Digital Developments of Collages

In order to develop the design, it was necessary to digitally edit the collages, as to make them fit for screen printing. This meant trying to reduce the colour pallet some way to 2, 3 or maximum 4 colours, to get a more plausible outcome. They also had to be digitally manipulated into positives for the screen printing process.  

The development explores what textures were most successful and applicable, as well as the relevant imagery that worked aesthetically. It also investigates colour, and the need for vibrant ‘popping colours’ that are evident throughout the costumes. This meant that any bright colour could be used, as the diversity at the carnival is evident, however the focus was mainly in the exploration of primary colours, as well as greens and oranges which represent nature (greenery and the sun), giving a tropical feel to the piece, with warm and cold colours combining to create a scene. 

As another form of development, the design needed to experiment with how the best sections from different initial ideas worked together. The palm tree was a particularly dominant visual depiction, that from peer critique was sought to be favoured, and was the main informative image that allowed people to immediately link the composition to the carnival itself. It was then decided that incorporating this into the print some way, could encompass both the textile side of the idea, and eradicate the need for text to inform the viewer. 

It was also clear that the more roughly produced, hand-made marks best defined the rationale behind the print, of a the process behind the construction of the costumes. 

After much development, the design needed to be simplified a lot in order for the print to be successful. The final two images were the favoured design, however it was clear cutting down the colours took away from the overall outcome that was yet to be screen printed. 

Resultantly, the final composition combines the best aspects of shape, line and image from the developments to create an overall piece that notes both the Caribbean scene and the creative progress behind the outfits worn within the carnival parade. 

Too dark, does present texture however not in the vibrant and celebratory way that is intended.

Green is too dark, need to simplify the composition.