- FILM POSTER -
Week 1
Stage 1: Research
The first step is to watch your film. Record your thoughts.
Look into the history of the film, when it was made, what sort of film it is, any social or political significance etc.
The first step is to watch your film. Record your thoughts.
Look into the history of the film, when it was made, what sort of film it is, any social or political significance etc.
Film Screenshots and Notes
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Thoughts about "The Mad Monster"
After watching this film my thoughts are that overall the story was quite drawn out and predictable, however some of the cinematography was interesting.Using black and white film accentuated the contrast of light and dark, making the whole of he film seem more dramatic somehow. I have selected four of my favourite screenshots that used black and white beautifully to create an mood to reflect what was happening within the film. The film also had a fuzzy appearance, I wonder if this could be incorporated into the film poster somehow.
I think this film has potential to be turned into an interesting film poster. However I do which that the werewolf looked more like a werewolf and less like a man who hasn't shaved in a while.
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History of "The Mad Monster"
"The Mad Monster" was released on the 8th of May 1942, it has a running time of seventy-seven minutes.
The film was directed by Sam Newfield, produced by Sigmund Neufeld and written by Fred Myton. This film is a black and white American Horror film, the whole film was filmed within five days.
"The Man Monster" shocked British viewers that much that the film was banned until 1952.
Following which the BBFC insisted that this film could be accompanied by a disclaimer about blood transfusions.
Stage 2: Exploration
Explore alternative strategies and visual treatments that respond to some aspect of the films narrative or general tone. We're looking for a wide range of initial considerations here so be creative. Whilst your poster will be constructed in 3D your visuals can be 2D thumbnails and sketches. You will also need to explore the potential means of construction in order to inform your ideas.
This means that we should see both 2D thumbnail roughs and 3D construction experiments.
Explore alternative strategies and visual treatments that respond to some aspect of the films narrative or general tone. We're looking for a wide range of initial considerations here so be creative. Whilst your poster will be constructed in 3D your visuals can be 2D thumbnails and sketches. You will also need to explore the potential means of construction in order to inform your ideas.
This means that we should see both 2D thumbnail roughs and 3D construction experiments.
3D Illustration Research
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I have known about Zack McLaughlin's artwork for a while know, his skill in creating such beautiful and intricate sculptures astounds me. This is definitely a style that I want to experiment with within my material experimentations. I like the way that Katrin Rodegast used paper art in combination with real found objects such as a shoe, chair or book. I think this is an interesting concept. Combining made objects with found objects could create an interesting poster. I love Chris Sickel's use of colour within his artwork, as well as the way that he creates a visual environment. I think this is something I should experiment with, creating the film's environment could give the poster a depth of character. Celia Smith uses wire in an interesting way, she creates a skeleton appearance which allows the background to be seen through the sculpture. This also allows for interesting lighting effects and shadows. I think this style could work well to create a background or base for a design. Tony mentioned this artist in his lecture, and I loved the way she used light within her art. I think this a magical style that could be translated really well into a horror film poster. Additionally lighting played a large part in the film so this could me an interesting avenue to explore. |
I have made a few small lightboxes in the past for a college project, but I think this type of 3D illustration would be a great thing to re-visit. I especially love the way Brittany Otto has use coloured lights within her art, it rally changed the mood within the piece. My favourite piece of Eiko Ojala's artwork is the top left image, I like the layered ripped effect that has been achieved. I am interested to see how this style could be used in a horror movie style, I think it could be an interesting style to experiment with. Candice Bee's wire sculptures are full of live and personality, the way she uses the wire to not only create a realistic animal but to capture a character is amazing. The wire also reminded me of the movie because everything is slightly hazy. I think the way Chiharu Shiota uses string is very intriguing, the complexity of layered strings can create a moody and claustrophobic environment. I think this could be a good thing to experiment with, layered in front of a design it could create the appearance of grainy film. The artwork of Lindsey Thomas does not directly relate to my film subject however I thought the style was very unique, felt could be a good possibility for added details. I think testing materials will give a better idea of what I should use within my poster. |
Horror Poster Inspiration
Initial Thumbnails
I started this process by creating a collection of pencil thumbnails, I found it quite difficult to make thumbnails that would work as a "3D" illustration.
However I do have a few thumbnails that I would like to investigate and work out logistically.
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Material Testing
Paper Testing
I started paper testing by cutting out shapes and using light to see what kind of shows I could create. This was inspired by the shadow scene in the climax of the "Mad Monster".
I think that the next step to take with this paper testing process will be to layer up the paper and see what kind of effects I can create.
I started paper testing by cutting out shapes and using light to see what kind of shows I could create. This was inspired by the shadow scene in the climax of the "Mad Monster".
I think that the next step to take with this paper testing process will be to layer up the paper and see what kind of effects I can create.
Further Paper Testing
This is the start of creating a wolf paper model, I am going to add onto this design by layering up paper to create a more "3D" effect.
Wire Testing
I tested out making a wolf with wire, I couldn't really make the wire behave as precisely as I would have liked it to so I would like to develop this further.
However overall I like the start of this wire experimentation, I think that it could work in collaboration with paper or clay layered on top of the wire structure.
I tested out making a wolf with wire, I couldn't really make the wire behave as precisely as I would have liked it to so I would like to develop this further.
However overall I like the start of this wire experimentation, I think that it could work in collaboration with paper or clay layered on top of the wire structure.
Clay Testing
I found working with clay very difficult, making it stand up was very difficult so I ended up making the wolf lie down.
I think I would need to do some research into structural stability if I choose to take this material further.
I found working with clay very difficult, making it stand up was very difficult so I ended up making the wolf lie down.
I think I would need to do some research into structural stability if I choose to take this material further.
Clay with Coloured Lighting
I used some coloured wrappers to create some lighting effects, I like the fact that this gave me to ability
to change the mood of the picture so drastically without it being permentantly coloured.
Felt Testing
I don't really like how my felt test turned out, it is a bit messy. So I don't think I will be taking this material further during this project.
I don't really like how my felt test turned out, it is a bit messy. So I don't think I will be taking this material further during this project.
Found Objects Testing
I think that my found object tests look very thrown together, therefore they don't fit into the "horror" them. But these tests were fun to create.
I think that my found object tests look very thrown together, therefore they don't fit into the "horror" them. But these tests were fun to create.
Lighting Testing
I think that lighting will play a big part within the final piece, so i wanted to find out how far I can take it.
I may end up going with flat unimposing lighting, however I think there is more I could do with light to accentuate my final piece.
I think that lighting will play a big part within the final piece, so i wanted to find out how far I can take it.
I may end up going with flat unimposing lighting, however I think there is more I could do with light to accentuate my final piece.
Ink and Water Testing
When I watched "The Mad Monster" and learned about the theme of blood transference my immediate thought was "How can I represent this visually"?
I have used water and ink to get an idea of what two liquids mixing looks like. I am not sure how I can use this, however it was interesting to look at.
When I watched "The Mad Monster" and learned about the theme of blood transference my immediate thought was "How can I represent this visually"?
I have used water and ink to get an idea of what two liquids mixing looks like. I am not sure how I can use this, however it was interesting to look at.
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Week 2
Colours
During last weeks feedback it was suggested that I should look at trying to make the posters fit the film better.
To do this I have decided to explore the colours that feature commonly in the original "The Mad Monster" posters.
During last weeks feedback it was suggested that I should look at trying to make the posters fit the film better.
To do this I have decided to explore the colours that feature commonly in the original "The Mad Monster" posters.
Development of Ideas
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Mobile To further develop my favourite thumbnails I decided to explore the possibilities of each idea, by researching artists who create mobiles. I found it very difficult to find any artist who make "horror" mobiles so this could be an interesting avenue to explore. Other Mobiles As I said it was hard to find creepy looking mobiles, these are the only ones I could find. I do like them but I think that Julia Condon's mobiles have a nicer layout. |
Colour Testing
I have picked my favourite design from this sheet to test colour and backgrounds without having to make them multiple times in 3D.
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Wolf Mountain To work out how I could create the mountain in this idea I have researched some YouTube videos that demonstrate how to make a DIY mountain.
I also found the artist Ji Zhou whilst researching paper mache mountains, I thought the concept of reusing unwanted books and papers was very interesting. |
Colour Testing
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Inside the Scientist's Brain As suggested in the last feedback I started to look at the character of the werewolf (Pedro), however after some consideration I decided that the true "Mad Monster" is the scientist himself. Pedro was a nice person before the scientist performed the blood transfusion, and as the architect of every terrible act that happened within the film I thought it was only right to recognise the scientist as the monster he truly is. |
Colour Testing
Text Placement
I tested some text placement on one of my colour tests, I'm still not quite sure what to do with 3D type. So I think I should focus on testing this next week.
3D Component Testing
I had drawn out a fourth design but upon reflection I decided that it wasn't an idea I wanted to take further.
To expand upon my development designs I decided to test some of the individual components that could feature within them.
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Tin Foil Testing
I tested how making a head shape out of tin foil worked, I found it to be quite difficult to get a good shape.
However I think it would be easier on a bigger scale, I will need to test how layering paper mache on top of tinfoil works before I make the final design.
I tested how making a head shape out of tin foil worked, I found it to be quite difficult to get a good shape.
However I think it would be easier on a bigger scale, I will need to test how layering paper mache on top of tinfoil works before I make the final design.
Origami Testing
I tried to create a origami wolf, but I failed miserably. I couldn't follow along with the YouTube tutorial, I can safely say that I won't be using origami in my final piece.
Saying this tutorial was easy was a great understatement at least in my case.
I tried to create a origami wolf, but I failed miserably. I couldn't follow along with the YouTube tutorial, I can safely say that I won't be using origami in my final piece.
Saying this tutorial was easy was a great understatement at least in my case.
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Wire Testing
I tested creating a wire head and a top circle for a mobile, I think that wore works well however I need to work out how to use it with more finesse.
I think I should work out how to make the wire look neater if I end up using in in my final piece.
I tested creating a wire head and a top circle for a mobile, I think that wore works well however I need to work out how to use it with more finesse.
I think I should work out how to make the wire look neater if I end up using in in my final piece.
Wire and Paper
I decided to create a second wolf wire structure and apply paper on top of it using super glue, I actually really like how this turned out.
It looks a little messy and imperfect but I think this adds to the charm of it, I liked how the paper has straight edges I think controlled lighting would work really well on this style.
I decided to create a second wolf wire structure and apply paper on top of it using super glue, I actually really like how this turned out.
It looks a little messy and imperfect but I think this adds to the charm of it, I liked how the paper has straight edges I think controlled lighting would work really well on this style.
Coloured PVA Glue
I had the idea that I could make blood drips out of coloured dried PVA glue, I'm yet to see how this works when it is hung up.
But overall I am quite happy with how this test turned out. I think if I did this again I would try to make the blood lighter.
I had the idea that I could make blood drips out of coloured dried PVA glue, I'm yet to see how this works when it is hung up.
But overall I am quite happy with how this test turned out. I think if I did this again I would try to make the blood lighter.
Clay Testing
I used one of the screenshots of the scientist that I captured while watching the film to inspire a clay bust.
This took me a long time to make but I am actually quite pleased with it, I made some mistakes but overall I think I captured a part of his character.
He was sitting on my desk staring at me and he was creeping me out so I think this is a success.
Additionally I used photoshop to test some coloured out on the clay dust, I like the more natural coloured versions but the colour would be depended on the environment.
I used one of the screenshots of the scientist that I captured while watching the film to inspire a clay bust.
This took me a long time to make but I am actually quite pleased with it, I made some mistakes but overall I think I captured a part of his character.
He was sitting on my desk staring at me and he was creeping me out so I think this is a success.
Additionally I used photoshop to test some coloured out on the clay dust, I like the more natural coloured versions but the colour would be depended on the environment.
Week 3
3D Title
I used clay, paper and light to test how a 3D title would work, I like the clay letters best because I could hang them up.
Even though it looks nice, I like the light test least because it only work on a plain white background.
When I tested putting the light letter onto one of my tests it faded into insignificance.
I used clay, paper and light to test how a 3D title would work, I like the clay letters best because I could hang them up.
Even though it looks nice, I like the light test least because it only work on a plain white background.
When I tested putting the light letter onto one of my tests it faded into insignificance.
Paper Mache
I really struggled with using paper mache, it was very time consuming plus it just started to cave in and didn't keep it's shape. So I don't think I will be using paper mache in this project again.
I really struggled with using paper mache, it was very time consuming plus it just started to cave in and didn't keep it's shape. So I don't think I will be using paper mache in this project again.
Mobile Test
I used the glue blood drips that I made last week to mock up a small mobile, this didn't turn out as refined as I had hoped it would look.
It looked a bit messy so I don't think this is the idea that I will take further, this idea was better in theory than it was in practice.
I used the glue blood drips that I made last week to mock up a small mobile, this didn't turn out as refined as I had hoped it would look.
It looked a bit messy so I don't think this is the idea that I will take further, this idea was better in theory than it was in practice.
Clay Painting and Armature Testing
I realised that I preferred clay above any other material that I have experimented with during this project, so to further my understanding I decided to use a wire clay to see what it like to make an armature. This process was quite simple so I think I will use it in my final piece, additionally I tested painting the clay items I made previously using acrylics which worked well.
I realised that I preferred clay above any other material that I have experimented with during this project, so to further my understanding I decided to use a wire clay to see what it like to make an armature. This process was quite simple so I think I will use it in my final piece, additionally I tested painting the clay items I made previously using acrylics which worked well.
Further Lighting Tests
I really want to use coloured lighting in my final piece to add some bright colours, this would be a good reflection of the original posters.
I really like the contrast that lighting creates, and the shadows that it casts. This is something that is unique to 3D so I think it is important to utilise this possibility.
I really want to use coloured lighting in my final piece to add some bright colours, this would be a good reflection of the original posters.
I really like the contrast that lighting creates, and the shadows that it casts. This is something that is unique to 3D so I think it is important to utilise this possibility.
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Inside the Scientist's Brain I have decided to use this thumbnail as the theme of my final piece, to develop this idea further I have used the thumbnail above to inspired a further nine thumbnail visuals. Overall I think this was a very interesting process because it let me explore alternative ways of creating this poster. I plan to use a mix of clay, wire and paper to create my final piece. As well as coloured lighting to bring the composition together. |
Week 4
Final Lighting Tests
I started this week by experimenting with using multiple torched to create colour effects on the small clay model I made previously of the scientist.
I really like how these turned out, I especially like the effect of split coloured shadows. This reflects the instability of the scientist's mind.
I started this week by experimenting with using multiple torched to create colour effects on the small clay model I made previously of the scientist.
I really like how these turned out, I especially like the effect of split coloured shadows. This reflects the instability of the scientist's mind.
Head Cutting Experiment
I cut the top of a small clay head to test how it would work, but unfortunately the structural integrity was compromised by removing the top of the head.
Which in turn caused the top of the head to split in half when I tried to use string to bind the clay halves together.
After this test I decided that it was probably better to leave his head intact.
I cut the top of a small clay head to test how it would work, but unfortunately the structural integrity was compromised by removing the top of the head.
Which in turn caused the top of the head to split in half when I tried to use string to bind the clay halves together.
After this test I decided that it was probably better to leave his head intact.
Head Making Process
- Planning -
Before I started to build the head I decided to to look at the size in proportion the box I was going to construct the composition within.
This helped me to make sure the head wasn't too big or too small.
- Planning -
Before I started to build the head I decided to to look at the size in proportion the box I was going to construct the composition within.
This helped me to make sure the head wasn't too big or too small.
- Wire Structure -
I had to make this head a bigger scale to fit with my final piece so I knew it wouldn't dry properly if I made it entirely out of clay.
I started the process of creating the head by making a wire structure.
I had to make this head a bigger scale to fit with my final piece so I knew it wouldn't dry properly if I made it entirely out of clay.
I started the process of creating the head by making a wire structure.
- Paper Layer -
After the wire structure I layered paper so that the wire didn't break through like it did in my previous test.
- Clay Layer -
The paper layer took a bit of time to dry but after it did I created the clay face on top of the structure.
I am really glad I layered up the clay onto a structure instead of it being solid, this structure was still really heavy so it took a while o dry.
Wire and String "Thought Process"
To create the "thought process" for the top of my design I cut a piece of card out and used it to weave threads, wire and string onto the surface.
After creating this structure I used cotton wool to pad out the top of the structure, I thought that this gave the structure a foggy quality, which tied into the scientist's clouded mind.
To create the "thought process" for the top of my design I cut a piece of card out and used it to weave threads, wire and string onto the surface.
After creating this structure I used cotton wool to pad out the top of the structure, I thought that this gave the structure a foggy quality, which tied into the scientist's clouded mind.
Wire Man
I created a wire man to go with the wire wolf I man previously, these were both made to hang above the scientist.
I created a wire man to go with the wire wolf I man previously, these were both made to hang above the scientist.
Photographing my 3D Composition
I took a lot of photographs of my final piece after I assembled it using lots of different lighting effects to try and experiment with the mood of the composition.
This final piece didn't turn out quite as I expected, however I am still pleased with the outcome.
I took a lot of photographs of my final piece after I assembled it using lots of different lighting effects to try and experiment with the mood of the composition.
This final piece didn't turn out quite as I expected, however I am still pleased with the outcome.
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Editing to the Poster Scale
I then took my favourite pictures and cropped them into the scale of a poster, I have included some of the images of my smaller head too.
I had forgotten to counter the scale of the poster into my 3D composition, so it was quite difficult to crop them whilst keeping the details.
I then took my favourite pictures and cropped them into the scale of a poster, I have included some of the images of my smaller head too.
I had forgotten to counter the scale of the poster into my 3D composition, so it was quite difficult to crop them whilst keeping the details.
Potential Posters
I refined my selection down to eight images, I really like the second bright image, but unfortunately the text didn't come out that clearly and there is too much space at the top.
Additionally I really liked the third image but I thought it may be a bit too grey and lifeless, but it does have a newsprint quality that I really enjoyed. I also liked how the text was layered twice, once with the disk at the back of the image and also it was projected a second time using a torch.
Finally I like the last two pictures I thought that the lighter version was older looking which reflects the age of the film,
however the other brighter image is more reminiscent of the original posters bright colours.
I refined my selection down to eight images, I really like the second bright image, but unfortunately the text didn't come out that clearly and there is too much space at the top.
Additionally I really liked the third image but I thought it may be a bit too grey and lifeless, but it does have a newsprint quality that I really enjoyed. I also liked how the text was layered twice, once with the disk at the back of the image and also it was projected a second time using a torch.
Finally I like the last two pictures I thought that the lighter version was older looking which reflects the age of the film,
however the other brighter image is more reminiscent of the original posters bright colours.
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A Change of Location
I was quite happy with how the previous images turned out, however I hadn't foreseen the issues I would have when photographing my composition within a box.
So I decided to take what I had made out of the box and put it on a large sheet of paper, I think this worked a lot better because it allowed me to have more space on either side.
I was quite happy with how the previous images turned out, however I hadn't foreseen the issues I would have when photographing my composition within a box.
So I decided to take what I had made out of the box and put it on a large sheet of paper, I think this worked a lot better because it allowed me to have more space on either side.
More Photographs
( Outside the Box )
I wasn't happy enough with my previous images to pick one of them as my final piece, so I decided to try and photograph some more.
These turned out a lot better because I didn't get any harsh lighting edges that were caused by the side of the box.
( Outside the Box )
I wasn't happy enough with my previous images to pick one of them as my final piece, so I decided to try and photograph some more.
These turned out a lot better because I didn't get any harsh lighting edges that were caused by the side of the box.
Final Selection
I selected my favourite five pictures from all of the pictures I have taken, I then selected my favourite out of this selection to be my final piece.
I selected my favourite five pictures from all of the pictures I have taken, I then selected my favourite out of this selection to be my final piece.
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Final Poster I have selected this photograph as my final piece, unfortunately the "the" in the title has been obscured a little by the leg of the wire man. However this is still my favourite image that I have taken so far. I think that the different colours have worked well together to give the image an appearance that reflected the original "The Mad Monster" posters. I also like the way that the image is slightly messy and chaotic, this seems to reflect the mind of the scientist. Additionally I managed to create an imposing shadow behind the scientist that helps to pop him out from his background. To add to my image I decided to project the title onto the composition a second time, this has created an interesting effect that I think added to the appearance of this image. Overall I have found this 3D project to be a bit challenging, even though I did a a fair amount of testing I still found it difficult to create a whole image that could work as a poster. But I think I have learned a lot about how to work in 3D during this project. I have made some mistakes during the creation of my final piece, but I have learned from them so I will know how to make a more effective 3D illustration in the future. |