Design Research Proposal DES806

“Points of Enquiry”

Development Proposal 1

Prepared by Andrew Hepburn

Andrew Hepburn_ Design Research Proposal DES806

1.0 RATIONALE: 3 WAYS OF LOOKING 3

2.0 THE USER, MARKET AND DISTRIBUTION 4

3.0 PROCESS, TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGY 5

4.0 GENRE & AESTHETICS 6

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Andrew Hepburn_ Design Research Proposal DES806

1.0 RATIONALE: 3 WAYS OF LOOKING

I have identified a clear need to develop a project in the field of high quality graphic novels

and comic book production. The Verbal Arts Centre in Derry, Northern Ireland have been

instrumental in establishing “2D” Ireland's foremost comics festival bringing some of the top

creative talent in the industry to the North West of Ireland. The Verbal Arts Centre have

invested in high end digital printing and publication equipment and are engaged in high quality

print publication for the local community and quality printing for local and international authors

with links to a range of industry partners involved in marketing and distribution.

I propose to design and produce a comic book / graphic novel that will serve as an exemplar

project exploring and capitalising on a rapidly expanding area in the publishing industry. The

proposal involves a specific project fully supported by all participating organisations; ‘Verbal

Arts’ (VA) and ‘The International School for Peace Studies (ISPS). The project will allow me

to explore the history and contemporary practice in the field of ‘Graphic Arts Publishing’.

The project will involve the Design and Production of a Graphic Novel telling the World War

One story of the “Battle of Messines.” with specific emphasis in explaining the cross

community participation in the battle.

The project will enable me to research, explore and contribute to the field of graphic narrative

illustration and design. The project research and analysis will focus on three key points of

enquiry:

1. The User, Market and Distribution

2. Process, Techniques and Technology

3. Genre and Aesthetics

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Andrew Hepburn_ Design Research Proposal DES806

2.0 THE USER, MARKET AND DISTRIBUTION

The publishing industry has changed radically in recent years. The Verbal Arts Centre’s

investment in digital publishing resources renders it one of the most current publishing

houses in Ireland and are in line with those needed for the modern publishing industry today.

Verbal Arts centre have invested over £100,000 in digital printing and publication equipment

and are engaged in high quality print publication for the local community and quality printing

for local and international authors with links to a range of industry partners involved in

marketing and distribution in the UK, Ireland and Internationally.

There is a clear need to encourage and develop the area of Visual Arts publication in the field

of high quality graphic novels and comic book production.

There will be continued assessment of the best methods of accessibility for markets of the

Graphic Comic. This will include targeting of specific cultural, tourism and educational

markets, including, for example, The Department of Education (DEL), Schools and colleges in

N. America, Australia and Europe ; and the identification of appropriate organisations that

may provide financial support such as the Imperial War Museum, Arts Council and Publishing

Companies.

The rationale for this project is based on the success of the

“Blood Upon the Rose: Easter Rising 1916” Graphic Novel by O’Brien Press.

This is the first graphic novel publication of relating to a significant time in Irish history. The

publication has been a financial success. Released in October 2009 it has sold out in many

branched of Easons.

A key aspect of the marketing strategy for this publication is the consideration of a series of

historical publications and possible interest by O’Briens Press in terms of their business

strategy. The success of “Blood upon the Roe” may encourage them to support further

projects such as “The Heroes of Messines” or indeed a graphic novel publication telling the

story of the Civil Rights Movement in Ireland and ultimately the history of “Bloody Sunday” in

Derry.

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Andrew Hepburn_ Design Research Proposal DES806

3.0 PROCESS, TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGY

The Design research will investigate current and traditional process and methodology in the

design and production of the graphic narrative form. The key areas of enquiry are listed

below:

1. Design Concepts / Storyboards /Narrative Development

2. Layout and Design

3. Finished Artwork

4. Digital Rendering

5. Digital Printing and Final Assembly

6. Print Production and Finishing

The research will provide a basis for analysis of cotemporary and historical design

methodology and provide an informed context in the application of design practice in the

proposed ‘project’.

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Andrew Hepburn_ Design Research Proposal DES806

4.0 GENRE & AESTHETICS

I intend to explore and generate research in the historical development and contemporary

graphic narrative genre. The following points will provide the key points of enquiry:

Layout Design

Character Design

Visual Narrative Interpretation

Production and Digital Colour Rendering

Resources and skills in the area of Graphic Storytelling

Design and Production Methods

Cultural influence and impact

The research will focus on contemporary and historical graphic narrative ‘products’ and

consider the aesthetic quality and cultural impact of the genre. A broad outline of study will

involve enquiry and analysis of ‘Graphic Narrative’ in Western cultures of North America,

Europe the UK and Ireland.

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