Using our previous illustration, we had to work in pairs: we had to look at each others works and write a short story (one or two paragraphs) inspired by the illustration. After we had to illustrate this short story with 6 to 9 comic case. Once this was done, we would pin up the comics on the wall and try to find someone with a similar style to ours and create a poster mixing our drawings and theirs.
Same as the deconstruction lesson, we had to restructure an image following multiple steps. The goal was to literally illustrate someone else story with someone’s style. Though, being imposed a style was the most difficult part of the task, and it was tricky to create something of our own that would respect the other person’s style. It teaches you to try to think like the person who’s style it is and to understand their process of creation.
It was a radically different approach then the past lessons. It felt similar to a situation you could encounter during your professional life. It is often, if not mandatory to be able to understand how your client is thinking to be able to complete the gig they are hiring you for and satisfy their demand.
I had to (again) Let go of my previous structure and work habit. It was this time more about the narrative. With a limited amount of cases, each one of them had to be a strong image or have a strong impact.
I built my poster like the back cover of a comic book. With text in the centre of the page and a scene surrounding it. We could imagine that the monsters around the text are the threat surrounding the city and now a whole story can be created around this idea. The black and whist aspect of the comic strip inspired me too to choose a comic book type of poster. I’m actually satisfied about how it look like.
In conclusion, it was a very good practice, and interesting way to approach illustration.