Red is an important colour for crime/murder related novels, should this be explored or avoided? 

Strong, large serif type. Has a classic feel, representing the time period of the murder. Impactful type grabs attention on a shelf and ensures readability from afar. Retro colour palette.

Use of the murderers harsh feature - the eyes. Eyes are very emotive, so this captures the intensity of the novel successfully. Dark colours communicate the sinister tones, and capitalisation also heightens this, with a sense of volume, taking up most of the space. 

Through research it is clear that there is running themes with previously designed covers, it will be up to myself whether to take an abstract route like last year, or design something more obvious yet still conceptual. 

Penguin Design Award / Brief

Adult Non-Fiction Cover Award

We are looking for a cover design which breaks boundaries in the same way that the book did. It should be bold, maybe even shocking, yet remain true to the book, reflecting both its literary merit and its chilling content.

Your cover design needs to include all the cover copy supplied and be designed to the specified design template – B format, 198mm high x 129mm wide, spine width 20mm, incorporating all the PENGUIN branding and all additional elements such as the bar code.

What the judges are looking for

We are looking for a striking cover design that is well executed, has an imaginative concept and clearly places the book for its market. While all elements of the jacket need to work together as a cohesive whole, remember that the front cover must be effective on its own and be eye-catching within a crowded bookshop setting. It also needs to be able to work onscreen for digital retailers such as Amazon.

The winning design will need to:
have an imaginative concept and original interpretation of the brief
appeal to a contemporary readership
show a good understanding of the marketplace
have a point of difference from the many other book covers it is competing against

Copyright must be cleared for all images used in your cover design and you must include a credit line on the back cover of your design for any third party images used. For example: ‘Cover photograph by Joe Bloggs’.

Brief Analysis

I have chosen to submit for the non-fiction cover award this year, as I enjoy working with publication covers, and due to my interest in crime/serial killers, I know this will be enjoyable and complies with my interests and level of comprehension/research I will naturally do into the book/crime case. I learned last year that it is a challenge to rework a classic novel, and would like to attempt this again as an evolving designer. 

Concept is key for this brief, and will lead the direction of the design I will produce. It is important to experiment and enjoy the process but also remember that this is a competition and consider what the judges are looking for. 

Body Modification / The Lizardman

After emailing the Lizardman, he did, in fact, reply with his opinions on what body modification means to him:

I can now use this as informative material from a credible source within the publication. The Lizardman has his statue in almost every Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, alongside featuring in their books, so he is an excellent source of knowledge about body modification.

Body Modification / Participants

Isobel Varley

I asked my friend who is currently working as a tattoo apprentice in Burnley if she knew of anyone who has been extremely modified, in order to ask some questions for the publication. She did say that her boss was good friends with the UK's most tattooed woman who unfortunately passed away last year. She sent me some images that could be useful for the publication which will need permission to use.

The Lizardman

I found the Lizardman's website and since he is one of the most famous cases of extreme body modification, I sent an email to him requesting an answer to a question regarding modification. If he was to reply this would add credibility to the material I am collating.


"Hello,

I'm a third year graphic design student studying at Leeds College of Art, and I'm currently undertaking a project which addresses extreme body modification in western culture, bringing a positive light on the subject. I want to add quotes and interviews within the publication, and would love to feature a quote by you.

The question is "what does modification mean to you", this can be a quick or long answer, and it would be excellent if you could reply."

Sacred Electric

Sacred Electric is a tattoo studio in Leeds centre which I have visited myself previously. The art that is featured within their flash relates to the name 'sacred', and frequently includes tibetan and religious inspired designs. I emailed the studio to enquire whether artists who work there would be interested in answering some questions and letting me take a few photographs within the store whilst it's running.

Body Modification / Extreme cases

In the world, there are certain cases where individuals have gone to the extreme to stray away from the natural human form and even attempted to resemble animals and other creatures as a form of expression and a way to show who they are. I researched into some famous cases of extreme modification to gain a wider understanding of those who have modified their body in the western world and have gained media attention due to it.


Lizard Man

"Erik "The Lizardman" Sprague is a pioneering figure in body modification & modern sideshow.

For over 20 years he has exhibited his modifications and performed an extensive repertoire of sideshow stunts around the world.

The Lizardman is a Guinness World Record holder and Ripley's Believe or Not has installed statues of him in their museums worldwide." (source)


Stalking Cat

"Dennis Avner (August 27, 1958 - November 5, 2012), was a member of the furry fandom who was widely known as the Catman, though he preferred his Native American name, Stalking Cat. Cat had spent considerable resources to surgically modify his body to resemble that of his totem, a tiger. He claimed that this was due to his traditional Native American beliefs." (source)

Lucky Diamond Rich 

"Lucky Diamond Rich, or just Lucky Rich (born Gregory Paul McLaren in 1971), is a New Zealand man who is "the world's most tattooed person"

Rich was born in New Zealand. As a young boy, he read about and became interested in the most tattooed men and women. It did not go much further than just a thought until he got his first tattoo, which was of a small juggling club on his hip.

He went on to tattoo every part of his body including every crevice and intimate area. He has tattooed some white over his black tattoos and added colour. His tattoos have taken over a thousand hours to ink, and have been worked on by hundreds of tattoo artists" (source)

Isobel Varlery 

"Isobel Varley (1937 – 11 May 2015) was a Guinness World Records-recognized tattooed senior, from Yorkshire, United Kingdom. She was first named "the world's most-tattooed senior woman" in 2000. Varley got her first tattoo in her late 40s at a tattoo convention at the Hammersmith Palais.[1][4] According to Guinness over a ten-year period, Varley had over 200 designs inked, covering at least 76% of her body in tattoos. She reported that "the only areas not completely tattooed is my face, the soles of my feet my ears and some area on my hands." (source)

Mariá Jose Cristerna Mendez 

Known as the "Mexican Vampire Woman," she has 49 body modifications, covering almost her entire body with ink, piercings and implants.

Cristerna told media outlets she first began modifying her body after finding the courage to leave her abusive husband of 10 years.

"All I did was bring what was in me out. It's what I always was beforehand," says Cristerna in the video below. "I could breathe, as many women can breathe when they wake up in the morning and have a coffee without feeling as if someone is going to squeeze their throat."   

Body modification / Brief

Brief:

The world of body modification has multiple semantics and reasonings attached, and not everyone understands why someone would wish to ink their body or split their tongue in half. There is also a rich history of modifying the body which can be related to tribes or religious ideologies. Throughout this brief, you must research into this phenomenon that has become a very integral part of modern society especially in Western civilisations. Produce a piece of graphic design which articulates and compiles this information in order to inform and educate others, and change perspectives on body modification.

Background / Considerations:

How will this research be collated, and will there be participation from individuals who can give an insight into their opinions on modification? How will this information be presented? It will be crucial to consider tone of voice throughout, and be aware of how people will be portrayed - it is important that the response is positive and sends a beneficial message to the audience.

Target Audience:

This must be considered throughout the process of this brief. The target audience will be a range of adults between 18 - 40 years old, however appealing to those even older would be more challenging yet rewarding as it is usually older individuals who may not have the most positive outlooks.

Deadline:

This brief must be completed within 4 months.

Extended Practice / Statement of Intent

During the course of Extended Practice I plan to produce a variety of work, manly focusing on editorial and brand identity in order to explore the prospect of these areas being my specialisms for after university.

I will create a time plan to be as organised as possible, making it easier to complete projects by planning ahead. 

During Extended Practice I aim to create my own magazine as part of a brief, through research into potential niches and gaps in the market, and see if this can take route after the module is over. 

I plan to increase my confidence and skills within communication and contacting individuals for research and connections.