Blog/Workbook

Just to clarify, my blog is to show most of my research and computer generated ideas, and my workbook is to show my thought process and ideas I write down in order to get to my final ideas.

Alex

Posters in action

These are my final, flush mounted, tip mounted A2 posters

Final Posters

POSTER ONE

POSTER TWO

Final Rationales

IHI WEHI – Poster One

IDENTITY

In this poster I attempted to create a tension, and involve the viewer in the action. Vivid, contrasting colour on the dark background creates a very emotive design piece that portrays an overarching idea of movement. The Kowhaiwhai pattern I developed for this piece has links to Ngaru – the representation of a waka cutting through waves. This pattern is a traditional Maori pattern depicting a traditional Maori journey, whereas I attempted to create a contemporary pattern that speaks of contemporary journeys in which Maori and New Zealand are involved with. Creating ideas of progression and forward-movement, this design speaks of moving beyond the identity that the British ‘gave’ us, and showing the history of our country, in particular our Maori culture. By using rhetoric in forms of dynamism and subversion I wanted to involve the viewer within the design piece, and make them question the relevance of the current flag. I believe that this poster firstly asks questions of the audience, but discusses the potential for showcasing our diverse culture through our new flag design.

IHI WEHI – Poster Two

IDENTITY

As in Poster One, I once again attempted to acknowledge and incorporate the idea of Wehi. The concept in which the ‘charisma’ of the design is seen as a vital element in which the audience interacts with, is one of the unique parts of this project. By creating a metaphoric bridge between New Zealand and Australia, and linking the ideas with text brings the audience to remember times we have either been likened to Australia, or called the same place. This poster challenges the viewer by using extremely emotive colours, creating movement, and interest within the piece. Although it could be considered quite a calm and balanced image; shape, line and colour create interest and ‘moments’ of energy within the poster. Metonymy and dynamism are devices that allow this poster to portray a sense of togetherness, although with a rebelliousness in which we see New Zealander’s wanting to escape the ‘idea’ of being called Australian.

Critiquing Process

I always place a huge amount of importance on the critique process, involving all of my peers and listing down their points, and trying to create these ideas and then challenge myself to do better.

Also, printing full size and hanging them up on the wall is an important part of understanding what the poster will look like at full scale.

Poster 2 Final idea to date

In my final poster design I had to weigh up colour, typography, balance and the overall 'feel' and style of the poster. I feel like I accurately portray the general feeling of trying to escape the boundaries of being placed in the same category as Australia.

Poster 2 refinements

From here I began to develop colours, and the way that the colour evokes emotion or ever appears to 'push' emotion away.

Poster 2 developments

From this initial idea, I began to develop the design and also think about the wording of the posters, and how this would link to the overall concept of changing the flag.

Poster 2 initial ideas

Building an idea of a bridge linking the two countries and that people think that we're either joined by a bridge, or the same place.

Poster 2 ideas

Poster 2 concepts

I began developing my ideas, with a concept of distancing ourselves from our good mates across the ditch. While we often have a love/hate relationship, we still love each other, with strong ANZAC ties, and solid rivalries in many sports. From here I began to develop the concept of people thinking that we are the same place - often because of our accents, or VERY similar current flag designs.

Poster 1 Final to date

This is my final poster to date. It shows ideas of progression, not only just away from the 'union jack' but towards showcasing our unique Maori culture and history. 

Poster 1 Refinements

When I developed my idea, I decided to zoom in on the poster, and only then the design became much more emotive, and the viewer is immersed in the image.

Poster 1 Development

Initial developments for Poster 1

Kowhaiwhai creation

After researching Gordon Walters and Johnson Witehira, I began to develop a repetitive pattern based on a Koru idea. My Kowhaiwhai pattern is based on Ngaru, an idea of a canoe 'cutting through the waves' which creates ideas of progression, cutting-edge technology and forward-movement.

Immersing myself into this design process and understanding the traditional journeys that are being portrayed, helped me to create a contemporary pattern based on a modern journey of Maori progressing in the world.

My initial idea, before developing further.

Gordon Walters

Looking at Gordon Walters and the way in which he approaches Maori culture, the Koru, and Maori pattern is striking. His simple and unique take on the Koru symbolises his design style.

These designs are so simple that the viewer is almost immersed into the design. A big part of this is the contrast of the 'black and whiteness' of the image.

Johnson Witehira

From this point on I knew I needed direction and a purpose in moving forward.

One key designers I explored was Johnson Witehira.

Johnson Witehira is unique in the way that he explores traditional maori pattern and creates new patterns, with traditional meanings, while also portraying new ideas.

These contemporary takes on traditional pattern show a sense of progression and innovation.

I want to explore these ideas in my design process.

Initial Concepts

My initial concepts are very broad, with no real direction other than showing the potential in moving forward, and distancing ourselves from our mates across the ditch.

Successful Flag Consideration Designs and ideas being explored

Flag proposals and concepts express different individual ideas and perceptions of what is important to NZ, and what symbolises our nation.

These ideas highlight colours that are seen to represent NZ culture. The Red and Blue are largely based off of the British colours, whereas the Black and Red are a Maori based colour palette.

For OR Against Flag Change?

Key issues involved with change

Pros:

Showing our country's true culture and Maori identity and history as opposed to Britain's.
Differentiating ourselves from Australia (identity)
Change is for innovative and forward-thinking people
A flag is a brand and is meant to be instantly recognisable

Cons:

Monetary value of referendum ($26 million)
Patriotism (National identity & pride, ANZAC, Treaty of Waitangi etc)
Representation (southern cross, commonwealth)
Not everyone will be happy with change.

While both sides have major advantages and disadvantages, I am a person that thinks that change is not only important, but signifies that a person, or people are progressive and forward-thinking.

I want to explore ways in which the flag change will bring a positive change to NZ.

Existing flag design(s)

Looking at the existing flag design, connotations of national pride, ANZAC day, and supporting our sporting heroes comes to mind. These existing ideas are hugely important to our country. Due to the nostalgic connotations that are brought up by this iconic image that has been a main national symbol for the lifetime of every New Zealander alive today. 

Other current icon/flag ideas that are currently being used within NZ include the silver fern and the Maori flag, both significant national icons and symbols that are unique to NZ, and our culture.