REFLECTIONS
I’ve always thought that image transfers were difficult because I assumed it was a long process since ordering a custom made t-shirt with your print on it takes such a long time and costs quite a lot of money. Back in Year 2 BDS module, we had to design a souvenir and I intended to do an image transfer to the packaging I made. The moment I saw a video on to use Mod Podge to transfer images and observed how much glue was placed and how messy the aftermath was, I just gave up on it. However, today’s lesson made me change my mind on image transfers. It actually turned out to be simple and fun to do. We were exposed to several methods on image transfers and all of them were simple methods which actually made me regret my decision in giving up image transfers back then.
It is best to use image transfers when you want to avoid cutting and pasting your images into a book for example. The amazing thing about image transfers is the fact that it can transfer to other materials like glass and fabric. Till today, image transfer is still used because there are still a lot of materials that can’t be printed on, and that includes large scaled materials, which makes image transfers practical. I had a lot of fun exploring the different methods of transferring onto different materials and I will definitely consider to apply these methods into my future works.
CLASS PRACTICE 1: IMAGE TRANSFER USING IRONING
This is the method that probably requires the most patience because you won't really see the results you want, unless you have the patience to wait and iron at the same time. This is actually the method that I would least recommend because it is a slow process. Nonetheless, the results you get can be truly spectacular. It's best to transfer images with darker colours to get the best results.
CLASS PRACTICE 2: IMAGE TRANSFER USING SOLVENT
This method works pretty well in my opinion. When transferred, it appears faded but still looks aesthetically good. It kinda gives you the vintage and rustic feel since it's faded. This method is most ideal if you don't want to wait long for your image to be tranferred. It is truly a quick and easy method. But I warn you about the pungent smell. We've done image transfers before using thinner as the solvent to transfer our mythical creature design onto our lino as reference before we cut the lino design out, back in Year 1. So I am pretty familiar with this technique.
CLASS PRACTICE 3: IMAGE TRANSFER USING ADHESIVE MEDIUM
At last we've reached the last class exercise. Remember when I said that mod podge was the one that made me gave up on image transfers in the past? Well now it is the image transfer medium I love the most. It gives the best results as it looks as if it were printed on. Other than mod podge, there's also the packing tape method which in my opinion looks really artsy fartsy. I would definitely recommend using these methods to do image transfers. However, it does require patience, even more than the ironing technique because firstly if we're using mod podge we need to leave it to dry for a day or two. Secondly, using these techniques also require you to peel away the paper from the pasted image and that means that there will be a lot of mess. Honestly, I actually enjoy the process because I just can't wait to see what's the result is going to be like.
APPLICATION BRIEF
Design a wooden signage using image transfer method. Select one of the businesses below and do a small scale mockup with wood. You can either use an existing brand name or come up with one yourself. You are free to propose any style or art direction for the design. The client is also open to an illustrative signage.
Choices:
• Florist
* Organic Food Grocer
• Café / Pub (including cat café /other novelty cafes)
• Restaurant / Eatery
Deliverable:
1.1 small scale mockup (about A4 size)
RESEARCH
I decided to the wooden signage for a Café name I came up with on my own. I decided to name my Café 'Coffeeholic' because I wanted a place where all the coffee addicts can go to. Coffeeholic a very homey, rustic and relaxing Café therefore I decided it was best to use the solvent method to create the faded, vintage effect. I also researched on retro logos to get my inspiration from.
PROCESS
PROPOSED DESIGN