Basic Questions to Ask Whenever Conceiving Visual Design
We’ve all been there…..Sitting in a chair, at a table or desk staring at the last sentence of a paragraph and having trouble coming up with the next words. We may even know how we want the story to end, but we just aren’t sure what the next step is or how to say it. What are the best words? Where will the action come from? Who will initiate?
The same thing happens during the design process. I’m several sets into the current production and things have been flowing well….Then STOP. If I’ve really done my homework, this is happening BEFORE i’m actually sitting at the computer because I’m blocking/storyboarding the design and then putting it into the computer. There are times when I move to the computer and my initial ideas won’t work….That’s another blog.
Here’s how I find my way. I start by considering each of the elements of the ensemble. If it’s a smaller group, say 32 winds or smaller….I’m thinking Winds, Percussion, Color Guard. With medium to larger groups, the Winds may be divided into at least Woodwinds and Brass. Sometimes the Color Guard can also be divided.
Here are the questions.
When is the next big moment in the production?
How much development is there in the music before that next big moment? Will there be several steps between the current position and that moment, or is it eminent?
Who should be the focus at the next big moment? Is it a full ensemble statement or is it a feature?
Is there a way to lead the spectator’s eyes so the moment is a surprise? Should it be a surprise at all?
Once I’m satisfied with the answers to those questions, I move on to these.
Will the element that is the design focus be moving or static?
If Element A is the focus, what are the other elements doing to highlight or enhance? Are they framing? Are they integrated? Should they disappear?
What role will the Color Guard play in enhancing the audio being presented? Again, are they framing, integrated, or highlighting?
I find that 99% of the time this process works for me.
As always, I love to hear from others involved in the Visual Design process. Please feel free to leave me a comment below. —DB