Treading Old Ground

     For a lot of us, we will wish to go back and correct things. In the field of graphic design, those things we want to alter may vary.  As it stands however, even if the project was a success, a designer might not be completely satisfied with it. However, there's also the case where a creator might want to try something new with a familiar idea. Whatever the story may be, I want to talk about treading old ground in graphic design.

     Now we all have ideas that we can never really fit in sometimes. All projects have deadlines, and there are technical limitations. However, what if there was the chance to go at it again, with more time, and better resources? Chances are, you could turn out the project you wanted initially! If not that, then a good spruce up can do a game, movie, or pictures wonders! It would be like walking down a path with a better pair of shoes. 

      However, maybe you don't want to add to an idea, but try it a different way? Let's say you remake an old commercial for coffee, but do it in a modern setting. You could make fun of the previous commercial, try a role reversal of the plot, etc. As long as you can try something new, there's still potential with an idea. In this case, treading old ground can be seen as taking a different path along the way. 

      Now keep in mind, this can be a double-edged sword. You have to be ready for whatever reaction people may have to your work, even if it's negative. As such, some people will get annoyed if they see the same thing over and over again. Others will get annoyed if they see the wrong changes being made to something they loved. Just be wary of what the people think, before you go down the path again.

      What you want, is to read your main audience, and find what they want. Compromise is going to be key here, so don't forget that when you go down that old path. With all of that said however, thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed, and stay tuned!

Tone Change

     So, let's say you've taken a picture in black and white. It gives off a somber, almost nostalgic feeling with the limited palette. However, what if you added colors to it? Well, then that somber feeling is instead replaced by a more upbeat one. The simplest edit could cause a drastic change in tone to a project. From simple audio fixes, to a major overhaul to the story, our blog topic today will be about how easy it could be to change the tone. Without further ado let's jump on in! 

     Now, most likely you won't want to change to tone of your work going into it. However, wether you realize it or not, that tone might undergo alterations during editing. Granted, it might be something small, like the art style, or one scene. Bear in mind, a tone change isn't always this big grand thing. It can always be you looking at your work, thinking it doesn't fit the tone you want, and making little edits. However, that doesn't mean big tone changes can never happen.

     As for bigger, more intentional changes of tone, those tend to be more interesting. For an example, I'll use the Jak and Daxter games. While the first game is more or less a standard action-platformer, with bright visuals, and cartoony personalities, Jak and Daxter II is certainly a change. Swapping out the original, colorful tone for a darker one, with gun-play mechanics, a darker story, and a more beastial main character, it certainly isn't the same game. It worked however, as not only did Jak and Daxter II outdo the original, but it set the tone for the rest of the franchise, albeit being 3 more games and some cameos. This is just one example of an extreme tone change, but I hope it paints an idea of what I want to illustrate.

     

 

Images courtesy of Moby Games and IGN respectively.

    Generally, a change in tone, whether it be in a franchise, or in one's work, is a hit or miss decision. Whether an audience sees it midway through, or learn of what could have been, they'll usually have a preference for the tone. At the end of the day, whether you change things up or not, is up to you. Just make sure to have a good note on what the reaction will be.

    With all of that said and done, I hope you enjoyed, and stay tuned!