Sound Visualization Project

James Leavitt, Open A Window (feat. Tyler, the Creator) by Rex Orange County and Tyler, the Creator

I chose this song based on the layered instrumentals. It combines emotions from both the acoustic strings, as well as the deeper bass melody to create a feeling of growth. This is what I based my project on. I wanted to create that feeling of growth by having a set base from which there are flowing strings growing out of. One of my early one black square designs was a great influence in how I achieved these strings, in the sense of continuity and direction. I used the Gestalt principle of similarity as well to distinguish the two parts of the piece. The first was the jagged, bold, letters that rested at the base of the piece, providing foundation. From this foundation I used strings of text of varying boldness, size, and fill to create a layered set of growing (almost) vines. 

My design throughout the project remained fairly similar, although I found the mid critique to be extremely helpful in finalizing the piece. I wanted to create an “entry point” to the piece, which I accomplished through the use of the large, bolded, V in the bottom left corner. Another note I took was the use of varying fills and sizes to differentiate between the strings of text I had. I wanted to create layers, and depth, and accomplished this through using these tools to create a gradient of black texts.

With more time, I would implement some of the key notes I received from the final critique. I would use the space towards the top of the piece more economically, either stretching the vines further, or putting another element in the top left corner, which lays empty. Another change would be changing the length of the vines, making some longer and spreading to different directions, and leaving some short, with the anticipation of growth. Overall, however, I am very satisfied with how my piece turned out.