research

First, I did some research by picking a creature from the aquarium and compiling a series of images that best represented it. I began looking at sea dragons. There are three varieties: weedy, ruby, and leafy. I liked the patterning and movement of the leafy kind (characterized by the shape of their fins) so I focused on them.

sketches

While looking at the sea dragons, I made some sketches of them. I focused on the forms using blocks of shape and silhouettes. I focused on movement using lines of varying thickness. I also wanted to figure out where to crop the image, since I knew I’d have to do this at some point later in the process.

Digital Translations

Using my sketches as a basis for my digital work, I made a series of translations. I wanted to capture all the movement (the flowiness) of the sea dragons, while also maintaining their transparent qualities.

Early banners

At this point in time, I also made some rough versions of banners. Here, I researched typefaces to see what fit best. I wanted to capture the essence of the sea dragon. I also wanted to gauge how the type and image would interact, so I could make changes as needed nearing the final version.

Making edits

Using my vectors and listening to feedback from the class, I made some final edits on my drawing. The versions made up entirely of lines were cool, and they conveyed the flowy and transparent qualities of sea dragons, but they were not realistic. The one made up of lines and shapes was too solid and the stripes on the body looked more like gashes. In this version, I changed the stripes and added transparency to the fins to show translucency.

Final Deliverables

In the end, I was able to make a billboard and a banner for the New England Aquarium using this final translation. The translation highlighted some of those original qualities I was looking to achieve. The type, with the swoop in the lowercase g, captured the essence of the creature.

Banner Mockup: https://www.freepik.com/psd/banner'>Banner psd created by rawpixel.com - www.freepik.com
Billboard Mockup: https://www.freepik.com/psd/mockup">Mockup psd created by freepik - www.freepik.com