GROUP EVALUATION

This project began by researching our own individual interests within the field of typography. After reviewing each other’s research, we discovered we had all found importance in the female voice. It was soon decided upon that we would work with hair as our primary element, both as content and medium. Initial inspiration was found in the quote, “A woman’s hair is her crowning glory.” Immediately, we were all excited by the potential of this project and began to exchange ideas of different ways to use hair as a form of typography.

We investigated more traditional ways of using hair which then stemmed off into more contemporary uses of the medium. We discovered various methods of working with hair and were intrigued by the more tangible, three dimensional creations-something that we wanted to push forward. After looking at all of our research, it became clear that none of the images had a connection with the text and the use of hair as a typeface. From this stemmed our first proposal. We would create a fictional pricelist showcasing different services that a hair salon may offer. We proposed to create a publication, a pamphlet of sorts, to be used at a hair salon that would illustrate the services being done. For example, the photographs of perm made use of rollers, an essential part of getting a perm. From this point we met as a group to determine what terms/services we would experiment with. We decided upon, trim, perm, highlights, colour, up-do, fringe, wash, blow-dry, curls, and foils. Next, a day was dedicated to experimentation with different ways of dealing with hair in order to create the typography. We also experimented with different ways of lighting the photographs as well as refining a method of photography. We spent several other days finding a proper method of illustrating the service as well as perfecting the shot.

During our days of experimentation we discovered some very nice forms of creating illustrations. We also ran into several hurdles where shots did not work out the way we expected them to. Thus, we were forced to find alternative means of conveying our message. During our time experimenting, we decided that instead of creating a price list, our photos were better suited as a form of wall art as well as a booklet of art, which could then be viewed in the hair salon. To back up our photographs and add more content to our booklet, we decided to add quotes about hair that related to the image. At this stage we were all confident in the direction our project was going and set to work on our final images. We took part in a two-day photo-shoot, using ourselves as models, to collect final images, ultimately used in the booklet and posters. Over this two-day photo-shoot some of the group worked on setting up the shot while others worked on the layout of the publication. We all worked as efficiently as possible in order to keep to our timetable.

Once our images and text were laid out correctly, we took our file to a printer to get it professionally printed and cut to make into booklets (that we would bind ourselves). We wanted a feeling similar to a hair fashion magazine, thus decided to print on glossy paper. After printing off a first copy we tweaked the booklet in order to perfect the images and get the best quality possible. Once our booklet was cut and ready to bind, we used a simple Japanese four hole binding, deciding that its simplicity was much more congruent to the style of the book rather than an elaborate tortoise shell bind.

Overall, we are very happy with the outcome of the work and feel that we have worked hard and well together as a group to achieve our goals and produce a successful work of contemporary typography. We combined our different skills to create the strongest piece possible. This work will be continued past the time slot of this elective, and will be highlighted in an exhibit to happen in the near future. Updates on this exhibit will be posted on our blog. We believe that this has been a very productive and successful project that we can be proud of.