THE CHALLENGE
I created an experiential timeline showing the evolution of a topic; including a to-scale installation mockup and any supplementary materials to create
an immersive and informative experience.
an immersive and informative experience.
I selected the topic of vampires, specifically how their image evolved due to various media influences and societal changes over time.
KEY RESEARCH TAKEAWAYS
Origins of vampire folklore comes from many different cultures. The Western interpretation of vampires comes from southeastern European folklore and legends.
People speculate that the idea of vampires came from the lack of understanding of decomposition, disease, and infection.
Legends and myths inspired early Gothic literature, which subsequently inspired silent films, modern movies, pop culture, and video games.
As time progressed, the perception of vampires shifted towards more light-hearted, pop culture icon figures, abandoning many religious/frightening interpretations.
IDEATION
I was drawn to ideas where I could add a twist to typical vampiric imagery. Instead of lots of bloody red, images of cloaked figures, and ornate calligraphic details, I opted for a more contemporary and icon-based look. This would allow for me to explore my style in a way that challenged the norms of a visual cliché.
MOOD DESCRIPTORS
Bold
Energetic
Contemporary
Alluring
Structured
Sensual
Nightlife
Energetic
Contemporary
Alluring
Structured
Sensual
Nightlife
COLOR PALETTE
To stay away from overdone black and red, I decided upon a palette consisting of burnt maroon, blood orange, and deep magenta.
This very limited color palette allows for a fresh, striking look with recognizable branding. It communicates the energy of a contemporary exhibit without abandoning its gothic roots.
TYPE CHOICES
The decorative display typefaces communicate the mood of old vampires, whereas the stark, bold nature
of Franklin Gothic communicates a sleek, contemporary, and stylish mood. The contrast shows an evolution and change in style over time.
of Franklin Gothic communicates a sleek, contemporary, and stylish mood. The contrast shows an evolution and change in style over time.
VAMPIRE MOTIFS
Rather than assigning a uniform look to all forms of vampires, utilizing motifs, elements, and features of vampires communicates the essence and mood of the creatures without being redundant or obvious.
INSTALLATION IDEATION
This timeline was heavily influenced by Gothic architecture and the structures within. Utilizing arches, windows, and steps, it communicated a sense of an opulent vampire mansion interior while maintaining a clean, calculated modern look. The colors transform from the “Burnt Maroon” to “Deep Magenta” when reading left to right across the timeline.
By creating different tiers of information with steps,
it categorized various time periods into similar groups. Groupings were based on the origins, the beginnings of popular media, and then more recent adaptations of vampiric fiction. The other deliverables related to the timeline are eye-catching, but relatively simple in color palette and design. Its branding remains consistent, and showcases the juxtaposition between the clean sans serif type and the decorative antique title.
it categorized various time periods into similar groups. Groupings were based on the origins, the beginnings of popular media, and then more recent adaptations of vampiric fiction. The other deliverables related to the timeline are eye-catching, but relatively simple in color palette and design. Its branding remains consistent, and showcases the juxtaposition between the clean sans serif type and the decorative antique title.
FINAL APPLICATIONS
I created a timeline, timeline installation mockup, four "fun fact" promotional posters, and a foldable zine pocket guide and poster.
