vis lang:: infographic base sketch

bare model

model with annotations

model with annotations + images

comm models: postcard 3

comm models: object postcard

Finished postcard:

Iterations:

Don't read this yet, Veronica

Veronica's first postcard had a very negative tonality to it, and I was interested in pursuing this atmosphere. I began this part of the process by thinking about negative connotations which could be associated with bras and the like - one particular idea being restriction and the notion of being "chained."

comm models: object postcard

vis lang:: final posters

With my first poster, I chose to use a modernized parody of jianzhi, or the chinese art of paper cutting. Papercraft works such as these have often been used to decorate homes and doors during festivities; but more importantly, they often reflect many aspects of life such as prosperity, health or harvest. Additionally, they can also represent stories about the happiness gained from the accomplishment of common goals. Thus, it is this feature that I wanted to play upon with my poster design. The colors red and gold were also deliberately chosen because of their symbolic meaning. The former representing fortune or good luck, the latter refering to wealth and happiness.


My second poster was inspired by mahjong, a popular game played by the young and the old. The game is also a metaphor for many things, such as one's city or home (referenced by how the tiles are stacked into four walls at the start of the game.) Thus I tried to use mahjong itself as an allegory for voting itself. The tiles, when still face-down (with their green sides showing) represent unrealized potential, and one doesn't know what part it may play in the game.

vis lang:: documentation

vis lang :: poster directions

vis lang:: rhetoric - mindmapping

vis lang:: rhetoric - audience

although initially hesitant about choosing this demographic, i've decided to go with chinese americans for our current project. specifically, the younger generations - a thoroughly modern group, but still very much grounded in the teachings and traditions of their parents and ancestors. and although chinese americans share a high socioeconomic status in american society, they are inactive in politics or local affairs. thus, it is with this project that i hope to explore some of the reasons behind this political apathy, find an entity that many could identify with, and encourage more political activism within this demographic.

1. what are some predominately shared values of this group?
education and family values, tempered with a sense of tradition, respect, and not a little bit of honor.


2. what political policies/issues are particularly important to this demographic in this election? why?
immigration, health care, education, etc

3. are there any cultural references your demographic identifies with? what?
amy tan, margaret cho, b.d. wong, stephen chow, etc.

as with any demographic, it is not without its fair share of stereotypes; and they range from the endearing to the downright derogatory. one in particular that i remember well occurred in an episode of scooby doo, when two of the main protagonists evaded the bad buys by pretending to be chinese. how? by putting on robes and having buck teeth. enter the hideously stereotyped chinese waiter.
there are many things in our culture which are supposed to evoke an "asian" feel to them, whether it be chinese dresses (cheongsam) or chopsticks in ones hair (which is actually a major faux pas), etc

4. what does their graphic landscape look like?



5. including the aiga document and other sources, what are the issues cited for this group not voting?
there's definitely a cultural gap between this demographic and the candidates running. numerous other reasons have been cited as well - too busy, out of town, voter registration problems, etc- but political apathy is definitely a major issue here.


sources:
"why do chinese-americans avoid politics? a study of social isolation" - all academic research.com
"chinese americans" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_American
http://www.hyphenmagazine.com/

vis lang:: semiotics final

vis lang:: possible directions

vis lang:: sketches

vis lang:: matrix