Book Size: A5: 148 x 210 mm Portrait.
Inside: Photographs on the left with interview text layout as quotes and questions on the right. I was also thinking of having the interview handwritten to personalize it....not quote sure.
Outside Cover: Purple/ Deep Purple with "Signed" Autograph, black and white Photograph inset into cover with inset border or Purple Flocking of “Molly Moggs” Pub Wallpaper Decorative Detail.
Title: "Miss Julie Paid" Spot Varnished / Embossed into Cover: Autograph colored pink or light purples.
Spine: "Miss Julie Paid" -Autograph, embossed.
Outer/facing pages: Colored Photographs of Julie.
Binding: Perfect Binding / Possible French Fold with Interview Printed Inside with edges to be peeled away to reveal interview inside.
Page edges: Colored/ Silver or Gold.
Presentation: Slipcase/ Outer Sleeve Possible/ Ribbon tied around the outside and fastened with a costume jewel pin. Highly decorative Ribbon/ 1950's fabric design, could be printed on with title or quote from interview.
Presented in a box: Book on top with possible doll underneath/Handmade costumes/Make-up kit underneath as individual boxes. Ribbon to tie lid to base.
Friday, 8 February 2008
Sequins, Ribbons, Zips, Clasps....
I need to start thinking about how the book will be visualized and interacted with. After studying the photographs I picked up on some imagery that could be reflected in the presentation of the book:
-Zips, Unzipping, Zipping up, clasps etc. The idea being to reflect upon the idea of undressing or dressing up the book or "revealing something". Maybe you have to physically unzip th book to reveal its contents. Alf is quite shy and yet when he becomes Julie he takes on this whole new character that is outspoken and charismatic.
-The format of the book could reveal more of the images as the reader turns each page, The idea of Julie as a mask crops up quite a bit during the interview.
-The idea of physically revealing what is on the page to get a better understanding of who he is/interview hidden on the inside of a French folded page, perferrated edging to reveal the text etc.
-Ribbons, 1950's fabric. Reflective surfaces, like a Mirror, Sequins and jewels, Gold Clasps.
Comments please, Thanks.
-Zips, Unzipping, Zipping up, clasps etc. The idea being to reflect upon the idea of undressing or dressing up the book or "revealing something". Maybe you have to physically unzip th book to reveal its contents. Alf is quite shy and yet when he becomes Julie he takes on this whole new character that is outspoken and charismatic.
-The format of the book could reveal more of the images as the reader turns each page, The idea of Julie as a mask crops up quite a bit during the interview.
-The idea of physically revealing what is on the page to get a better understanding of who he is/interview hidden on the inside of a French folded page, perferrated edging to reveal the text etc.
-Ribbons, 1950's fabric. Reflective surfaces, like a Mirror, Sequins and jewels, Gold Clasps.
Comments please, Thanks.
Doll/Make-up Package?
I found yesterdays feedback session and the comments helpful. I know how I want the book to look like etc, but I'm not entirely sure how I can get around illustrating my subject without actually changing the photographic images that I already have....I like the images, but by manipulating them too much would change the overall aesthetics of the image. I have started to think about and develop some ideas that were discussed. I have been looking on the net for some manufacturers of Dolls as I thought it might be an idea to actually get a doll made that looked like Alf, Not sure if this is possible as most of the Doll manufacturers are in China! And I'm not sure if it would be made and shipped in time. I suppose I could buy an action man doll and actually make the dresses for the doll to wear, but would be actually buying a doll, without somehow personalizing its look make in too unoriginal? I went back over the photographs that I took of Alf and I saw his tattoos and thought that I could maybe design some a transfer stickers of his tattoos and transfer them onto the dolls body to personalize it as a subject. He actually said that sometime he/she wished he could have a transfer for his make-up so he could apply it quicker and easier.
Although I like the idea of packaging a doll underneath the book, I was thinking of other ways to communicate the same message and get around the idea that I don't have to manipulate my original photographs by thinking of other ways to illustrate the subject of my book.
I thought maybe I could do a Make-up set, boxed-similar to vissionare, Including the make-up he uses, False Eyelashes, (Not sure about the Wig) Fake jewellery (Just a set of earrings etc) maybe I could it in a similar style to the jewellery box he has on his Dressing table (See Pictures). Maybe a do-it-yourself Kit, made up of a few elements associated with Drag Acts, Not sure about the costumes being included in this kit, I researched into compressed clothing, Like T-shirts, but that doesn't exactly say "Tarnished " or 1950's glamour, and obviously there will be limitations according to what type of clothing could be compressed etc.
Basically, The brief is about the book, so that’s the main importance, Its getting around the issue of finding another way of illustrating my images further without actually changing them in anyway. That’s the sort of theme that I would like to communicate strongly, Glamour in a pub setting etc.
I am open to any ideas as to how to get around this/develop so your comments would be great, Cheers.
Although I like the idea of packaging a doll underneath the book, I was thinking of other ways to communicate the same message and get around the idea that I don't have to manipulate my original photographs by thinking of other ways to illustrate the subject of my book.
I thought maybe I could do a Make-up set, boxed-similar to vissionare, Including the make-up he uses, False Eyelashes, (Not sure about the Wig) Fake jewellery (Just a set of earrings etc) maybe I could it in a similar style to the jewellery box he has on his Dressing table (See Pictures). Maybe a do-it-yourself Kit, made up of a few elements associated with Drag Acts, Not sure about the costumes being included in this kit, I researched into compressed clothing, Like T-shirts, but that doesn't exactly say "Tarnished " or 1950's glamour, and obviously there will be limitations according to what type of clothing could be compressed etc.
Basically, The brief is about the book, so that’s the main importance, Its getting around the issue of finding another way of illustrating my images further without actually changing them in anyway. That’s the sort of theme that I would like to communicate strongly, Glamour in a pub setting etc.
I am open to any ideas as to how to get around this/develop so your comments would be great, Cheers.
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
A Conversation with.....
I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Alf whilst he was getting ready before one of his performances. To be honest, it turned into more of a conversation with me asking the odd one or two questions to get the conversation started. This really gave me a chance to get to know a bit more about him and ask some of the questions I wanted to ask. I am really pleased to say that Alf was really responsive, and was more than happy to talk to me openly about his background, and the life story that brought him to crate such a Character like Miss Julie Paid. Throughout the conversation I was suprised at just how personal some of the responses were. After editing the interview and printing it accordingly alongside the illustrations I think it will provide an insightful outlook before and during his life as a Drag Act. Below is just an example of some of the answers that he gave as the interview went on for a while, Here is a really short extract:
How do you feel when you are "Miss Julie Paid"?
"I enjoy being a Drag Act, It’s amazing; it has lifted me out of Depression so many times. My Mother is a clinical schizophrenic and I have always had that fear. And with this, you know, you can allow Depression to take over quickly and this allows me to vent whatever I’m feeling."
How do you wish Julie to be perceived by the audience?
"Fearless, absolutely fearless…. its very rare that someone gets one up on me but I want her to be perceived as a ballsy, gutsy girl but who is completely sweet…. and really, If I offend somebody, even through my comedy, I’m mortified, absolutely mortified. So I like to try and get that balance of being catty, bitchy, and sexy. Do you see?"
If you were to look at the characters as two separate Identities, Yourself and Julie, How would you as a personality differ to that of Julies?
"I can be quite insecure…. I don’t trust my own instincts, I have suckered by people that I trusted, you know, to have as friends and learnt that actually it’s not me they wanted to know, it was Julie. And they tend to take the piss or whatever. I was far too trusting or too naive…. but you know what, Julie will have none of it. It’s amazing that when I am Julie on stage, you can’t cut crap with me. "
"So with Julie who is strong, independent looking woman I can be whoever I want to be, I can have every confidence in being Julie. I think she’s fabulous. I don’t have to worry about what people think of me or whatever and that’s the way Julie is."
"I have massive confidence with her and I know that when I am Alf, Maybe sometimes feeling low and down thinking “I can’t do this tonight” and feeling lousy, ummmm…. but as soon the make-up, and when I put that Wig on, Bang! It changes there and then, Julie takes over, it becomes a mask, absolutely a mask. Julie just takes over and I don’t have to think anymore, its just autopilot."
So what is the process that is involved in getting ready?
"Its all about layering, If you think of a shop dummy and see one being sprayed, its done in blocks or stages, It’s the same. You have to put in highlights, your low lights, your block colours, and your shadings."
How do you feel when you are "Miss Julie Paid"?
"I enjoy being a Drag Act, It’s amazing; it has lifted me out of Depression so many times. My Mother is a clinical schizophrenic and I have always had that fear. And with this, you know, you can allow Depression to take over quickly and this allows me to vent whatever I’m feeling."
How do you wish Julie to be perceived by the audience?
"Fearless, absolutely fearless…. its very rare that someone gets one up on me but I want her to be perceived as a ballsy, gutsy girl but who is completely sweet…. and really, If I offend somebody, even through my comedy, I’m mortified, absolutely mortified. So I like to try and get that balance of being catty, bitchy, and sexy. Do you see?"
If you were to look at the characters as two separate Identities, Yourself and Julie, How would you as a personality differ to that of Julies?
"I can be quite insecure…. I don’t trust my own instincts, I have suckered by people that I trusted, you know, to have as friends and learnt that actually it’s not me they wanted to know, it was Julie. And they tend to take the piss or whatever. I was far too trusting or too naive…. but you know what, Julie will have none of it. It’s amazing that when I am Julie on stage, you can’t cut crap with me. "
"So with Julie who is strong, independent looking woman I can be whoever I want to be, I can have every confidence in being Julie. I think she’s fabulous. I don’t have to worry about what people think of me or whatever and that’s the way Julie is."
"I have massive confidence with her and I know that when I am Alf, Maybe sometimes feeling low and down thinking “I can’t do this tonight” and feeling lousy, ummmm…. but as soon the make-up, and when I put that Wig on, Bang! It changes there and then, Julie takes over, it becomes a mask, absolutely a mask. Julie just takes over and I don’t have to think anymore, its just autopilot."
So what is the process that is involved in getting ready?
"Its all about layering, If you think of a shop dummy and see one being sprayed, its done in blocks or stages, It’s the same. You have to put in highlights, your low lights, your block colours, and your shadings."
Friday, 1 February 2008
The photographs I have taken of Miss Julie Paid I think could become good images to refer back too and work from. I like the effects that the subdued lighting had upon the subject and atmosphere of the Dressing Room. As the photographs aren't representing something staged or stylized, which is more often associated with a fashion shoot, I hope the digital manipulation of the image can enhance the the colour of the make-up and shiny fabrics of his costumes. The only thing is, Could the digital manipulation of these images by making them overly glossy completely change the aesthetic of the photographs according to the setting in which they were taken? I think I am going to have be careful not to over do with the effects, as it might look a bit over kill as an illustrated image.
I am happy with some of the shots, Even if they are for research purposes, and may prove useful even to draw illustrations from? HOWEVER.....I might have the chance to go back this Sunday and take some more with a higher res camera. If not, then I hope it will be possible to arrange another time. Basically, I have just that allocated time to get the shots right as he gets ready in the dressing room, so its important to be prepared by just having some idea as too what kind of composed shots I want to take away from my visit. Anyway, After reviewing the images, I thought maybe some more cropped or close-up shots to establish a contrast between feminine fabrics and make-up with male features such as hands and face would be good. It might be interesting to form a before and after, one shot of his face for the inside and heavily made-up one for the back-cover? Not entirely sure at this stage.
Some more images to follow....
Comments Please! If anyone has any ideas for potential shots, Then feel free to comment, Would be helpful....Thanks!
I am happy with some of the shots, Even if they are for research purposes, and may prove useful even to draw illustrations from? HOWEVER.....I might have the chance to go back this Sunday and take some more with a higher res camera. If not, then I hope it will be possible to arrange another time. Basically, I have just that allocated time to get the shots right as he gets ready in the dressing room, so its important to be prepared by just having some idea as too what kind of composed shots I want to take away from my visit. Anyway, After reviewing the images, I thought maybe some more cropped or close-up shots to establish a contrast between feminine fabrics and make-up with male features such as hands and face would be good. It might be interesting to form a before and after, one shot of his face for the inside and heavily made-up one for the back-cover? Not entirely sure at this stage.
Some more images to follow....
Comments Please! If anyone has any ideas for potential shots, Then feel free to comment, Would be helpful....Thanks!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)