Consisting of four members Simon Ward, Stephen Livingstone, Greg Paterson and James Hamilton. The four member play between them the keys, guitars, drums and programming. Most notable is that the music does not have lyrics.
Having researched and studied the band I uncovered that they have a very original sound. Their music is not like typical dance music it is more subdued with bursts of life in sections. Often it could be said that certain sections are repeated. Also I explored the band visually through their album covers and noticed that the often repeat patters such as circles, squares, rectangles and triangles. They have a very mixed look varied from hand drawn typefaces to bold sans serif ones. And often use black and white mixed with one other colour.
This research informed my data allowing me to begin to design my info graphic. I wanted the overall design to have a bold and notable appeal. I used the font Helvetica throughout as it is a strong sans serif font with a variety of weight to which i could use to my advantage. I used Helvetica black for the headline - name of the band. This immediately is the main focus as it is much larger than the other type used. I then used regular and light in order to create structure and a strong hierarchy. I tried to enhance the hierarchy through left alignment of almost all the type. This leads the viewers eye continuously down the left hand side of the page. In order to create visual excitement and really show the feel of the band is shown in the key and the breakdown of the songs into the instruments used in different parts. I illustrated simple shapes from the album covers and used them to convey a specific instrument. This created patterns to visually describe the music. I aim to print this on an off white cartridge paper. This keeps it toned down highlighting the illustrations and allowing them to do all the talking.
liam can you make the image x-large? :)
ReplyDeletehaha! Did'nt realise it was so small. As you have probably guessed I'm a moron :P
ReplyDeleteI really like this design (:
ReplyDeleteThe use of pattern works really well as it displays your data clearly while also being very interesting to look at.
Your choice of type is successful as it is clear to read and communicates quickly and effectively to the viewer.
The lack of colour works well and is in keeping with your chosen band's style. It appears quite bold and precise.
The only thing for improvement could be that you either reduce the size of your key or you could move it to the right hand side. This would allow it to stand out from your data more. (:
I really like the concept of using patterns as keys to reflect each instrument/device, very smart! (not moronic). I'm not sure what their music is like, but I assume it's just another disposable indie band that cynics like me would despise of. BUT your design makes their songs look more interesting!
ReplyDeleteI agree with mirjami, its a really interesting and intriguing idea considering their music actually has no lyrics. I like how you got your visuals from the band's album covers and didn't just make them up. Each pattern almost seems to match the instrument you assigned it to, which is great. It makes it more meaningful and personal to the design. The design communicates your idea really well and even without the rationale anyone would understand from the key and the time bar at the bottom what you are trying to portray.
ReplyDeleteI think the key looks good where it is, I mean if you moved it then it would mix up how everything else is left aligned.
Your overall design is really lovely to look at and theres something unusual about it which I really like. Good work pencilwoman