The project idea born out of a personal perception and observation of a growing disillusion and loss of hope towards the future of the Dominican Republic, due to increasing political corruption. This disillusion, affects patriotism, and as consequence reduces the desire to do something for the country’s situation. This problem affects the Dominican society as a whole, however the effect towards the young adults of the country is the most alarming of all; as they’re responsible for building the country’s future. 

 

 

The main question asked was, how to used graphic design to reinforce patriotism in young adults? To answer the question, heavy visual research was made, which had two main components, the first one being analysis of propaganda, as an effective communication tool to diffuse ideas to the masses. In analyzing propaganda, the function of design decisions in support of the message were observed, how choices of color, composition, type, visual language and motives were used, how they changed in service of the culture and their importance in arousing feeling and creating impact. Relationship of words and visuals, were also analyzed; how wording was used to support the concept, by being short and direct. In addition, the communications mediums and techniques that were preferred by propaganda, were also considered and determined the direction of this project. Among the propaganda observed were American, German, Russian and Chinese, the American, being the most influential with its wars posters and WPA propaganda, specially the later, as reference of expressing social messages. Furthermore, contemporary examples from Shepard Fairy and positive propaganda were viewed, which served as an important reference for achieving the personal goal of transmitting a positive message. In the final stages the most influential inspiration was drawn from the Cuban revolution propaganda posters, with its used of colors to represent culture and location.  The second component was anthropology research, to determine the aimed culture’s characteristics. This visual research focused on the collection of images, that showed the cultures, color and visual sensibilities. This collection included traditional fine art and culture elements that gave a sense of identity, as well as contemporary murals and street art to appeal to the younger audience. 

 

Based in the prior mentioned visual research, the process included explorations on creating a visual language adequate to the target, as well as determining a process fitted for mass production. First preliminary sketches, used color pastels as a quick way to explore color relationships and texture. Later on, thinking about bright colors and simple forms, inspired by silk printing, explorations with cut paper were made. Computers graphic as method to create the poster was also explored. In the final explorations, spray paint applied by using stencils, was preferred as the most fitted method for mass production; also preferred by its organic texture which humanized the final result. This final process also included the edition in Photoshop of the scan in spray paint elements. The exploration process was not linear and it took going back and forth between options to take out the best from them. Most explorations were made during the creation of the first poster and failures helped towards defining the final process.

 

The poster series is most successful at displaying a color system that represent the Dominican culture, unify the series and reinforce the concept of each poster. The visual language is also successful, as it mixes cultural characteristic with a juvenile and vivid aesthetic. Lastly the exploration of both manual and computer techniques resulted in visuals that feels organic and alive, making it more appealing to the audience. In general, the goals I proposed myself to make a visual engaging poster series were met, but I think the concepts and messages could improve in order to achieve a successful impact in the young adults, one that will really awake the desire to help the country.

 

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