Amplify Project

One of the many things I am proud to be a part of during my experience in this university is working as a Design Production Assistant in the Arts Center under Erin Collins. We work on projects like renovating some research centers and way finding signage around campus. A recent project I took up on is helping out a senior student with her capstone poster regarding an art performance happening on April 8 and 9 in the Red Theater. 

Her vision for her performance is as follows: “To amplify means to intensify, expand, to make greater, and to strengthen. Amplify is an interview-based dance theater piece that draws upon female-identifying dancers’ stories, journeys, and experiences to amplify their voices. Alongside myself as the creator/ director/ choreographer, the ensemble of dancers, who are interview subjects themselves, collaborated and co-created the work. It is a piece about connection, resilience, and the power of dance.”

We started off with a zoom meeting discussing if there are any fundamental requirements and the placements of the poster, is it going to be digital or physical? Are there specific dimensions? Is there a specific color scheme?

She then proceeded to send me the details of what she wants included in the poster and it is as follows: 

Friday April 8 and Saturday April 9 @ 8:30 pm

The Red Theater, The Arts Center

Choreographer and Director: Hana AlMakkawy

Dancers: Hana AlMakkawy, Amy Qian, Claudia Alcarra, Mandy Liao

She mentioned that she is looking for a minimalistic style for the poster. Additionally, she also mentioned how the color scheme of the poster is an interesting element that has been juxtaposed into the performance itself. She has informed me that the dancers (4) will each wear their favourite color as their leotard. The colors are lilac, deep red, peach and purple. This is such an amazing idea since it gives each of the performers an autonomy and a personal touch and to see that worked into the poster is very cool. She then proceeded to send me a photo of the fabrics she picked out for them:

 

 

 

 

 

During our meeting, we were brainstorming together. I was sketching and she was expressing. It was like I was translating her ideas into sketches and potential options. 

I then asked her to give me a day to accumulate a few options for her to choose from. Or more accurately, give her a something she can edit and alter, since this is a poster that she was to express a performance she directed and created.

 

(The capstone logo is essential, I just forgot to add it to the first option.)

Then, we had our second meeting. She let me know that the she is looking for a darker background and a clearer element that will show the “amplifying” effect, which is this:

She let me know that she really liked the effect above which I sketched up on procreate. And I ended up with these designs:

 

She was also looking forward to creating some banners:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And this is the final product in a banner form placed in the Arts Center:

 

Please make sure to support Hana and attend her performance which I am sure is going to be amazing! Remember, the Red Theater on April the 8th and 9th (this Friday and Saturday) at 8:30pm. See you there!