Taking two of the images from the first part of the last exercise
I had an idea to create these both into a mini concertina book with each illustration on each side. I printed the image on A3 (double sided so wouldn’t need to fold or glue more than I would have to.
Using a book titled “book binding” as a guide to help me fold I folded and added hardback cover and back, I had picked some patterned paper that I felt the handwritten text helped add to that “diary” feeling.
The word are things I would like to say to my children, so in many ways from these edited images in the new illustration I created something I can give to my children which I wish and hope for them.
Now was time for the real deal of my visual diary.
I made a choice to tackle this differently and had no plan.
With in front of me my sketchbooks, folders containing my work I started to put together a very raw and real “visual diary”. I wanted to allow myself to continue the emotional connection on a very natural level.
I also wanted this to be organic in feel, so while the main collection of images will be digital I want to edit in a way that add textures, emotions, feelings and the vibe within the actual diary. Almost as if the pages are part of my soul and I’m laying out to the viewers how I feel on a more deeper sense with the paper/binding.
Printing on a mix of papers
I’ve been collecting papers for other exercises, as I wanted a almost rustic feel to this diary and organic sort of print.
So for this I printed on
Khadi 150gsm paper – I’ve been really loving using this paper, the edges that it gives.
Flora Anice (Italian paper) – This has small bits in, and almost feels like a grey colour, the artwork blinds into this paper quite nicely.
G.F Smith Accent Antique (Natural) – This is the first time I printed on this and I love the textures of the paper, the way the paper feels lighter, it does not feel I have printed this, but used ink on the paper directly.
G.F Smith Neenah Environment (Desert storm) – I picked this one for the colour, as I planed to pick the “autumn” pages I wanted a warm base, and knew could add the white highlights.
Other between pages will be a mixed of black tone, grey toned, tracing paper & some normal printer paper at 160gsm so strong enough for a planned project within my diary.
This planned project came while I was thinking of the Filler pages, it was important for me to express myself with words, illustrations and textures.
With the printed pages I sketched sections together.
I’m liking and learning book binding at the moment so made sense I create my visual diary in this way, helps me learn more and I enjoy it.
The next part I had a huge debate, but in the end I trimmed the book for cleaner edges (with hope my pages soon show a bit more wear) the reason for this I wanted an easier book to flip though due to these idea I had for the filler pages.
So the element of the pop up came from the desire to make something more of the work I really liked. I had this lightbulb moment in the middle of the night and just had to do it.
It suited the whole purpose I was aiming for with this visual diary, me being free and expressing myself.
I’ve been wanting to try this, so why not now.
Then I wanted a bookmark/Tag – I first thought I would add a ribbon, but while I was getting my ribbons I pulled out some string, and I was drawn to it.
The cover
Again, I just trusted myself and went all out.
Using Demim PaintOn 250gsm paper, black ink mixed with water and a dropper I went for a dip effect & a little just because “mess”.
I originally planed for this to be like a school book/booklet like I used to write in at school, but I didn’t want it to be so clean or polish, I wanted it to express me feeling “free”. Having already trimmed the book to have a uniformed feel to the diary, which mean I can really be unique in what I do in the remaining pages.
I added the “tag” which also works as the Journals title.
The pages are a mix of my work, new work traced elements (tracing paper), digitally placed together and randomness.
The pop up page right in the middle.
And that completes my visual journal.
This was a good exercise for me to put my final thoughts together before moving on to my assignment, I also tool a risk and just went with the flow, no planning and just me being real.
I like the result, my little lightbulb moments which meant I had to learn new things.
I realised even though the speed of the course is in plan with my life style, I’m really sad to come to the end of this unit, it has been an emotional and enlightening journey for me. While yes, it will not truly end as the skills and life lesson I’ve learnt will go forward throughout my degree and professional career, it does mean the end of a wonderful unit.
Feels a bit like I’m leaving home…. Sketchbooks feel like my home.
Emclemmie OCA Sketchbooks 