Explore print processes and create an interesting piece of design to exhibit for the Print Festival. You must use the colour chosen for you. You must use only traditional print methods.
Deadline : Monday 28th March
Details & Requirements
- You will be provided with a colour from GFSmith Colour Plan
- You must use a traditional printing method/process
- Produce 5 prints (1 on the wall, 4 to sell 40% / 60%)
- The colour must be visible
- A4 Square (210mm x 210 mm)
- Will be framed (white - to preserve)
- 175 GSM
Deadline : Monday 28th March
Colour
Racing Green
Details & Requirements
- You will be provided with a colour from GFSmith Colour Plan
- You must use a traditional printing method/process
- Produce 5 prints (1 on the wall, 4 to sell 40% / 60%)
- The colour must be visible
- A4 Square (210mm x 210 mm)
- Will be framed (white - to preserve)
- 175 GSM
Initial Idea's/Research
The first thing that came to mind was 'British Racing Green'
Origins of the association
In the days of the Gordon Bennett Cup, Count Eliot Zborowski, father of inter-war racing legend Louis Zborowski, suggested that each national entrant be allotted a different colour. Every component of a car had to be produced in the competing country, as well as the driver being of that nationality. The races were hosted in the country of the previous year's winner.
When Britain first competed in 1902, they had to choose a different colour from the national flag colours of red, white and blue, because those had already been taken for the 1900 race by America, Germany and France respectively. (Italy did not adopt its famous 'Racing Red' until a red Itala won the Peking to Paris race in 1907). When Selwyn Edge won the 1902 Gordon Bennett Cup race for England in his Napier it was decided that the 1903 race would be held in Ireland, at that time a part of the United Kingdom, as motor racing at the time was illegal in Great Britain. As a mark of respect for their Irish hosts the English Napier cars were painted shamrock green.
The first recorded use of the darkest green shades was on the Bugatti of Briton William Grover-Williams, driving in the very first Monaco Grand Prix, in 1929. This colour has become known as British Racing Green.
British Racing Green
Bugatti of Briton William Grover-Williams Driving in the very first Monaco Grand Prix, in 1929
Monaco Track
Posters created for the Grand Prix
Stamps created for the Grand Prix
Final Edited Image To Print
This is the halftone image ready to screen print in black. This is as the original images were in black and white, I felt that this was appropriate also creating a more subtle yet conceptually driven overall design.
The edges of the image were altered to create a scalloped effect as to represent and reflect the special edition stamps designed and used at this time as this was a historical, iconic event and image. The square shape of the stock and design also lends itself to this part of the concept. The edges, flowers and car number, 12, will be printed in gold as to reflect that Britain won Gold at this race. It also draws attention to these areas, allowing the audience to work out the concept and story for themselves.
Screen Printing
Photoshoot - Black & White Ink
Photoshoot - Gold Ink
Exhibition at Munro House
This brief was very conceptually driven, originating from the name of the stock itself. Researching into the name and the history and imagery surrounding this name ‘British Racing Green’, combined to create a very strong concept and overall aesthetic.
The black ink is rather subtle on the dark green stock which draws the audience in for a closer look. The gold highlights important areas of the image and reflects the position that Britain came in in this particular race, whilst also framing the whole design inspired by the limited edition stamps sold in reference to this occasion. Using actual imagery from the event allowed me to use the stock itself to fill the shape of the car. Using layers and techniques such as this was something different for me, I rather enjoyed it.
I am more than happy with this outcome. I have also gained the experience of being involved with an exhibition which is outside of the university. This was a positive and welcomed experience and was enjoyable throughout.
Chosen Traditional Print Method (Screen Printing)
Screen Printing;
Halftone printing (Screen Printing) William Fox Talbot is credited with the idea of halftone printing. In the early 1830s, he suggested using "photographic screens or veils" in connection with a photographic intaglio process
By the 1890s, however, prints were made in essentially the same way they are today: through halftoning — printing different tones as patterns of small dots varied in size and spacing. By the 1929s, this technique was relatively sophisticated.
Halftone printing (Screen Printing) William Fox Talbot is credited with the idea of halftone printing. In the early 1830s, he suggested using "photographic screens or veils" in connection with a photographic intaglio process
By the 1890s, however, prints were made in essentially the same way they are today: through halftoning — printing different tones as patterns of small dots varied in size and spacing. By the 1929s, this technique was relatively sophisticated.
Design
Digital Design
Using Illustrator, the colour dark tone of the card was removed from the image meaning that when screen printed, the stock colour, British Racing Green, would be the colour of the car, appropriately so.This is the halftone image ready to screen print in black. This is as the original images were in black and white, I felt that this was appropriate also creating a more subtle yet conceptually driven overall design.
The edges of the image were altered to create a scalloped effect as to represent and reflect the special edition stamps designed and used at this time as this was a historical, iconic event and image. The square shape of the stock and design also lends itself to this part of the concept. The edges, flowers and car number, 12, will be printed in gold as to reflect that Britain won Gold at this race. It also draws attention to these areas, allowing the audience to work out the concept and story for themselves.
Prints
Screen Printing
Photoshoot - Black & White Ink
All Coloured Prints
Final Print
Other Colour Variations
The GF Smith Festival at Munro House
Exhibition at Munro House
Evaluation
The black ink is rather subtle on the dark green stock which draws the audience in for a closer look. The gold highlights important areas of the image and reflects the position that Britain came in in this particular race, whilst also framing the whole design inspired by the limited edition stamps sold in reference to this occasion. Using actual imagery from the event allowed me to use the stock itself to fill the shape of the car. Using layers and techniques such as this was something different for me, I rather enjoyed it.
I am more than happy with this outcome. I have also gained the experience of being involved with an exhibition which is outside of the university. This was a positive and welcomed experience and was enjoyable throughout.
