DESIGN UNIT
( Higher / Int2 )
Your work for this unit will be in the form of a Theatrical / Film mask (three dimensional design ).
Below is a list of clients who need the services of a mask designer / maker.
In each case they need a mask suitable for a specific character in their production.
DESIGN BRIEF( s)
Here are the design briefs. Read them carefully and then choose ONE that you feel you could tackle well.
- Client : The Royal Scottish Ballet are performing two ballets next year and they
require visually exciting masks for some of their characters.
Task : Produce a mask suitable for one of the characters in one of the following
Ballets
- The Nutcracker
- Firebird
- Client: Scottish Opera are performing an opera and a musical next year
and they require visually exciting masks for some of their characters.
Problem : Produce a mask suitable for one of the characters in one of the following
Productions.
- Aida
- The Lion King
3. Client : The Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre are hosting stage productions of two
well known films next year and they require visually exciting masks for
some of their characters.
Problem : Produce a mask suitable for one of the characters in one of the following
films.
- Star Wars
- Lord of the Rings
Design is a PROBLEM SOLVINGactivity – but before you can solve this problem you must do thorough RESEARCH. That means gathering information or other material related to the task and considering the DESIGNISSUES.
FUNCTION What is the purpose of the design ?
Who, where and what is it for ?
MARKET RESEARCH Can you find any examples of solutions to
similar problems by other mask designers?
What are the different types of masks which have been produced? ( previous examples of historical , cultural ,ethnic and up to date masks )
CONTEXT What images can you find that illustrate the
theme and will be useful to you when you come to consider ideas?
What materials can you find that will be suitable and relevant in the construction of your mask, including both the decorative element and the actual structure ? You have to remember that someone will actually be wearing your mask and so the ergonomics and ease of wear are part of the design procedure .
Consider these issues well before you begin to come up with ideas.
The Little BlackDress
Created by Coco Chanel in the 1920s and a fashion staple in every woman’s closet ever since.
A little black dress with pumps and a tailored jacket can take you to the office during the day, and with diamonds and silk gloves to a gala event at night.
Chanel Dress from the 1920’s
Chanel Dress from 1925To properly understand the fashion environment necessary to produce such a simplistically fabulous necessity for any wardrobe, we must visit the 1920's. As women shed their long, layered dresses, cut their hair and enjoyed the fast-paced party life, society slowly became more accepting of women baring slightly more of her shoulders, back, and legs. The coveted silhouette of the era was generally very slender and youthful.
It was during the 20's that the legendary fashion designer Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel first stitched her name into the history of women's clothing design. In fact, Chanel's designs are often considered to be the epitome of the 20's style because her work was so fresh, modern, and updated.
Chanel encouraged and inspired the style we typically envision when we think of flappers. She was fond of working with neutral colours and soft easy-to-wear jersey fabrics that were simple in shape and cut. Chanel was able to infuse comfort and sophistication into fashion, and this combination was considered revolutionary. It was during her early work, that Chanel designed and introduced the first little black dress to the world.
First introduced in 1926, black was previously considered to be a colour reserved for funerals and periods of mourning. Truly simple and sexy, Chanel's design was a sleeveless sheath cut just above the knee. She could have never predicted the immediate and lasting love women would have with her simple, chic black dress.
As Chanel was quoted, "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." Whether a woman's little black dress cost $50 or $2,000 her intention is the same: to look effortlessly classic and appropriately sexy in just seconds. While most of us cannot afford to buy Chanel's breathtakingly beautiful pieces, we can certainly wear our trusty black dresses with the modern, sophisticated attitude she possessed.