Objective
Develop a clock that pays homage to designer Michael Schwab. The clock must reflect the “spirit” of the designer through various characteristics including its structure, color and composition.
Development
I looked at various aspects of Michael Schwab’s work and identified the basic concepts of his designs that define his style. I focused on the colors he used in his pieces, the composition of his most renowned work, the typeface he used, and the subject matter of his illustrations. I researched to find that Schwab used Neutra Text as the typeface on his popular landmark posters. I also pulled various colors from the same posters and experimented with the different color combos for the clock. Since the same landmark posters have an illustration of the subject matter defined in the title that resides at the bottom of each poster, I created a clock illustration to be the defining element of the piece. Also, because Schwab worked with two-dimensional pieces, I decided to fabricate the clock out of corrugated plastic with a decal to not only keep the clock as flat as possible, but to also add to the durability of it.
Develop a clock that pays homage to designer Michael Schwab. The clock must reflect the “spirit” of the designer through various characteristics including its structure, color and composition.
Development
I looked at various aspects of Michael Schwab’s work and identified the basic concepts of his designs that define his style. I focused on the colors he used in his pieces, the composition of his most renowned work, the typeface he used, and the subject matter of his illustrations. I researched to find that Schwab used Neutra Text as the typeface on his popular landmark posters. I also pulled various colors from the same posters and experimented with the different color combos for the clock. Since the same landmark posters have an illustration of the subject matter defined in the title that resides at the bottom of each poster, I created a clock illustration to be the defining element of the piece. Also, because Schwab worked with two-dimensional pieces, I decided to fabricate the clock out of corrugated plastic with a decal to not only keep the clock as flat as possible, but to also add to the durability of it.
Research
I analyzed Michael Schwab's designs to identify key characteristics that needed to be incorperated into the clock design.
The visual characteristcs identified were:
1. Figurative
2. Retro color systems
3. Black (linear)
4. Strong silhouette
5. Refined
6. Flat/Matte Color
7. Simplicity
8. Easily Understandable
2. Retro color systems
3. Black (linear)
4. Strong silhouette
5. Refined
6. Flat/Matte Color
7. Simplicity
8. Easily Understandable
Type
I first researched to find what typeface Schwab used on his famous poster series, then compared to verify similarity.
Color
I then pulled colors from a variety of Schwab's pieces to develop a color palette to work from.
Development
I created digital sketches to find the best combination of characteristics, which I then further refined into the final product.
Final Product
The final clock was constructed using coroplast with matte decals placed over that. This kept the clock lightweight and durable, as well as flat to match the style of Schwab's designs.
