What is key to a reliable and creative process?

(inspiration & understanding)

Research Practice Visual Vocabulary Inspiration

Audience

Q: What is research?

Dictionary Definition
A broad definition of research is given by Martyn Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge.

Dictionary Definition
A broad definition of research is given by Martyn Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge. Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states - "Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue.

Dictionary Definition
A broad definition of research is given by Martyn Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge. Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states - "Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue. It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question.

A: Research is...

Research is an intrinsic aspect of design practice and an essential part of problem solving! An investigation, studying, exploring, delving into, examining, making enquiries, seek, look into... There are different forms of research - primary and secondary

Q: What is the difference between Primary and Secondary Research?

A: Primary and Secondary research are the difference in conducting the research. Primary research, there is no data available for the researcher, hence the researcher has to start from scratch. If you are doing secondary research, the researcher have the necessary data available and they use the data or information done by other organizations or publications. The important thing is that there are advantages and disadvantages for both methods.

Visual research is...

The practice of creating...pictures, impressions, appearances, visualising, rendering, projections, illustrations, diagrams, images...

Q: How do Illustrators/Visual Communicators research?

A: by drawing, collecting, reading, surrounding themselves with stuff that inspires... A: they should be involved in a constant process of enquiry!

There are no short cuts to any place worth going. Beverly Stills

The Visual Research of Paul Davis - Illustrator

The Visual Research of Paul Davis - Illustrator

Boredom is the enemy of the artist - Paul

Davis enthusiastically quotes iconic illustrator Saul Steinberg

Notebook after notebook after notebook because I feel sick when I forget potentially good ideas. I dont slack, I take photographs. I draw. I scan. I Photoshop.
Paul Davis - Illustrator

Moleskine Paul Davis notebook @ Detour exhibition

from Paul Davis personal research collection for the book Them & Us

I can honestly say that pretty much everything influences me,

positively, as well as negatively. Im not fundamentally against any kind of fundamentalism. Paul Davis - Illustrator

Key Principles

Q: Why is research important? A: Through the visual practice of observation, collecting, studying and exploring a subject, topic or theme, this will contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject.

Q: What is Illustration?

The practice of Illustration

Q: What is Illustration? A: Definitions... Illustrate illuminate, exemplify, demonstrate, show, point out Illuminate - light up, clarify, enlighten, elucidate, make clear, explain Illustration picture, design, image, visual, example, demonstration, instance

Q: So what is the role of an Illustrator?

Traditionally an Illustrator is responsible for Illuminating text

The Illustrator is generally involved with clarifying and elucidating text and narratives Illustrators create pictures/images in order to visually communicate the meaning of the word

Marion Deuchars - Illustrator

Marion Deuchars is a versatile illustrator, capable of utilising a range of media to create unique and imaginative creative solutions...
http://www.mariondeuchars.com/

Wim Crouwel Designer / Typographer

Key Principles:

Q: What is the significance of a persons practice? A: By understanding the various practices of illustrators, designers, photographers one is able to progress and advance ones own practice.

Q: Where do illustrators, designers, etc find inspiration?

A: By collecting, collating, observation, drawing, etc...

The ability to think visually and the development of a personal visual language comes from learning the basics, being open-minded, hard work, sustained practice and taking risks Mark Wigan - Thinking Visually 2006

Research should be broad and in-depth, enabling you to innovate, not imitate
Mark Wigan - Thinking Visually 2006

sketching, thinking, reading....... I feed as much information from

various sources into my brain and then let it filter down to one elegant solution.... I hope. Rian Hughes - Illustrator

Im not sure I actually switch into research way of thinking, its

more of a continuous on-going process involving keeping your eyes peeled at all times. Jon Burgerman - Illustrator

The whole history of art influenced me: Egyptian paintings,

latrine drawings, primitive and insane art, Seurat, children's drawing, embroidery, Paul Klee... Saul Steinberg - Illustrator

Key Principles:

Q: How do illustrators, designers, etc find inspiration? A: The notion of inspiration derives from constant inquiry, based on research, observation, recording and experimentation.

Q: What is a Visual Vocabulary?

Q: How do illustrators, photographers, designers, etc achieve a personal visual vocabulary?

A: By understanding the significance of drawing, media exploration and image making for creating a personal visual language...

The real issue is not talent as an independent element, but talent in relationship to will, desire, and persistence. Talent without these things vanishes and even modest talent with those characteristics grows. Milton Glaser

Pablo Picasso - Artist

I never finish a piece of work...I merely abandon it. Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working.

Key Principles:

Q: How do illustrators, photographers, designers, etc gain a personal Visual Vocabulary? A: The application and evaluation of drawing and media experimentation is key to the development of a personal Visual Vocabulary.

Q: What is the role of the Audience?

The importance of the audience/user.

A case study - Researching & Targeting a Specific Audience Illustrator and ex-student C.K. Koh

Gallery work

Commercial Audiences

Childrens Illustration

Key Principles:

Q: What is the role of the audience? A: An understanding and knowledge of an audience should enhance and focus the communication.

Conclusion: Five key principles

Through the visual practice of observation, collecting, studying and exploring a subject, topic or theme, this will contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject. By understanding the various practices & processes of illustrators, designers, photographers one is able to progress and advance ones own practice. The notion of inspiration derives from constant inquiry, based on research, observation, recording and experimentation. The application and evaluation of drawing and media experimentation is key to the development of a personal Visual Vocabulary. An understanding and knowledge of an audience should enhance and focus the communication.

Have Fun Researching, Thinking and Doing!

Inside Nobrow - Part 1: The studio

I shall sing that first line twice, and perhaps if I sing it very quickly, I shall find myself singing the third and fourth lines before I have time to think of them, and that will be a Good Song.
Winnie The Pooh (A. A. Milne)