Introduction
The 'drawing-image' project is the second project we completed as part of our Media Technology training. It allowed us to become familiar with rules we'll need to apply in the future, such as keeping a logbook, writing a report, and creating a specification document, which will be useful for our future professional assignments.
In line with the spirit of the training, this project was multidisciplinary, requiring skills in drawing, writing, office software, methodology, and proficiency in Photoshop. It enabled us to enhance our abilities and learn to use new software and methods essential in our future careers as media technicians. Effectively conveying a message at first glance is crucial.
For my part, I chose to depict the theme of vanity. My goal was to evoke this futile feeling in the observer without demeaning it. As Osamu Dazai said, 'Vanity is a poisonous flower that grows in the gardens of the soul. It's beautiful to look at, but it poisons everything around it.'
In my drawing, I portrayed a vain person who is willing to do anything to preserve their social image, unaware that time passes and people may leave unintentionally. This individual hasn't created or invented anything and probably won't be mentioned in a history book. Despite this, they believe in their lies, convinced of their perfection, and assured that everyone will remember them.
Inspirations
I chose to depict the sentiment of "vanity" by creating a scene associated with it. I aimed to provoke thought by selecting a lesser-known emotion. Thus, I thought about the Japanese writer Osamu Dazai and his quote: "Vanity is a poison that renders everything it touches ephemeral and futile."
In this quote, Dazai warns against the mindset of vanity, which corrupts everything it touches. This sentiment is often linked to an insatiable desire for recognition, prestige, or power, leading to egocentric, superficial, and ultimately valueless behaviors. By likening it to a poison, Dazai emphasizes that vanity can have detrimental consequences on an individual's life, making it vain, superficial, and fleeting. Therefore, this quote encourages reflection on the importance of humility and modesty, values that allow for a greater appreciation of life and a wiser view of the world.
To illustrate this quote, I decided to depict myself in a vain state. I drew an image of myself with an infinite reflection, symbolizing my pride and need to display my wealth, represented by a golden frame. However, the objects on the table showcase the downsides of vanity as everything is ephemeral and futile. I can never be in history books, and my death is inevitable, underscoring the emptiness of vanity.
Scene Summaries
I would like to create a scene in two parts. The first part would show a person holding a portrait of themselves, with the scene repeating infinitely. The second part would consist of objects depicting still life, symbolizing vanity, against a dark background to give the impression of a closed room.
Detailed Scene Description
Background Setting The background setting consists of a dark hue, evoking the ambiance of a room. A vanishing point will be positioned in the left third of the image to create perspective. This point reveals a dark wooden floor in the lower right third of the image.
Drawing Objects In the second part, a table covered with a brown tablecloth is visible, occupying a portion of the lower left and central thirds of the image. On this table, three symbolic objects are placed: a skull, an hourglass, and a stack of books, representing vanity and reminding of the fragility of human life. In the left third, there is a wall with green leaves supported by dark wood, a shelf containing books placed in the right third, while an easel depicting an imitation of Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' is present in the left third.
Drawing Characters In the foreground, a teenager dressed simply in a gray hoodie and a white t-shirt is visible in the central thirds of the image. Their medium-length brown hair and brown eyes are highlighted. They display a slight sideways smile and occupy the central third of the image. In their hands, they hold a gold frame symbolizing wealth. This frame contains their own reflection, infinitely repeating, thus reflecting their pride and vanity.
The atmosphere of the image will be dark and introspective, portraying themes of vanity, the fragility of human life, and the pursuit of wealth. The contrast between the symbolic objects on the table and the gold frame in the teenager's hands reinforces this thematic essence.
Conclusion
The visual communication project was an enriching experience that allowed us to explore various materials in a practical and concrete manner. Every aspect of the project, whether it was project management, office tools, Photoshop, or drawing, played a crucial role in creating this visual representation. Even though I had some basic knowledge of Photoshop, this project allowed me to deepen my skills and learn more about this powerful tool.
What I take away from this experience is the importance of refining my work methodology to efficiently achieve my goals without stress. Working on this project prompted me to rethink how I approach tasks, organize my time, and manage priorities. I realized that organization and planning are essential elements for successfully executing a visual communication project of this scale.
What makes this type of project so captivating is the individual responsibility of each person in achieving their own output within the set time constraints. Unlike a classroom project where some might take shortcuts or delegate their work, here, each participant was fully engaged in the success of their project. This created an environment conducive to collaboration and mutual support, where we could share knowledge, exchange ideas, and assist each other in enhancing our skills.
I am truly fascinated by this collaborative approach, where each individual is encouraged to give their best and contribute to the overall project. This not only promotes our personal development but also enhances the overall quality of the work produced. I am grateful to have been part of this visual communication project, which unveiled new perspectives and allowed me to grow as a visual creator.
In conclusion, this visual communication project was a formative experience that allowed me to explore various subjects and develop my skills in methodology, project management, office tools, Photoshop, and drawing. I learned the importance of organization, planning, and individual responsibility in project success. I am thrilled by the collaborative atmosphere and mutual support that characterized this project. I am proud of my output and grateful for this learning opportunity.
