Using various objects create different marks by dipping in or painting with ink and experimenting with different ways of laying the object on your paper. Create and develop a rendering of a word using the styles and arrangement of the marks you made. 

My intended audience is my professor and classmates so I can receive feedback on my work and progress. My target audience would be any client interested in creative and manipulated word illustrations made out of ink marks. 

The research that went into this project involves my own process of ideation and iteration. In the process of mark-making, I would analyze my marks to see what was missing that I could experiment with more marks. The second way research was involved was in the brainstorming stage when I needed to use a Thesaurus to find synonyms of words I wanted to depict. 

First, to start this project I made lots of marks with random, everyday objects as well as black ink and acrylic paint. 

Objects I used included a sock, a laundry clip, an eraser, and a coffee filter. I made multiple marks with these objects, changing speed, pressure, and movement to create several different shapes and smudges. 

Then, after letting the newsprint dry, I took photos of all the interesting marks I made. I edited the photos for clarity by adjusting the brightness and contrast of the photos– this made crisp outlines for each mark. 

Next, I brainstorm words that remind me of the marks I created– this is done through a slideshow. I brainstormed about 60 words for 10 marks I made (about 6 words for each mark). After that, I choose the most effective mark-word combination and started to sketch compositions. I rough draft different ways I could render marks into words. 

I upload my marks to Adobe Photoshop in a 10in. by 10in. file. I select and mask as needed, distinguishing the marks from the white background. I copy and paste and layer all of the pieces of marks I make. These are arranged into a final composition that relates to my composition sketches. 

To finish, I organize and label the layers necessary and save my psd. files. 

Mark 1: Dehydrated

I think this mark is effective because the words relate to the descriptive quality of my mark, and because the composition is rendered in a style and arrangement that corresponds. My word "Dehydrated" applies to the dryness of the mark, and it can also apply to the thinness of the mark as well. I think I applied this in a composition that is interesting to follow and clear to recognize. 

Mark 2: Feral

I believe this solution is also effective because of the style of the mark and storyline of my composition. When I first saw this mark I thought of words like "wild," "natural," "carnelian," and more. I think the style of this mark fits very well with the word "Feral" because it encompasses the same organic vibe. I also like how this solution is easy to understand the word. The viewer does not have to go looking for the word very long even though it is surrounded by footprints and claw marks.