The creation of Tacks came from a very personal desire to get into college. At the time, I was working at a printing company as a production artist.
I imagined created an illustrated story that counselors and possible supporters could read on their lunch break; something humorous that could show my agency and dedication to learning.
My long commutes to work (approximately two hours one way), moved to draw and journal on trains and buses. I was using sharpies and 3x5 index cards at the time as they were very inexpensive and easy to carry.
Inspired by the simplicity and vernacular language in the work of Raymond Pettibon, Art Spiegelman and Chris Ware, I began working with lettering and minimalist images. I created my own font and developed a visual language with a playful and at times, poignant tone. I focused on showing one slide at a the time so the viewer could slow down and decide the timing of each slide.
At some point I had a stack of cards full of drawings. This allowed me to incorporate different plot lines and add variety to the story. I also visualized processess and data.
Having a stack of cards became a very easy way to request feedback from many people. I would go to my favorite coffee shop before work and ask the regulars to take a look. I observed how long it took them to go through the whole deck. I also wrote down questions and used them to clarify certain aspects of the story.
I scanned and live-traced all drawings because my dream is to print this piece via letterpress or embossing. I wanted all lines to be sharp, but not too perfect to keep the handdrawn quality. What resulted from this is an online piece that can be viewed on a phone or monitor without compromising quality.
When I created Tacks 2.0, I realized I had created a format and formula that allowed me to craft other stories as well. Since the creation of Tacks 1.0, I have designed and facilitated workshops to show other students how they can craft their own stories using this methodology.
I imagined created an illustrated story that counselors and possible supporters could read on their lunch break; something humorous that could show my agency and dedication to learning.
My long commutes to work (approximately two hours one way), moved to draw and journal on trains and buses. I was using sharpies and 3x5 index cards at the time as they were very inexpensive and easy to carry.
Inspired by the simplicity and vernacular language in the work of Raymond Pettibon, Art Spiegelman and Chris Ware, I began working with lettering and minimalist images. I created my own font and developed a visual language with a playful and at times, poignant tone. I focused on showing one slide at a the time so the viewer could slow down and decide the timing of each slide.
At some point I had a stack of cards full of drawings. This allowed me to incorporate different plot lines and add variety to the story. I also visualized processess and data.
Having a stack of cards became a very easy way to request feedback from many people. I would go to my favorite coffee shop before work and ask the regulars to take a look. I observed how long it took them to go through the whole deck. I also wrote down questions and used them to clarify certain aspects of the story.
I scanned and live-traced all drawings because my dream is to print this piece via letterpress or embossing. I wanted all lines to be sharp, but not too perfect to keep the handdrawn quality. What resulted from this is an online piece that can be viewed on a phone or monitor without compromising quality.
When I created Tacks 2.0, I realized I had created a format and formula that allowed me to craft other stories as well. Since the creation of Tacks 1.0, I have designed and facilitated workshops to show other students how they can craft their own stories using this methodology.
