Transparent Illusions

To become familiar with the Design Lab at Parsons, I was assigned to create transparent black and white vinyl stickers and place them on windows to make illusions. I needed to design 5 different stickers to integrate into a scene of my choice.

I came up with the ideas to draw hands in various positions that can interact with the landscapes behind the window I choose. I drew the designs before picking a window because I felt like they could be applicable in most areas. In my sketchbook I made several prototypes of different hand positions in multiple sizes. I chose the best ones to trace onto acetate. Using the acetate prototypes I incorporated my designs onto windows as a mock up illusion. I decided to scan my final sketches and use the pen tool to make digital versions on illustrator to print as stickers. I made multiple of each design, experimenting with different colors and line weights. Once they were printed I went around trying to find windows to place them on. I found it difficult to find views that I had in mind, but improvised and used clear acrylic to help me get a better perspective on certain windows. To complete the project, I took multiple photos of the 5 final stickers I create from different angles.

My goal was to make it look as if “giant” hands were playing with the buildings and nature seen through the windows. I wanted the hands to be in playful, light positions, so they would give off a fun and creative look, rather than scary ominous hands floating in the sky. I think the stickers I made work well with the scenery I chose. The timing I took the photographs strengthened the illusion, and I think certain times throughout the day would benefit my designs more than other times. If I were to do this again, I would probably give myself the option of larger stickers, as I had trouble focusing on both the background and stickers while photographing the illusions. Overall, I think my stickers came out nicely and I would definitely love to create more in the future.