Reflecting on my recent Location Project, I am can say that it has been a highly successful task. The objective was to find a building in Nottingham and transform its exterior into a representation of Victorian slums, inspired by the vivid descriptions of Pods End from Charles Dickens' novel "Hard Times." Throughout this project, I engaged in various creative processes, including technical drawing, visual design, extensive research, overlays, and the creation of mood boards.
As a group we dedicated significant time and effort to find the perfect building in Nottingham that would serve as a canvas for the vision. The technical drawings allowed me to plan the transformation, ensuring every detail was correct. The visuals of the exterior captured the atmosphere of Pods End, immersing viewers in the gritty and somber world Dickens so eloquently described.
Undertaking thorough research was essential to accurately depict the era. I used historical records, photographs, and accounts, ensuring that my representation was authentic and respectful. These findings served as a solid foundation for my creative process. One of the strongest aspects of this project was the graphic design for the signage and the photoshopped visuals. Merging digital manipulation, hand drawings and photographs taken of the building, I was able to seamlessly incorporate Victorian-style signage onto the building's facade. The photoshopped visuals brought the project to life, effectively conveying the haunting atmosphere and social conditions that characterised Victorian slums.
The overlays I created played a significant role in highlighting the stark contrast between the original building and the transformed Victorian slums. These overlays allowed viewers to visualise the architectural changes in a clear and informative way.
The mood boards I carefully curated also played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the project. They provided inspiration and served as a visual reference for the overall mood, aesthetics, and storytelling aspects of the Victorian slums theme.
Overall, the Locations project was a success. It not only challenged my artistic skills and research abilities but also offered an opportunity to pay homage to Charles Dickens' literary work. The graphic design for the signage and the manipulation of visuals stood out as the project's strongest elements, effectively capturing the essence of Victorian slums. To improve this project next time I would definitely add to my storyboard with some more detail and complex camera shots.