OUGD505 - SB1 - Outcome

After exploring the typography involved in UK Drill, it was decided that the best option to use for the outcome would be to show hand painted text. As the idea would be to physically replicate the development ideas, it would mean painting on fabric. The plan for the outcome will be to display references to the genre on a balaclava, using the colours that were found to be frequently used in the music videos.

As the previous ideas found, the best way to display the colours would be by having a white base layer. This way when painting onto a fabric surface, the colours will become the centre of attention to the audience. After discussing the ways in which to apply colour to fabric, it was suggested that a lycra or cotton balaclava would be used. This could then be painted using craft paint, ink or acrylic paint. As acrylic paint was the option available during the final stages, this would be chosen for the outcome.

As shown in the development stage of the project, the colour application would show a range of different shades. The plan was to start with green/blue at the top of the mask, changing into blue and purple in the middle and then ending with red at the bottom.

In terms of the layout for the text, the plan was to apply it in different sizes and weights, depending on the area of the mask and how it would curve around the face of the mask. This was also relatively unplanned, as it would create a rough effect and make the text seem more thrown together.

In terms of the application of colour, it was proved to be a more length process than anticipated, with some areas often needing to be adjusted due to the texture of the paint on lycra surface.

If more time had been carefully planned and allocated to the outcome, there may have been things that would be done differently and more precisely. This includes, research into the ways in which to apply colour to certain materials and experiments with alternative medium, like ink or printing.

In conclusion to the outcome, it is clear that it successfully communicates to the audience the type of music to expect. However, had alternative methods been pursued at an earlier stage then the outcome may have utilised the strategy in a more detailed and polished way. It may have also provided the opportunity to explore more ways to create design for a physical surface such as this.

Extra Feature
During an earlier stage in the project, one of the peer review sessions dismissed the idea of relating the project to soldiers. This was because gangs would often refer to themselves as 'soldiers', 'generals' or 'commanders' etc. As the idea that had originally come to mind wasn't pursued, it seemed necessary to explore it anyway. Therefore, as an extra feature to the balaclava a set of army dog tags were created as a way to present the audience with a comparison between drill artists and their lyrical content. The dog tags feature the details of two drill artists, Dimzy from the rap group 67 and MizorMac from Harlem Spartans. The engraving on the tags details their age, gang and area as a way to show audiences the reality of youth culture within UK Drill.