Ironically, I began by brainstorming what qualities would make for a hilarious photograph, not by what a good movie should be. I wanted to create something edgy, without crossing lines; and most importantly, make people laugh. Only once the picture was taken, I would begin to mold the idea into a movie concept. Eventually I envisioned myself using a toilet in a woman’s public washroom, offending nearby bystanders.
With help from females on campus, and an Image Arts photographer, I was able to capture my vision. I could not settle with an average quality camera, and used my residence’s resources to get the perfect picture. Finding the perfect washroom was a challenge however, for I specifically wanted a shot of an open stall for the girls to crowd around. As well, finding the right angle, turned out to be a feat in itself. We eventually settled with a photograph of the washroom’s mirror, which coincidently left me with a beautiful sink reflection in the right hand corner of my finished product.
I chose my favourite take, and began working with Adobe Photoshop. This led to another problem, which again, worked out in my favor. I originally believed the image would take the full 8 x 10 size, however I soon realized that would be impossible without stretching the photo. This left a border on the sides that I completely hated, although did display great alignment.
While venting, I toggled with the photo’s colour. The image needed blue, to match water one would find in a washroom. This led to borders becoming a lighter shade of blue, contrasting the photo. Although still not satisfied, I eventually began to make the image appear as if the viewer is looking in a mirror, rather than simply an image with a dull border.
With the brush tool, I drew white lines on the corner of the photo to give a glossy, mirror-like appearance. It was simple, yet very effective. As well was the movie title, “The Ladies Room”. Although blunt, I really wanted to use the woman’s washroom logo as a text in the font. Once creating my own replica, I found a font similar to the drawing.
The tagline, like the movie concept itself, was due to brainstorming. Using “this guy has balls”, as a branding slogan, worked perfectly for my edgy theme. A male had the courage to use the woman’s washroom - the problem being, he was a male. I completed the design by researching professional movie posters, viewing what criteria was found on all of them (i.e. the credentials, movie website, release date, etc.)
A problem then occurred. Due to my placement of the tagline on my character’s back, if I correctly centered all the text, the poster would appear awkward - and oddly enough, not appear centered at all. Therefore I purposely left text not quite in the middle of the design.
After viewing my completed project, teens (13-19) are the target audience, due to borderline offensive humor in the concept and design. Using teens in the photo itself, I believe, also successfully addresses the target audience with ease. I was worried a movie poster wouldn’t showcase advance Adobe Photoshop techniques, however the assignment took a lot more effort and time than expected.
I worked with this program before, however never have I focused so much on key design principles. From doing this assignment, I am now familiar with what makes a great design. This will stick with me forever. As well, having an in-class critique of my work also was beneficial. This was able to tell me that I did use the CRAP principles correctly. Overall, the piece exceeded my initial goal, and I am happy with what I created.
Additional Sources
Petrou, Laurie. Ryerson University, Toronto. Lab. 08 Oct. 2009.
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