Our PSA project in design was a message to the public about an issue that we are passionate about, using Adobe Illustrator to make it and adding a tagline that resonates with the viewer. For my topic, I chose our devices/social media, and how reliant we are to them. My PSA is a reminder to disconnect every once in a while. Before making the actual PSA, we are required to design a moodboard to understand how our final PSA would actually look and visualize it.
In my PSA, I strived to convey a message about technology and how it affects how we see the world around us and our creativity. Imagine a silhouette of a person, engrossed in the glow of a computer screen, seemingly bound to it by twisting, creeping vines. This image serves as a metaphor for the all-consuming nature of technology in our lives. The central idea behind my PSA is to shed light on how our relentless pursuit of digital connectivity can sometimes stifle our creativity, drain our mental energy, and divert our attention from the natural wonders surrounding us. The juxtaposition of the vibrant, lush forest in the background against the stark, monochromatic world of the computer screen symbolizes the stark contrast between the virtual and the real. I chose these colors deliberately to emphasize this contrast, with the deep, vivid hues of the natural world clashing against the sterile, cold shades of the digital realm.
The creation of this PSA was a journey of artistic exploration and adaptation using Adobe Illustrator. I encountered several challenges along the way that forced me to reevaluate and refine my approach. Initially, I had envisioned a different color scheme and background – an ocean setting. However, as I translated my vision into Illustrator, I realized that the ocean background looked flat and uninspiring. I wanted to challenge myself further and create a more compelling backdrop. So, I decided to switch to a lush forest with the soft, warm glow of sunlight filtering through the trees. Creating the effect of sunlight streaming through the forest presented its own set of challenges. To overcome this, I crafted a custom brush with a radial gradient and low opacity. This allowed me to replicate the gentle play of light in the forest, adding depth and vibrancy to the scene.
Starry Waters – Aboriginal Art
In my Aboriginal-inspired art, I chose the jellyfish as my spirit animal, drawing inspiration from their tranquil existence, where minimal motion and the currents of water guide them effortlessly. This parallels my belief that life unfolds with purpose, every event leading us to where we are meant to be. As a Virgo, I incorporated the constellation and maiden symbol into my artwork, paying homage to my astrological sign. Furthermore, I found a deep connection to the star symbol prevalent in Aboriginal art, which I integrated prominently into my piece.
Using Photoshop to create this artwork, I encountered initial challenges due to my familiarity with Illustrator tools, but I overcame this with online research and Youtube tutorials. I loved the color scheme that captured the earthy and aquatic tones of the underwater world. Initially concerned about the hand-drawn dots appearing messy, I soon realized that their organic, imperfect nature added authenticity and depth to the piece. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing; these challenges and discoveries along the way only enhanced the final result, allowing the art to resonate more deeply with the Aboriginal inspiration that fueled its creation.
Progress Screenshot in Photoshop