David showcased a vast range of practitioner's that he found most influential, briefly mentioning Tony Arefin, a graphic designer who dominated the creative industry in the 1990's. I took the privilege of seeing his creative work being displayed in the Ikon art gallery late last year, which widely influenced my current practice at the time.
"Condoms are CHEAP if we'd used one, I wouldn't have to tell my parents i'm pregnant."
"All it took was one PRICK to get my girlfriend pregnant. At least that's what her friends say."
"Now that i'm home with a baby NOBODY calls me anymore."
Here I photographed an awareness campaign for teenage pregnancy, that I found incredibly moving. It's such a sensitive social issue that's being surfaced in such a powerful way, as people can relate to these posters representing there self, or how they feel about a companion, it gains an emotional response out of the public. The use of strong vocabulary, would capture the society's attention, the word 'cheap' has almost been given a double meaning in this communication piece, as condoms are also cheap, but being pregnant as a teenager may also make you feel cheap by having a one night stand, and to others they may look down on you labelling you as cheap if you get pregnant when your a teenager.
The photography helps emphasise the thought of the teenager perceiving herself as cheap, the use of facial expression portrays she's regretting the situation she has got herself into. The use of photography combined with typography helps give deeper meaning to the visual imagery. The photography selected by Tony Arefin visually communicates how the teenagers feel about the consequences, and with the use of such strong opinionated vocabulary, it almost portrays to the public if you become pregnant as a teenager you will feel all these emotions, and be looked down as a cheap prick, that's a nobody.
The word 'cheap' being done in capitals helps create a powerful dramatic statement, to capture the attention of the public. The use of red creates a strong contrast against the background and photography, helping the typography become legible and eye-catching. By choosing such strong words, that are very personal to viewers, will gain viewers attention and arouse emotion within viewers by being able to relate to this social issue.
Tony Arefin was profoundly known for the use of bold visual language in his work, as well as the sharp colours chosen to enhance attention towards his striking typography.
The use of an unusual colour palette choice in this design, develops an eye-catching visual, drawing attention towards the typography. The use of a bold capital typeface, helps create a powerful dramatic message. The white typeface has being purposely outlined with a slight black background to create maximum contrast against the acerbic coloured background. The use of white space helps put all emphasis onto the type, intriguing viewers on the controversial message left to gain a response out of viewers, to debate the message with the public and friends, which will lead towards the communication piece being talked about, gaining free publicity.
The visit to the Ikon gallery undoubtedly, was the most influential visit I have ever had of discovering a practitioners work. Tony Arefin lead me to become so much more open minded to when selecting different typefaces and colour choices in my practice, as after viewing his work it made me realise I restrict myself to certain typefaces and colour choices, I need to take more risks and be more experimental. Lastly the most important aspect of Tony Arefin's work that I believed was such an eye opener, was how some of his work had controversial statements made, or very opinionated views on certain social aspects. By being so opinionated it leaves the public to openly discuss and debate their thoughts on the message he's delivered in his communication piece. I feel that by making such a bold statement this erupts a debate, which is a great way to enhance publicity on your work, with it being up for discussion if it's right or wrong.
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