Concept/Artist Statement:
Music has informed and inspired me throughout all of my life’s endeavours. Growing up in a musical family, and learning the dynamics of being in a band throughout high school, I’ve learned how much this creative outlet defines me. I use it to express myself, to communicate with others and to feel at home no matter where I am. Whenever I’m assigned a project within the world of art and design, I always try to bring an element of music into it.
When writing my Seminar final, I decided to focus on protest songs throughout the 1960s up until the 21st century, as well as the impact musical artists can have on a generation. For my studio final, I wanted to manipulate my illustrative style, and develop my own font, so to combine my two concepts I was inspired to create my own 60s psychedelic inspired rock poster.
The two songs which are spotlighted in my paper are “It’s Alright Ma, (I’m Only Bleeding)” by Bob Dylan, and “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar. I broke apart each record and reconfigured the verses into one, long string of lyrics. I chose phrases that correlate to my research thesis and phrases that resonate to me as an artist. The phrase “Alright” is emphasized at the center of both my paper and poster, being the key word in both records. I designed the layout of the poster so Dylan and Lamar are facing each other and the words bubble outward, as to create a speech bubble effect, and a sense of communication between the two artists.
Being inspired by 60s psychedelic rock posters, I chose a color palette that was heavily used and popularized throughout the 1960s era. I was conscious of the colors being complementary because both the songs and musicians complement each other. The final posters are printed roughly as 18×24” on bristol paper, making them the size of a concert or band poster. Choosing to print the design and physically pin it up on the wall gave me the same excitement as buying a poster of my favorite album or artist, and hanging it in my bedroom. I was able to immerse myself in a nostalgic experience which reminded me of how much I appreciate music, and how I will always want to incorporate it into the art I create.
Thesis for Seminar Paper:
Throughout history, music has been used to protest, to speak on political matters and to enact change. From the 1960s to the 21st century, artists like Bob Dylan and Kendrick Lamar, despite their differences, use their platforms to speak for generations and demographics, in order to acknowledge their experiences in society, and to instill hope.
Final Posters:
Inspiration/Reference Images:
Further Concepts:
