Quick Reflection:
In working on this latest project, the PSA poster, I found that many of my class mates wanted to tackle tough issues. I think it's noble and good that they can bring awareness to certain problems in society however I feel that some aimed to high and the scope of a simple PSA poster isn't enough to fully capture some their ideas. The point of the poster is to be something that someone sees and is reminded of something that is important to them or their life. But I think my classmates went for a political topic mostly because we started this project by examining ourselves politically and things in our society that we wish to change. I look forward to what some of them show up with however.
On the topic of my piece:
Before I settled on a simple typographic heavy poster I knew I wanted to do something that I didn't need to necessarily argue to the masses. I toyed with what did I care about politically or at least what was something I wanted people to know or at least be reminded of. I've always believed that art programs didn't get the full support that they should compared to other departments in grade school. But my poster isn't just about arts programs in schools, rather this idea that you should push your child to more "practical" educational vocations. I was fortunate enough that my parents encouraged and supported me when I showed an interest in the fine arts and performing arts when growing up. I believe they were crucial to my development and have helped me solidify my identity and that is something many people struggle with.
My aim with my PSA poster isn't to offend or cause a discussion but rather affect people on multiple levels, primarily as an imprint that will hopefully stick into peoples heads since it's a loud font and a clear message. When they get a bit closer they can discern the "support the arts" underneath it and that is a vague enough line that it means anything from buying your child a starter painter set all the way to buying local art in your town at an art crawl. And then finally if I've caught a passerby's attention enough that they walk up close there are .gov and .org websites with more information than I could put on any poster. I'm not asking people to change their political beliefs radically, rather see the benefits and don't dismiss art programs (Fine arts, Performing arts, etc.) as superfluous or a waste of money.
Lastly looking back, since I already printed what I intend to present, I toyed with the idea of putting a skyline of Charlotte in the letters that say PAINT. I liked that it drew the point closer to home but I didn't want my message to be that small. I don't just mean support the arts of charlotte but rather support 'the arts' in general because it only enriches our lives and our culture.
