OUGD403: Brief 5- Research & Work Direction

After the interim critique I have decided that for my poster designs I will focus on the idea of ignorance about shark finning. 

Quotes for inspiration:

“It is a myth that people in Asia don't care about wildlife. Consumption is based on 
ignorance rather than malice."

“China can be the savior of wildlife or it can be the demise of it.”

Shark fin soup photographs:

This particular dish in as many as 145 countries is still seen as a extravagant dish and a form of showing wealth within families and society. However many are either not aware or not educated with what is actually done to produce this dish. The reality is somewhat very different and is affecting several species of sharks. 

Facts that stood out to me: 73 million sharks are killed each year, 145 countries engage with shark finning, fins are worth unto $181 per lb, over 80% of oceanic shark species are threatened, 1/3 are threatened with extinction, 3 sharks are killed per second, sharks are killed for 2% of their body weight. 

From looking at my own research from Brief 4 I have concluded that I want to look at the idea of ignorance in my poster designs by making the viewer/ audience think about their own choices, by both asking a question and telling them shocking facts. 

Within the brief there is a limit of two colour plus stock. Choices and research into colour:

Positive keywords include: action, energy and speed, attention-getting, assertive and confident, energizing, stimulating, exciting, powerful, passionate, stimulating and driven, courageous and strong, spontaneous and determined.

Negative keywords include: aggressive and domineering, over-bearing, tiring, angry and quick-tempered, ruthless, fearful and intolerant, rebellious and obstinate, resentful, violent and brutal.

In terms of shark finning, red could represent; passion, determination, aggression, intolerance, violence and brutality.

Attention-getting: it demands you to take notice, alerting you to danger. This is why we have red traffic lights and stop signs – it is the universal color for danger.

Black is associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery.

Black is a mysterious color associated with fear and the unknown (black holes). It usually has a negative connotation (blacklist, black humor, 'black death'). Black denotes strength and authority; it is considered to be a very formal, elegant, and prestigious color (black tie, black Mercedes). In heraldry, black is the symbol of grief.

Black gives the feeling of perspective and depth, but a black background diminishes readability. A black suit or dress can make you look thinner. When designing for a gallery of art or photography, you can use a black or gray background to make the other colors stand out. Black contrasts well with bright colors. Combined with red or orange – other very powerful colors – black gives a very aggressive color scheme.

http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html