Curiosity for finding what's new and better

I came across this blog whilst looking for other interactive installations.


Some very inspiring work:


http://www.noupe.com/inspiration/15-amazing-interactive-installations.htm

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Other Playful Interactive experiences

I thought this would be a great accompaniment with the interactive illustration with the drummer of the band also being able to create matching visuals through the drum hits:

See Drum is a visualisation tool created to enhance rhythm based performances by linking temporal auditory patterns to visual counterparts in real-time. Using sensors, See Drum interprets drum hits from a kit and, in real-time, creates matching visuals to be projected or displayed on screen.

The See Drum software matches each drum in the kit with a corresponding visual representation. Mappings between drums and their visuals can be altered easily within the software.

Because of its tight mappings, See Drum allows users to synthetically experience a drum performance, artfully highlighting relationships of audio and visual patterns over time.

http://www.feedtank.com/index.php?strProject=see-drum

HOW I DECIDED TO INTERPRET THE MUSIC

The music I chose to illustrate was by the band, the Smashing Pumpkins.

The style of the illustrations came from listening to hours of the bands music, getting a real feel for what they were about. Many of their lyrics are cathartic expressions of emotion and I wanted to reflect this in the illustrations.

The black and white textured feel gives a sense of mood and atmosphere befitting the songs, using drawings, sketches, photographs and photoshop.

When it came to interpreting the music I looked at Arcade Fire’s interactive video, set to the bands track ‘We Used to Wait’, I thought this was an inspired way of connecting with their fans on a more personal level.

Along with other interactive projects I’d researched and been involved in, these acted as a catalyst to interpreting the Smashing Pumpkins tracks through ‘Interactive Illustration’. It’s a fresh and exciting fan participation experience, allowing them to engage with the illustration and music. This would be a real step in the right direction to building closer relationships between bands and fans.

As music is changing and reinventing itself then illustration should follow suit as they compliment each other so well. Interactivity could be the way forward in bringing music and illustration closer together and creating the perfect harmonious experience.

Interactive Illustration Video: The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins Interactive Video using 'Processing'

The video will appear after the D&AD results have been announced.

The Journey

The Journey through the project, starting with the Core Values and Mood board which was the basis to start creating ideas and producing sketches and finally leading on to the finished illustrations.

Core Values and Mood board

Ideas, References and Sketches

Illustration.1_Smashing Pumpkins: Daphne Descends

Illustration.2_Smashing Pumpkins: 7 Shades of Black

Smashing Pumpkins Illustrations_'Processing' frames

Happy with the style of the illustrations and pleased with the 'Processing' results. Just need to get them filmed. Started work on the digital boards.

There's a bit of code which allows you to save frames, below are 2 examples.

Daphne Descends

7 Shades of Black

Illustration style

Looking at a Black and White style to create mood and emotion within the songs.

The main illustrations will be static images letting the audience use it's own imagination to interpret the song. 'Processing' light trails and particle effects will be used as an 'enhancer' to bring the song alive but not detracting from the illustration.

Illustration.1 has almost a scraper board feel to it

    D&AD Illustration 1: The Smashing Pumpkins_Daphne Descends

    D&AD Illustration 1: 'Processing': Motion detection creates  Light trails and particle effects.