Logotype - context and images

Initial designs / mockups

Multicolumn grid - how text is spread out; columns could be spread out. For my designs I could play with the idea of reflecting columns possibly, or even duplicating text?

Designing with a ‘hang line’

Text hangs down from the hang line. I think for my approach I might experiment with the idea of having two sides to my designs, to mirror the theme of reflection having two images.

Stacking- lines going across and goes up; sense of order. Stacking is relevant to my designs as I could reflect the stacks on either side of say a poster or something.

For my context designs, I need to use the same rule that I applied to my typeface; this would involve me playing with the idea of repetition and duplicating images in order to convey a sense of reflection.

Playing with repetition of images 

I initially began by using an image of Laura Hindmarsh's piece which focuses on a theme of reflection; I decided to duplicate it in order to play with my theme of duplicated lines within my typeface. I like the distorted effect that this provided, as it added some depth to a poster design that would work nicely as a background piece. However, I decided to edit the image further so it wouldn't overpower the poster design. 

These two poster designs focused on a black and white approach, as I wanted to play with compositions first before adding colour. I found that in order to fit the text in the format, I had to cut the word 'contemporaries' in two; I'm not sure if this makes the type struggle with legibility? The only issue with this monochrome effect is that the typeface gets lost a bit in the background and isn't really clear; I do still want to make the image have a role in the poster as it communicates the artwork, but I think the image and text are battling a bit.

Adding colour 

I then added some colour to the poster designs in order to play around with alternative colour schemes and to place more emphasis on the typeface. I also played with the idea of reflection further on the left design, as I mirrored the type underneath and distorted it to provide a feeling of a distorted reflection. I think I prefer the left poster design as it looks more intriguing and fitted to an exhibition poster. The right design doesn't have the same distortion, and I think looks a bit flat; the image doesn't really compliment the type and the colours kind of blend into one. 

Using a split effect

These poster designs involve a split effect to play with the concept of mirrored images. I split the colours down the middle to provide a double image effect, which also gave me a rule of splitting the typeface also - this kind of distorts legibility, but I think visually it works well. The poster on the right also involves the '20' type to communicate the actual year of the event which is important in the infographics of the poster. Additionally, this poster has less of contrast between the two split sides of the poster, which kind of works better in making the type stand out. 

Basic mockup designs 

These quick mockup designs allowed me to position my typeface into the context of wall stickers. I think I prefer the bottom design in regards to how the title is positioned in the top right corner, however there is a risk of it feeling quite cramped. I don't think that my ligature design really works for the scale that its in, as I think including both the ligature and title on either side looks very professional. I definitely need to develop my mockup design further, as at the moment I'm not happy with the placement of the type. 

Crit Feedback 

I was suggested by people to do the following:

make the text bolder to stand out in the posters

use poster background as a design for vinyl?

some posters loose legibility 

increase line weight 

duplicate the logotype on the walls?

try overlaying the poster backgrounds over photos of exhibition 

flip images more

reflect the logotype

simplify