OVERVIEW
The objective of this project was to create a unique graphical interpretation of any animal of choice. With an emphasis on the orderly, systematic arrangement of the basic components of visual communication, the resulting design communicates a set of essential traits (physical and behavioral) unique to the monarch butterfly.
RESEARCH
The anatomical structure of the monarch butterfly was carefully studied to properly capture its physical traits graphically. Examining different angles and perspectives helped build further understanding of the structure of the creature.
SKETCHING
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT
Different poses and characteristics were translated graphically in order to determine which were strongest and most essential to communicating the unique physical and behavioral traits of the monarch butterfly.
FINAL CREATURE
The final design was intentionally kept open and fluid, representing the ebb and flow of change. The dots on the wings contributed to this idea by significantly opening them up and adding more white space. The continuation of the dots across the wings makes the monarch appear almost unfinished, or rather, still forming, again leading back to the idea of ever-present change. This was also the reasoning behind using curvilinear shapes such as circles and ovals, to also reflect movement and fluidity.
PART II
In continuation with the design, a poetic, interpretive phrase was added to further represent the characteristics of the monarch, making one, cohesive design. This phrase attests to the monarch commonly symbolizing the idea of change.
"The Monarch Reminds Us That Change Is Both Necessary And Beautiful."
COLOR & TYPOGRAPHY
FINAL COMPOSITION
The resulting design emphasizes the symbolic meaning of change the butterfly holds, as well as their innate nostalgia, airiness and fluidity. These traits were graphically achieved through a warm color palette to invoke nostalgia, curvilinear shapes to represent airiness and fluidity, and the interpretive phrase to represent the symbolism of change.
