STING - First scene test. I can animate. Hire me now.

• Couldn't seem to get the timing just right yet. It could be longer since the scenes were happening a tad bit too fast for people to understand what's going on.

STING - Sound Testing with Premiere Pro

• I quite like the convenient use of After Effects. Though I am not quite satisfied with its audio settings. 
• Personally I am more comfortable using with Premiere Pro. But for this sting in particular it is very helpful in terms of layering sounds/sound effects 

STING - animating is hard

• Did a little testing here and there with short dissolving animations and transitions

• Quite satisfied with how the sound effects of the footsteps and scribbling turned out (all originally recorded and made by myself)

STING - Storyboarding

• Feedbacks: simple animation + combination of simple sounds, extension of a GIF?Subtle movements

• From the suggestions, I would perhaps try out a scrolling sequence of the prints I made, with subtle movements and the little Murakami walking by

• Sound wise, I have started to record my own sounds of everyday moments (traffic, foot steps etc), though I might look into some jazz instrumentals as it suits Murakami's interest/tone of voice

PRINTED PICTURES - Presentation 

ISSUN BOSHI

• This is actually one of my favorite picture book. The hardback cover makes it much more satisfying when reading through the book, like a steady hold

• Visual and text wise it is very coherent with the words incorporated within the pictures. I quite like that they left the very first page and last page one block color with brief text on it/blurb

RISE AND FALL

• In terms of packaging it is quite simple. However it works well with a panorama concertina as it flows through seamlessly 

• I initially came across this in a gallery gift shop. The paper stock is quite thick, I am assuming it was card paper? Though it keeps the concertina sturdy

• It is also interesting to see a little instruction at the beginning on how the concertina should be read as well as the author's biography at the last page

STING - Sound Study

Sound effect for title - crows and a simple blade cutting through when the fog
animation came in

Sound effects - rustling wind, traffic 

NOT TODAY Animation Log - Kiera

Video link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7wU-sXbEZE

• The soundtrack is quite simple, using short sound effects to emphasize the movements/animation. This method is quite effective as it lets the audience focus on the animation/visuals 

Studio Ghibli Nisshin Commercial (2012)

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMiyCM3Q0Hg

• The soundtrack is more of a jingle. The simple animation accentuates the lyrics which relates to the product they are selling: Nisshin food.

•  I personally wouldn't have lyrics in my STING, however I think that I would experiment with jazz instrumentals, having some tones or melodies synchronized with the movement.

STING - people are very creative.

Emphasizing sounds. Sound effect for snow, but actually it's sand.

The Magic of Making Sound - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO3N_PRIgX0

• A short video about creating sound effects for movies using ordinary elements. It's all about trial and error as well as imagination

• I am looking into creating my own sound effects of every day things to accompany the movement. I intend on keeping the animation simple with subtle movements and everyday sounds that would communicate life and things mundane

PRINTS - there are more failures than successes :/

• Initially I thought of using lino prints, though it didn't work out as well as I thought it would. Though I really like the textures, it gives a rather authentic/organic feel

• I realized that I had quite a few layers in my design and it works better with screen printing since I could use halftones and overlaying

PRINTS - Concept change  

• The individual print designs weren't working out so well as they seemed very different from one another

• I then thought of focusing on one concept: landscapes and sceneries. Which perhaps would work more as a series and it suits Murakami's tone of voice

Inspiration

ANIMATED SHORTS? STING? - After Effects

Blood Sweat & Tears Animation Log - Kiera
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnDLt1tdPMs&t=63s

• The artist stated that she mainly uses Photoshop for her illustrations and occasionally After Effects. However she use Premiere Pro to piece her animations together.

• A distinct element to her work is that she plays around a loop (gifs on Photoshop). Though I really find the minimal movements and subtle sound effects interesting. Her animations are rather atmospheric. 

Fluffy Touch Collection Japan. Mobile advertisement 

for a clothing line - Gu, Okuyama Yoshiyuki

http://www.gu-japan.com/feature/cozyretro/

• I am unsure if this is made in After Effects. However the use of collages and looping is clever. The short, choppy movements work with the aesthetics of collages and paper cut outs. 

• They effectively used the model as the main subject repetitively and has the most movement, leading the eyes of the audience. Song wise is very catchy and upbeat, grabbing people's attention.

Monsters, Inc. Title Sequence, Disney & Pixar (2001) - Geefwee Boedoe
Animation - Patrick Siemer
Soundtrack - Randy Newman
http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/monsters-inc/

"...A hybrid between cut-out animation versus digital...It was the first time Pixar had ever used off-the-shelf software...we did it on a Mac with After Effects and Photoshop!" - Geefwee Boedoe, 

• The combination between analog, hand drawn paper cut-outs and digitally animating it with After Effects is interesting. There is still this organic touch to the images. 

• The way the animated images were in sync with the music is rather important and emphasizes the flow/mood -the very first scene with the blue doors. 

• I'd also like to learn more about camera movement -panning, zooming in and out

PRINTS - Lino printing. Do I like it?

• Quite like the off-prints and the textures. I might experiment with the paper stock next time since the difference between normal cartridge paper and the shoji paper is interesting. I got a more grainy texture from the later. 

• I might also implement more patterns and mark making since it turned out well through lino print in comparison to the more minimal composition.

Prints! - Virginie Morgand
Clients - NY Times, Loccitane, ELLE, Le Meridien, Champs Elysées Film Festival & many more. 

La Piscine n°9. 3 colors screen print. 20x30 cm.

Edition of 100, numbered and signed.

• Her prints are very striking in terms of color and shapes which stands out. Her illustrations are coherent and easy on the eyes. She overlays her prints and creates this interesting shadow, depth/value. 

• Her clients are mainly editorial companies/magazines. Since her work would go alongside text, the simplistic illustration juxtaposes the heavy lettering of the article.

Umbrellas (crowd in n. 4) 3 colors screen print. 50x65 cm.
300 gsm Fedrigoni paper. Edition of 100, numbered and signed.

        http://virginie-morgand.com/

Prints! - Christian Montenegro

4 Gatos. Silkscreen print. 2 colors.
20x20 cm. Signed and numbered. 

4 Gatos. Silkscreen print. 2 colors.
20x20 cm. Signed and numbered.

• He uses such simple colors, which is very effective and work up to the frame. It is also very neatly presented as he keeps a border around his prints so it could be framed with his faintly written name beneath. 

• Compositionally, the fitted illustrations work very well. The strong shapes and bold colors bring the whole illustration out. Despite the lack of white space, the print isn't overwhelming as the block colors compensates for it.

Cocorococó. Silkscreen print. 2 colors. 23x23 cm.
Limited edition of 50 copies.
Signed and numbered by the artist.

http://christianmontenegro.com.ar/kind/prints/

Prints! - Sonnenzimmer 
Nick Butcher & Nadine Nakanishi

Chicago > Shanghai. 22 x 28 inches.
edition 200, signed and numbered. 13 color
screen print, gold foil stamping.
Client: China Eastern Airlines and Golden Arm
(2016)

• Sonnenzimmer are made up of two artists based in the US. Their clients are mainly institution, a few publications, the music industry and non-profit organizations. However almost all of their prints are posters for events.

• They work with 3 or more colors for their screen prints, creating various overlaying effects and flat designs. Though what I find interesting is how they are quite experimental and diverse, depending on their client. Some of their posters can be rather texture driven and uncontrolled, though others could be more delicate with minimal shapes, softer tones and line work.

Bitmap in Public March 2014. 18 x 24 inches.
edition 65. 4 color screen print. Client: self-initiated.
(2014)

http://www.sonnenzimmer.com/

Idea Pictures - I am indecisive part 2

• Feedback: good use of minimalism, coherent and use of space, composition. Improvements? Maybe refine them with Illustrator?

• I tried to work digitally and it turned out better than the actual paper cut. It is easier to create more symmetrical and clean shapes. Despite having a more flat design, I could still see a few textures and overlapping of papers. But there is something about this set that looks quite lacking?

Idea Pictures - I am indecisive

Rough sketch

• I am quite torn between two designs. After several crits and feedbacks, both seem to work as editorial illustrations. Though I think that they are two very different things:

• The first is more narrative driven and suits the tone of Murakami's writing, softer/somber. It is quite risky to go for a single image as a set?
• the other is more abstract, scenic, graphic-like and bold in terms of colors.

• I am also conflicted as to whether I should keep the paper cut texture or work digitally so the shapes would be more concise.

Roughs

Editorial Illustrator - Jun Cen 

Making House: Notes on domesticity (digital)
- The New York Times

Editorial 2015, The New York Times

• He uses quite a lot of metaphors and symbolism, which is quite subtle unless time was taken to properly 'read' these illustrations. His illustrations shows a lot of narrative though it isn't straight forward, yet slightly vague. The mystery is an interesting element and catches the audiences attention. 

• His use of colors are also minimal though some are very bold and strong. It is very easy on the eyes and allows more focus on the imagery.

• He uses a few texture and values as well as mark making. I am not quite sure whether it is digitally made or traditional then scanned in (?) His use of colors, scale and value adds depth. Also the organic look works well. 

• Though his tone of voice is quite clear from his use of soft colors and print-like texture. Though his imagery is rather powerful and stimulates discussion/thought from the audience. I myself thought 'that was clever' or 'I didn't think about that.'

www.cenjun.com

Editorial Illustrator - Matt Rota

Boston Globe - setting violent prisoners free

• His illustrations are very bold and impactful. He uses a lot of reds, though his images are quite detailed and the line work is rather intricate.

• Though some of his works leans towards realistic imagery. Though he doesn't really use symbolisms nor metaphors. He is rather straight forward with his illustrations. However he explores a lot of space and composition, which is more dynamic and emphasizes the mood. (Boston Globe illustration: adds tension with the play of scale and color) 

• The combination of pen marks and digital coloring works well and keeps the illustrations contained, clean. Though it is balanced out by the line work and shading. It is quite different in comparison to other editorial illustrations that I have seen, which uses more block colors and minimal. 

Vice - Uganda's Chinese growing population

http://www.mattrotasart.com/

About the Author - Zine completed!

• Feedback: atmospheric, visual metaphors, quotes to evoke emotion and research came through the visuals. Improvement? More about the author, attention to drawing style to help communicate tone?

• I thought that it was quite a good start to this brief. It's good to see that the main visual elements and message were successfully communicated. I agree with not illustrating enough on the author. There wasn't much on Murakami as he is a rather reclusive man. 

• I mainly focused on the world of his books and illustrate elements from his quotes. There were a lot that he discussed through his writings, such as wanderlust, alienation, disappearing (?) and generally gloomy concepts. Though I would have liked to look more into him as an author and a person. Perhaps I would carry this on with the other briefs. 

About the Author - Haruki Murakami 

Quotes

"A sump of a city slushed with sunken souls." - Dance Dance Dance 

"The human heart is like a night bird. Silently waiting for something, and when the time comes, it flies straight towards it.” - Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki

"Some things in life are too complicated to explain in any language.” - Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki

"What happens when people open their hearts?' They get better.'" - Norwegian Wood

"Sometimes fate is like a small sandstorm that keeps changing directions" - Kafka on the Shore

His words are very descriptive and he had once mentioned that he does not like symbolisms as it is 'dangerous'. I wasn't particularly sure what he meant by that, though perhaps symbolisms could be rather vague and interpreted differently depending who/how the reader interprets them. 

Instead he uses similes and metaphors alike. In terms of visually depicting metaphors, it might be quite a challenge and try not to illustrate generic things, concepts. Since Murakami's writings is very surreal and unconventional. 

Motifs

•       Loneliness/Alienation

•       Running water (shishi-odoshi)

•       Human connection/Life journey 

•      Disappearing women (strange but this constantly appears in his books?)

•   Gender/Sexuality (mostly in Dance Dance Dance)

Kafka on the Shore - visual snippets

Murakami was born during one of the darkest times –in Kyoto, WWII 1948. Those times were when they were bombings and war from America. It was the age of destruction and utter bleakness. It is understandable if he often surrounds his writings on such dark themes, as it is a reflection of himself and his views.

In reference, I was brought up my whole life in an Asian culture, it is understandable that he prefers a life of solitude. We are constantly pressured by society to thrive to be successful through conventional means –become doctors, businessmen. Perhaps unlike Western society where they tend to have a more collective society, Asians are more individualists to some degree (survival of the fittest)

With these keywords, I could think of generic concepts of minimalism, simple monotones. However, Murakami’s book also covers a lot on music, as he personally was greatly inspired by jazz, baroque and classical music. I could picture a hint of abstract/surreal vibes.

Characters

These characters are all different, but very real. They convey every flaws of a human being. From insecurities of youth to ego –loneliness, self-doubt, arrogance, fear, lust, unrequited love, wanderlust etc.

- Toru Watanabe (+30 years old)

- Tsukuru Tazaki

- Satoru Nakata 

- Kei Akamatsu 

- Yuzuki Shirane

- Kafka (15 years) 

He personally stated that he sees himself as an outsider to his own country. Perhaps he isn’t the ‘ideal’ Japanese man –have a well paying job as a doctor or a businessman, a family and a house etc. Asians in general are also not taught to be outspoken or express themselves freely and greatly respects elders. We are taught to have class system: senior and junior. Especially know there are often conflicts between seniors and the younger generation.

Locations

- Urban city (Tokyo): Neon lights, bustling city, noise, fluorescent colors, light and dark, jazz-vibe minimalism!

- Suburbs (Nagoya): this and Meadow sanatarium are quite similar as they seem to set the author's intentions of escapism. Whenever I read scenes with the forests or leaves, there is this sense of utopia. 

- The Meadow (a sanatorium) from Norwegian Wood)

- Underground (very first non fiction novel. Discuses real world issues: Japanese quake and subway gas attack.) 

- Dolphin Hotel (like a hostel/motel): flickering lights, old yet comfortable. How I'd imagine Hotel would be like a typical, 70's motel

The locations on the other hand, is quite difficult to visualize despite the description from the book. Although he thoroughly describes the atmosphere and tone quite well. His writing is quite an imaginative. 

The juxtaposition of urban life and countryside. Despite being born in Kyoto, one of the biggest cities in Japan (now), he was raised in the countryside –Kobe. 

His descriptions of the countryside are often more dreamlike and imaginary in comparison to a more urban setting. His descriptions often hover around the busy streets, red neon lights, crowds, people minding their own business and things alike. However his depictions of the countryside seemed as if an escapist wrote it.

Pieces of information

• He is an avid vinyl collector and really enjoys music, particularly jazz and classical music. Though it explains quite a lot as to why the atmosphere of his books are dark, surreal and minimal (strange combination).

• Politics:  He believes that it is natural for China and N/S Korea to resent Japan as assailants. They have done things that are far worse than anyone can ever imagine (Comfort Women Korea, warring times). He believes that there can’t be anything done now, but he could only say that Japan needs to apologize though he sees that now slowly, the Japanese citizens began to realize it’s past mistakes and make amendments.

• He also wrote a book ‘Underground’ one of his first non-fiction books on the earthquake incident and the subway gas attack

• He often captures really simple, ordinary and mundane things, such as walking along the shore, reading, jazz cafes etc. They tend to have a 'quiet' and peaceful tone to it. 

further details: http://www.harukimurakami.com/