T.M.Jackson

first attempt at illustrator

2009-09-08T22:00:00.001-07:00

this was my first attempt at teaching my self adobe illustrator,
hopefully i will soon be able to create attractive and interesting web page background and images

PROPOSAL

2009-09-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

The idea i have chosen for my final project is a realization of a lost identity. I was looking into the aspect of of finding deceased relatives and friends and then creating a webpage based around there lives in an attempt to show to the world of who they really were and how they can still show there identity even when they have passed on.

This showed a few draw backs and errors which would have made the entire project very dificult as the obvious lack of material at my disposal restricted my process, and wouldn't allow any complete new images to be made. Also last but not least i was afraid of not giving justice to the individual and having a backlash effect, only with more time could i even begin to grasp there true identity.

So now i created a new theme, i looked at inspiration from scifi cult classics, new generation ideas and run of the mill blockbusters. This would be a web page that the individual was involed in an acciendent, there memories lost, only an empty shell remains. Distant and confused they stumble back into there room. Objects and items trigger distant memories and flash backs. you the viewer is sucked into there lifes, exploring there life through there eyes.

This is my web site preview,
i wanted a structured (hierarchical) layout using an entrance page then moving on to a home or hub page. I chose this because i found it to be the simplest and most efficient layout available.

After an effective entrance page, i wanted to use a parallax gallery of a room to progress through the room up until the desk is highlighted and zoomed in on.

once at the desk each little symbol on the desk would change shape, dimensions or colour to indicate to the responder that it is a link were it will transport the viewer to a new preview image then onto the last discovered image.

So from the objects discovered on his desk, these would link to a distorted view of the object which would trigger the next phase (the memory). As you explore these images you begin to find out different aspects of his life wife, kids, work,etc. Then finally he realizes why he tried to forget then on the second home page there is a new icon on the desk, a small object (possible a pamphlet) that links in his memory and then the user has a chose to leave this life and forget or be brought back to it and try to fix it. the first attempt failed and then this would be the very last page, a split/forked road on which to go down fix the issues or just start again.

This is the sort of object i mentioned earlyer, obviously i would redo this image with a new frame and photo but the idea still serves. After clicking on this (flash or a colour change would indicate the link) it would then jump to the memory. For this example i wanted this happy photo then to be brought to an image or possibly movie of the two fighting or going through hardship. This is one issue i wanted to show 'that object can have different effects on different people'. The couple looks happy but the truth is the couple is on the edge of break up.

the image below is just a screen shot of Donnie Darko film webpage. i quite liked the set up/structure of a progression into the life of Donnie Darko and his unstable mental ability.

Analysis of a Web Page…..

2009-08-26T05:14:00.001-07:00

Analysis of a Web Page…..

One site that really grabbed my attention was a web site by a designer Timothy Hogan. He experiments in many different mediums such as fashion, cosmetics, accessories, photography and the list continues. The reason why this site attracted me was the element of display. The involvement of the viewer/responder into the art works and designs, also the way it tips the line of design and art, not just a simple catalogue of items but also an immersive collection of artworks.

www.timothy-hogan.com/

You will need to consider:

a. whether it falls into design and/or art;
The site primarily falls into the design category, used to depict the works and achievements of the designer but it is not purely used as a library of the items. The opening scene (fig.1) illustrates an image of passion and emotion, centering itself around one of his items of jewelry, foreshadowing the overall intended impact of the site. In utilizing this iconic imagery in the opening scenes this gives evidence for the webpage to be an expression of art rather than design. So in my opinion there is no single category it can fit into, as the site satisfies its need to display Hogan’s works but illustrates his creative nature. This page wouldn’t be described as a simple artwork or a basic design page, although it does curve to be more towards the design aspect.

(Fig 1)

b. why it does so;
A webpage falling into the category of an artistic page, can be defined as a site that satisfies the sense, both visually and/or auditory. In turn a so called ‘design’ page addresses a predetermined need/function to supply information, resources, retail opportunities, etc.

In principle this is a webpage that shows a selection of Hogan’s works and provides information on the designer. The site is very well structured and hierarchical, there is a constant menu for transit through the site and each image is clear and well presented. I believe that Hogan wanted the site to be able to be navigated effectively so that select information can be easily found so he kept this simple generic structure.

That is why I believe he approached the display of his works, uniquely. This shows depth and a new level to his works, while still maintaining the simple structure. I especially liked the image of the phone and the shoe(fig 2).

(Fig 2)

c. how it relates to other art/design forms on the web.

The comparison to other catalogues on the internet (e.g. other designers, etc) can be seen through this web page’s approach on capturing the viewer’s attention. There is a forced full screen view, over powering the observer demanding their attention, it is not simply asking for it. This technique blurs the line of art form and designs were other sites do not (Fig3).

For example a webpage that was very helpful:

www.Elliotjaysstocks.com

(Fig 3)

This webpage is certainly a design page as it is more of a promotional tool that a collection of works. The same sort of set up is used, structure, hierarchy progression, clear titles etc. But this lacks the aspects of a art form, some of which is incorporated into Hogan’s site but both lack the pure aesthetic influence of web art.

This is another page in comparison to both pages listed:
www.greyscale.com
This is an artistic site supplied by my teacher to help show the difference between design and artistic web pages. This page illustrates the work of an unknown artist through a linear progression(fig 4).

(Fig 4)

In conclusion, Timothy Hogan's webpage is a good example of a collection of works utilizing a simple/generic layout but has an emphasis on the display of his works and its layout. While not a dedicated artistic site it differs widely from common portfolio webpages.

class excersise

2009-08-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

Third Idea

2009-08-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

well on a slight slant on the previous comment, there could be a blank shell uploaded with the knowledge of another (perhaps deceased person or similar situation) then examines a room to explore there own identity through the object in the room to peace together there own being....

Another concept?

2009-08-24T06:19:00.001-07:00

well on a new completly new idea, i have always wanted to explore the effect of stolen identity.
not just he basic identity theft but also the fabrication of an identity and the barriers it can place on someone,

eventually it seems that if some one was to alter there own image/personality/likes/dislikes, etc then they would change who they are for in most cases there ideal person. Well the problem is what happens when the individual wants to become the very thing that they look up to?

or a better question, what if they could become that of what they have always dreamed??

What is identity?

2009-08-24T06:10:00.001-07:00

what is identity?
i have jumped straight into this project with out really looking at the definition or the exploration of the meaning of identity,

a dictionary describes identity as:

The collective aspect of the set of characteristics by which a thing is definitively recognizable or known: “If the broadcast group is the financial guts of the company, the news division is its public identity” (Bill Powell).
The set of behavioral or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable as a member of a group.
The quality or condition of being the same as something else.
The distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity; individuality.
Information, such as an identification number, used to establish or prove a person's individuality, as in providing access to a credit account.
Mathematics.
1. An equation that is satisfied by any number that replaces the letter for which the equation is defined.
2. Identity element.

egnoring the mathematical definition, "set of characteristics, that is recognizable" relates to my own understanding,

to me i believe that someones identity can be demonstrated through the relationships and interactions with others around a person, not just the characteristics they might possess,

so the real question is, how can i display this in an internet web page??

huskworks

2009-08-18T21:16:00.001-07:00

one web page i have always found helpful for any design or art project is www.huskworks.com. This is a blog styled webpage were new up coming artists publish there works on the internet.

identity crisis :D

2009-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Interesting article

2009-08-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

This is a very interesting article i found describing the portrayal of the identity. Although the individual predominantly is depicted through such mediums as MMORPG but i found it relevant as we are exploring identity via a digital source.

"In a very general sense, identity is the construction of oneself; in particular it is how one perceives and considers their self and how others think of them. Identity in the Internet is a difficult term to describe because it is ever changing. One's identity usually relates to their role or positions within a social structure but on the Internet individuals do not need to fulfill a role or positions to maintain the status quo.

What is unique about gender in the Internet is one’s ability to produce multiple identities through interactions in multi-user online games (MMOGS). Individuals have the opportunity to create Avatars (or Multiple Identities) and they can be as different from one’s true personality as they want. These gamers can communicate through their Avatars through online chat rooms and e-mail, the ease of this communication makes it very easy to develop another identity.

The virtual reality of the Internet creates a world where "there is no matter" (Barlow). This is unique in a world that is so focused on tangible items and gratification. As Barlow explains, in cyberspace "identities have no bodies" and essentially anyone can express themselves in anyway they want to.

In the tangible world so much of what people perceive of one another is based solely on appearance and the way people present themselves. In contrast, in the virtual world people can express themselves through their ideas and words and can, in essence, be anyone or anything they want to be. This intense freedom is easily taken advantage of in online chat rooms or dating services.

Many have argued that from the utopian point of view, the Internet presents an opportunity to participate in a judgment and discrimination free experience. This online experience is the only place where uses can feel comfortable in engaging in any form of behavior or experience they wish. In particular, people who in their real life are physically restricted by disability, gender, race, or sexuality. Commonly, people who must deal with these restrictions feel liberated when they are able to “participate” in acts that would otherwise be impossible in the real world. "

http://webpages.scu.edu/ftp/kquinnshea/identities2.html

Kentridge inspirationsssss

2009-08-18T01:19:00.000-07:00

this is just a reference to some inspiration i found of the artist William Kentridge, i found at the Schaeffer library at uni.

the 'State of Hope' section (below) is my favourite. To me it demonstrates the combination of technology and the human body. Since i have been thinking of the final design project to depict an idenitity of an individual using the internet, i found this quite fitting as the internet can never completly display a persons identity. Also i was looking at slightly older concepts for the design, possibly a old properganda poster or a 1950's pin up girl but with a twist

FIRST DRAWINGS :D

2009-08-11T04:51:00.000-07:00

these are my first drawings of the main link page (not the home page), and the proposed layout

2009-08-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

This show just a few more images of the ones i can use,

NOTE: there are many more than this :D

2009-08-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

ok so you know the theme and my idea,

well here is some of the images i could use in my web page, with many more to come,

let me remind you i have obtained permission from my family to use these images, and i continually check each completed image or design to make sure it is as accurate as posible in his portrayal of his identity.

There is an entire album of images i can use from his time in the war and countless others from his time afterwards,

I now that there is more to my grandfather than just his time in the war, but the memoirs i spoke of earlier were written as a gift for me to show the real face of war from his own personal accounts.

So i will use the images of his military days as a basis then continue on to expand on his other experiences and lifetime.

Initial concept??

2009-08-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

hello hello interested bloggers...

This is my first or initial concept for my whiz bang new site,

The theme is 'identity'.

This can be in anything from the identity of the planet down to the identity of an individual.

In viewing other past web pages demonstrating n cohorts identity i always found that there was some lacking in the identity of a select few.

A few years ago my grandfather past away, obviously this was a very sad time for my family, although recently my mother uncovered his memoirs and a large photographic album from his time in WW2 and his later life.

I thought in honor of him and his memory (with the express permission of my family) i could design a site which portrays his identity through a new medium which was unavailable to him,

the internet.........