The Seed Shop
A personal project lasting around one week, spread from August to October 2023, creating an illustration based on the poem- “The Seed Shop” by Muriel Stuart.
I began by noting down key quotes and metaphors from the poem, and sketching ideas for imagery. I used this information to inform various layouts, and decided to develop the idea of expressing the potential of a fallen seed.
I wanted the final illustration to have a handmade, rustic feel, so selected some fonts that resemble handwriting. I chose to use Adorn Condensed Sans and Bad script, for their clear, but gestural looks.
In order to refine the composition, hierarchy and colours I would use in the final print, I created a digital drawing, with which I experimented with different colour schemes.
I decided that in order to ensure that the text was readable, I would add it to my prints digitally.
I decided to use the blue and brown/orange colour palette, as I thought it reflected the poem- with its references to streams and the contrasting themes of decay and new life. I created the background colour by painting A4 paper sheets with acrylic paint before printing.
My preference is the print below, because with its darker background colours, the illustration doesn’t distract as much from the text, and the white areas contrast and stand out more.
