•Choose one starting point and produce a personal response. •You have a preparatory period to research, develop, refine and record your ideas. •You must make reference to appropriate sources such as the work of artists, craftspeople, designers and/or photographers. These can be those named in your chosen starting point and/or other relevant examples. You must identify and acknowledge sources that are not your own. •Following the preparatory period, you will have five hours of supervised time to complete your own personal response.
Street food festivals are popular events in many communities and they often promote the cultural diversity of the area. Advertisements, posters and flyers combine illustrations, photography and typography to reflect the atmosphere of the festival and show the extensive range of food on offer. Plain Creative combined type and silhouettes on promotional material for a festival of food in Kendal. Matt Kemsley used photographs of food arranged as flags for Sydney’s food festival. The publicity for many festivals is created by local people and examples of these can be found on Pinterest. Investigate suitable sources and produce publicity material for a Street food festival of your choice.
2. Maps
Maps can be used to find a location, record a trip or describe a real or imagined journey. They usually contain place names and symbols, and sometimes also include imagery. Medieval artists used pictures to represent towns, cities and terrain. The illustrator Paula Scher uses freehand typography to illustrate her maps. Investigate appropriate sources and create your own response to Maps.
3. Mechanical Objects
Automata, such as some wooden toys, are defined by moving parts that rely on simple mechanisms to bring them to life. Paul Spooner working for Cabaret Mechanical Theatre designs and makes automata. The three-dimensional pieces often use stylised characters and are reminiscent of the illustrations of Heath Robinson. The work of Frank Egerton reflects the interests he had in animals, fairgrounds and fantasy, and a desire to make people smile. Investigate appropriate sources and develop: EITHER (a) a poster for a museum of Automata OR (b) a short animated film based on Mechanical Objects.
Light and dark
The mood of children’s fiction may sometimes be described as light or dark in subject matter. Both approaches can also be combined in one book. ‘Awful Auntie’ by David Walliams is an adventure illustrated in a light-hearted cartoon style by Tony Ross, which captures the character and lightness of the novel. ‘Coraline’ by Neil Gaiman is a dark fantasy illustrated with stylised figures and scenes by Dave McKean. Daniel Handler, writing as Lemony Snicket, has created stories entitled ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ that are noted for their dark humour. The illustrations designed by Brett Helquist capture the light and dark mood of the narrative. Research appropriate sources and produce an illustration that captures either a light or dark aspect of a story of your choice.