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Mini Brief 1. Deliberately Lost
For mini brief 1, "Deliberately Lost," I teamed up with a group of fellow students to embark on an adventure in Bristol, intentionally getting lost and documenting our journey in a sketchbook. Being a Bristol native, getting truly lost proved to be a challenge. However, there was a lesser-explored aspect of Bristol that I wasn't as familiar with—the waterways. To navigate our way through the city, we decided to utilize the waterways as our guide. We hopped on Bristol ferries, allowing them to transport us along the rivers, and eagerly followed the suggestions provided by other passengers and the ferry staff. The following pages offer a glimpse into the discoveries we made during our escapade.
Mini Brief 2. Change Someones Day Through Illustration.
My original idea for the Change Someone's Day Project was to visit Bristol animal rescue centre and collect drawings of the animals to then create an adoption and fundraising project. Despite a keen interest in my project the correspondence was very slow and eventually died out, with the last email I received saying they would be in touch and unfortunately they never did.
I wondered if I could not only change someone's day, but also have that change have lasting effects on more than just that person, through the power of illustration, journalism and collaboration. My intention was to inspire someone enough to adopt an animal from an animal rescue centre by creating a series of illustrations depicting the animals available for adoption. Maybe someone considering adoption would be swayed by seeing the animal's character come out through the artwork, or even someone who had no intention of adoption at all, now considering it after seeing the artwork and associated fundraiser. Changing someone's day would also change their life going forward and an animal's life.
I contacted a local centre who expressed enthusiasm in collaborating with me, however despite a keen interest in my project the correspondence was very slow and eventually died out, with the last email I received saying they would be in touch and unfortunately they never did. The outcome was intended to be a fundraising exhibition of my illustrations in the rescue centre. I now had to rethink this.
I considered what it meant for an animal to end up in the rescue centre. And what traits a human needs to decide to care for animals.
After some first hand experiences, and researching animal abuses and general (mis)conceptions about certain animal groups, I concluded that, like with many subjects, information directed at educating children and grass roots would be a good approach to facilitate change.
They're NOT Just Pigeons
My module got off to a rocky start as I caught COVID-19 during the Easter break, which hindered my progress. However, while I was recovering, I felt the need to go out and draw again. I decided to visit the local harbour, where there's a popular spot on the marina that attracts both wildlife and people, making it an excellent location to sit and observe. During my visit, I documented the remarks made by individuals who interacted with the pigeons, ducks, and swans. Interestingly, a prevalent sentiment expressed by many people was their disregard for pigeons as sentient beings deserving of love and respect.
An incident involving a child, their parent, and an animal enthusiast left a lasting impression on me. The child, a young boy, was chasing after pigeons with great enthusiasm. While this might seem like a minor incident to some, it speaks volumes about our attitudes towards animals. It suggests that we find it acceptable and even enjoyable to cause animals distress, and that we view ourselves as superior to them, rendering their well-being and feelings irrelevant.
The woman who was feeding the birds asked the boy to stop chasing them, explaining that it was cruel and that the birds didn't like it. However, the boy ignored her, prompting the woman to ask again. At this point, the boy's mother intervened, cautioning the woman not to upset her son. This suggested that the mother herself hadn't considered the welfare of the animals, or that they were worth considering. Despite the woman's explanation that scaring animals was cruel, the boy continued to chase the birds. The woman reiterated that this behaviour was unacceptable and that scaring animals was a cruel act. The mother, in defence of her son, argued that he wasn't being cruel, but was simply behaving like any other six-year-old boy. She even claimed that because he was vegan, he couldn't be cruel to animals. The woman questioned whether being vegan made it acceptable to chase and harm the pigeons. As the mother and boy left, they dismissed the woman's concern, saying, "They're just pigeons."
The final statement, "They're just pigeons," encapsulated the underlying message of the entire encounter. It suggested that the pigeons had no value and were not sentient beings with any inherent rights. They were considered disposable playthings, and mistreating them was deemed acceptable. This incident also highlighted that such attitudes are learned, as the child saw chasing the birds as permissible behaviour and was encouraged by his mother's lack of regard for their welfare. Although this may seem like a minor incident, it is precisely these small actions that can help to create a better world. By teaching kindness and compassion towards all animals, we can become better individuals and help create a better planet.
If I could change a child's day from them chasing (and therefore distressing) pigeons, to them understanding and even loving them, this mindset, I hope, would bubble up through their lives, and they would spread their new ideas of care for these animals.
There is a common misconception that pigeons are unclean, unpleasant, and disease-carrying animals. However, the reality is that the chances of contracting a disease from a pigeon are extremely low, with the likelihood of being struck by lightning being greater. The fact that pigeons may be seen scavenging through rubbish, covered in pollution, and with malformed feet is a direct result of the influences that we have created. Without human interference, they would thrive in a natural world of greenery and trees but instead, they have adapted to survive in the grey concrete jungle we have created. Unfortunately, we have created a polluted and dirty environment for ourselves and for them. It would be wonderful if we all showed a little more love and compassion towards these creatures, starting with small gestures. Yet, the dismissive attitude of "they're just pigeons" prevails.
To shift the prevailing mindset about pigeons, I took the initiative to launch a poster campaign directed towards children. My objective was to dispel people's misconceptions by incorporating pigeon-related facts, vibrant illustrations, and messaging that encourages empathy towards these birds. By targeting children, I aimed to leverage their receptiveness to learning and their tendency to engage with pigeons in potentially harmful ways due to misguided adult influence. Ultimately, I hoped this campaign would empower children to form their own opinions about pigeons and treat them with greater respect.
Some sketches and photos on location:
Later, I created further sketches:
Project Expansion Ideas
Cases of Abuse Against Misunderstood Animals
Nativeness and What Does That Mean?
Street Animals Around The World
People Who Live With Wild Animals
Exotic Pets
Poster Design Research
I looked at other activism posters which are bold and colourful and blocky. I looked at film posters and book posters that gave me a positive response, not a repulsive response. I wanted to present pigeons as I saw them naturally, chaotic and wild, but I wanted a personality to come through (which is also what I wanted for the animal adoption campaign).
From drawings in my sketchbooks I went on to create some digital artworks. I then used these to design some Riso printed posters for my Pro Pigeon campaign.
I played with colours, testing out complimentaries, greyscale and interpreting into Riso inks.
How my poster designs evolved:
My objective was to dispel people's misconceptions by incorporating pigeon-related facts, vibrant illustrations, and messaging that encourages empathy towards these birds. By targeting children, I aimed to leverage their receptiveness to learning and temper their tendency to engage with pigeons in potentially harmful ways due to misguided adult influence. Ultimately, I hoped this poster campaign would empower children to form their own opinions about pigeons and treat them with greater respect.
After several iterations trying to present text on the posters I felt it wasn’t as impactful as having a simple message that was evocative enough to inspire a child or person to look further. I decided a more illustrated and less text based poster design would be more encouraging for people to engage with. I took the line “They’re Just Pigeons” as it is what I heard spoken as a justification for chasing them, and thought the juxtaposition of a colourful exciting poster, with that message would be enough to trigger someone to think “what about pigeons?” and to follow the posters links and discover more. The ambiguity of the message They’re Just Pigeons I hope makes people curious about what the project is.
After a tutorial I was concerned about the posters being too ambiuous and my message possibly being misinterpreted. Wanting to keep the strapline 'They're Just Pigeons' as this was the remark so frequently over heard as excuse for distressing the birds I decided to add 'NOT'.
Final Poster Designs:
The Finished Prints:
Some close up details:
Artist Research
Sue Coe
Since the 1970s, Sue Coe has worked at the juncture of art and social activism to expose injustices and abuses of power. Coe has always been ahead of the curve on social issues, her art a conduit for her progressive politics. Thinking of herself as an activist first and artist second, she has trained her gaze on a wide variety of ills, translating such diverse topics as the perils of apartheid, the life of Malcolm X, and the horror that is the American meat industry into artworks, exhibitions, and books.
I like Sue Coe's evocative art style, however when thinking about my poster design aesthetic I think a child would find them scary and not necessarily be on the animals side.
Splash and Burn
The artwork produced by the collaborative group, Splash and Burn, left a profound impression on me. The direct impact of their pieces on the issues they address is truly remarkable. In particular, I was struck by their use of street art to raise awareness about the negative effects of palm oil on the environment. Their approach, which avoids creating tension and defensiveness by simply presenting statistics and facts, is very effective. Instead, they engage the public in conversation through art, seeking to educate and inspire positive change.
Aaron Staples
Part of the activist’s challenge is to grip, to inspire people to action. With the avalanche of information most of us are faced with every day, this is increasingly hard to do. Sometimes it’s too much to ask people to stop and think; sometimes it’s too much to just ask them to stop.
For Aaron, successful art compels this. It penetrates apathy, imploring the viewer to “look deeper and explore the narrative … to give them time to stop and think.”
In this greenpeace article and activist art i really liked these quotes:
“Art is a lens to look at issues that are too complex to examine in words.”
“Artwork offers a visual language that doesn’t know any borders.”
“There’s no convincing anyone with art. They just see, and to see is to believe.”
Wings of Paradise, Worldwide
From Jakarta to Mexico City, New York to Prague, artists collaborated with Greenpeace to make city walls their canvas in order to draw attention to the destruction of the Indonesian rainforest by the palm oil industry.
The Wings of Paradise project in 2018 had 20 giant murals, many larger than 25 square metres, in 20 cities worldwide. The project was a part of a Greenpeace campaign calling for global brands to protect rainforests, its biodiversity and communities and stop buying palm oil from forest destroyers.
Mural ideas
Upon reflection of comments made in a tutorial I would like to further my project by creating a mural. I would like it to have a persuasive story that will change peoples minds about street birds.
I was inspired by banksy's pigeon graffiti and the clear message he gets across. I reflected upon comments about my posters needing a more direct strapline and considered how best to achieve this.
I like the idea of telling two stories through one image and getting the viewer to question what they see. Some possible ideas for this include doing a heaven and hell scene / utopia vs dystopia in a directional painting where the story reverses depending on the direction it's read(up/down left/right).
I am also considering an x-ray style painting with two images overlaid. This would be painted in two colours which would tie in nicely with my posters.
Some artists successfully doing this are Insane 51 and Shok-1. Their work is very visually impactful and I like their use of limited colour palettes.
Bird Architecture
A common negative bird sentiment is anti bird architecture like bird spikes. I thought a good idea to reverse this would be to create some decorative bird houses that are both visually beautiful and create a home for pigeons. I was very inspired by ottoman sparrow palaces and would like to create some ceramic pigeon houses that could be mounted outside and benefit both birds and people. The houses would create homes for birds out of the way of humans and also be visually attractive. Win, win!
Mural
After initially designing images of pigeons and humans under an x-ray to symbolise animal testing, I realised that my concept had veered too far from the core message of my anti-animal abuse campaign. Recognizing the need to stay focused, I decided to return to the drawing board and reassess my approach.
In my renewed exploration, I contemplated the idea of depicting pigeons and humans anatomically to emphasise our shared internal structure. This concept seemed to align more closely with the message I wanted to convey. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I wasn't able to fully develop this idea and bring it to its full potential.
Publication
I explored two different ideas for my zine and created wireframes for both concepts.
The first idea revolved around an environmental and existential message. I wanted to convey the interconnectedness between our actions and the well-being of the planet. Below, you'll find some initial drafts of ideas for this concept, captured in wireframe form.
Below is an editorial statement for idea 1
I'd like to think about what it means to co-exist. We humans, in an urban modern, western society don't tend to think of ourselves as coexisting with other animals. We have removed ourselves so far from nature that animal interactions rarely intercept our daily lives. In fact when a wild animal does interact it is often perceived as a hindrance or a nuisance.
We built ourselves buildings to keep out the unwanted. We built roads to connect our towns and cities. We diverted rivers and laid claim to the skies. We dug greedily for oil, coal and gas. We invented cars, planes and trains as we busied ourselves away in our daily lives. We invented pesticides and fungicides and waged war on nature. We invented factory farming and turned animals into vacuum packed packets of inanimate shapes in supermarkets.
We hustle and bustle, frantically filling our days with schedules, meetings and itineraries, waiting for the day to end so we can get up tomorrow and do it all again. We go from office screen, to phone screen, to tv screen numb to the world and the futility of it all. And we forgot.
We forgot how to plant seeds, how to grow and to nurture. We forgot the sights and sounds of the forest, and how to tell the signs of a wild animal. We forgot what it means to be hungry and not to know where the next meal will come from. We forgot the importance of balance and care. And we forgot what it means to be animals ourselves.
And yet, we are in a constant state of coexistence. For animals have managed to make the best of the concrete grey jungle we have bulldozed over their home. Or they have perished. For the survivors they nest in rooftops, swim amongst plastic, consume trash, like discarded debris themselves. They become entangled in rubbish and lose limbs and we look down on them as grotesque. They come to us in search of food, of which we have bought so conveniently and we shoo, chase or kick them away. How dare they assume they can ask us for food!
And so, I invite you to come and take a closer look. If we sit and observe we can see creatures with sentience and personality, all trying to survive. For it is not them in our world it is we who inhabit theirs. I write this message as a plea to see the beauty that still lingers.
In this zine I will show a light on society's misunderstood “pest”, the pigeon. I hope that I can show you the world that I see. For I do genuinely believe there is a world where we can all coexist and thrive.
In my exploration, I will delve into the profound reflection between humans and animals, aiming to understand what it truly feels like to walk in their shoes. Through illustrations, I intend to shed light on what may seem like extreme cases, but in reality, we are already a part of them. It's just that, for us, they remain out of sight and out of mind.
I firmly believe that cultivating a kinder and more compassionate society for all begins with the small actions we take. So, let us remember not to chase the pigeons. This seemingly simple act serves as a reminder of our responsibility towards the welfare of all living beings and the role we can play in making a positive difference.
I researched belief systems and found quotes from thinkers with animal welfare in mind that i could use to inform my illustrations.
Humanists:
Animals are not here for us to do
as we please with. We are not
their superiors, we are their
equals. We are their family. Be
kind to them.’
Ricky Gervais
‘Why should we think that they have
inner natural instincts different from
anything we ourselves experience?’
Michel de Montaigne
“By ceasing to rear and kill animals for
food, we can make so much extra food
available for humans that, properly
distributed, it would eliminate starvation
and malnutrition from this planet.
Animal Liberation is Human Liberation
Too” Peter Singer
The only justifiable stopping place for
the expansion of altruism is the point at
which all whose welfare can be acted
by our actions are included within the
circle of altruism. This means that all
beings with the capacity to feel pleasure
and pain should be included.’
Peter Singer
Buddhism:
All beings tremble before violence. All love life. All fear death. See yourself in others. Then whom can you hurt? What harm can you do?
“The beginning of mindful eating is the realization that eating meat is not about the meat-eater; it is about the animals who are tormented and killed.”
Idea 2:
I wanted to compile all my research and artwork from the past months and curate my findings into a compelling story within the pages of my zine.
The journey begins with observational sketches and snippets of conversations overheard at a spot on the Bristol harbour, where the coexistence of people and wildlife is apparent. It is here that I found inspiration and a deeper understanding of the message I wish to convey.
At the heart of my zine lies a humanist message, a philosophy that advocates for a kinder and more compassionate society, where humans and animals exist in perfect harmony as equals. I firmly believe that achieving this vision starts with seemingly small acts that hold profound meaning. By fostering understanding and empathy towards other creatures, we can overcome our fears and develop genuine connections with them. When we appreciate their unique abilities and recognize their significance, our care and concern for their well-being naturally deepen.
One vital aspect of realising this compassionate society is instilling these values in children. By teaching them to embrace kindness, care, modesty, and humility, we pave the way for a brighter future. When the younger generation grows up with an inherent respect and empathy for all living beings, they become the catalysts for positive change.
Through my zine, I aspire to inspire others to embrace this philosophy, to see the beauty in our coexistence with animals, and to take action in creating a world where compassion and harmony reign supreme. Together, let us embark on this journey towards a future where every being is valued and celebrated. And so the name Co-Exist was made.
Co-Exist is intended to be a recurring publication, with each edition shining a spotlight on a different animal. Specifically, aiming to shed light on animals that are often considered pests or nuisances. By focusing on these creatures, I hope to challenge the prevailing negative perceptions and educate people about the inherent beauty and value they possess.
In this particular edition, the spotlight is on pigeons. Through engaging content and captivating illustrations, readers will discover fascinating insights about these birds and why they deserve to be viewed differently. To further encourage positive interaction with pigeons, each copy of the zine includes a set of illustrated stickers and a packet of seeds. These additions allow readers to actively engage with the animals in a meaningful way and gain firsthand experiences that offer fresh perspectives.
By providing readers with the means to interact positively with the highlighted animals, the zine aims to bridge the gap between humans and these perceived nuisances. It encourages a deeper understanding of their importance within our ecosystem and fosters a sense of appreciation for their unique qualities.
Through this ongoing zine series, my hope is to cultivate a shift in perception, where individuals come to recognize the inherent worth of all creatures, reconsider their designation as pests. Together, we can embrace a more compassionate and harmonious coexistence with the animal kingdom, fostering a greater respect for the interconnectedness of all life.
To ensure a cohesive and synchronised package, I decided to maintain a consistent design theme for my zine that aligns with the aesthetic of my posters. I opted to carry forward the captivating combination of pink and blue hues, which have become synonymous with my campaign. Additionally, I chose to preserve the sketchy illustration style that adds a distinctive and engaging visual element. By retaining these design elements across both the zine and the posters, I create a seamless and unified experience for the audience and a brand identity. Through this intentional design approach, I aim to enhance the overall impact and memorability of my message, ensuring that it resonates with the viewers and leaves a lasting impression.
Below are the online and printed versions.
Online:
Creating the full package, seeds, stickers, publication and posters.
Filling the envelopes with seeds:
Co-Exist in print!
Back on Location
Returning to the site that initially inspired my project, I brought along the posters and zines. The sunny harbor was bustling with families and pigeons, creating an ideal atmosphere for reflection. The posters garnered considerable interest, and I received valuable feedback. It was heartening to hear that everyone had acquired fresh knowledge about pigeons, resulting in a positive and receptive response.
Below are some helpful zines, magazines and books:
Thank you for reading my blog post :)
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