Illustration and Visual Narrative | Task 2 : Decisive Moment

01/11/2023 - 29/11/2023 (Week 6 - Week 10)

Yong Xiao Tong / 0368290

Illustration and Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Task 2

---

Instructions

For this task, we have to find a related article or story that discusses urban legends. The legends may be local or international. The art style of the artwork must be derived from Art Deco.

Therefore, we will have to create a minimalist editorial illustration based on an urban legend of our choice using Adobe Illustrator. After completing our artwork, we need to continue to make it into a gif, which includes minor animations that can enhance engagement.

The urban legend that I chose for this task is The Hookman.

The Hookman Story 

"On a particular evening, a young couple, eager to escape the prying eyes of the world, decided to venture into this remote lover's lane. The air was thick with anticipation as they parked their car in a spot rumored to be haunted by the spirits of the past.

As the couple nestled in the cozy confines of their vehicle, the radio crackled with news of an escaped mental patient from the nearby asylum. The patient was described as a disfigured soul with a hook in place of one hand, a chilling detail that sent shivers down the couple's spines.

The atmosphere grew tense, and the young lovers, now gripped by fear, contemplated leaving. Upon reaching the safety of the town's lights, the couple inspected their car. To their horror, a blood-curdling sight awaited them – a hook dangled ominously from the car door handle. The escaped mental patient seemed to have been mere inches away from them."

Fig 1.1 Moodboard and References

Digitisation

Fig 1.2 Progression of the car

Fig 1.3 Add background

Fig 1.4 Add the couple inside the car

Fig 1.5 Background with Car

Fig 1.6 Add the back view of The Hookman, and then apply gradient

Fig 1.7 The Hookman without textures

Fig 1.8 The Hookman with background textures

Final Outcome

Fig 1.9 Final Decisive Moment "The Hookman" with textures

Animation

Regarding the gif, we can only include minor animations that enhance overall engagement. So, I decided to add a glowing eye to the Hookman. I believe the glowing eye can evoke fear of the unknown because glowing eyes are associated with supernatural or otherworldly beings. It's similar to what we often see in horror films, where bright glowing eyes contribute to the eerie atmosphere in the dark.

Additionally, I'm going to add light particles from the car lights and create a loop. This will emphasise the quietness in the lane and also add a sense of scariness.

Fig 1.9 Add glowing eye

Fig 1.10 Add particles and brighten the car lights

Fig 1.11 Total frames

Final Animated GIF

The turning point occurs when the couple becomes aware of potential danger after hearing a news report from their car radio. To depict this decisive moment in the animated gif, the glowing eye of the Hookman serves as the climax, heightening the sense of unease during this critical turning point.

Fig 1.12 Decisive Moment of The Hookman - Final Animated GIF

---

Reflection

Experience

Creating the illustration for The Hookman urban legend was challenging because it required me to identify and accurately depict the turning point of the story. It was also my first time drawing artwork based on a spooky tale, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the creative process.

Observations

During the process, I observed how the Art Deco style added a unique and nostalgic touch to the urban legend narrative. I think the old design style worked well for telling scary tales. The minimalist approach allowed me to focus on the crucial elements, enhancing the atmosphere of the turning point. Also, transforming the artwork into a gif with minor animations brought an engaging dynamic to the narrative.

Findings

This task was a valuable exploration of merging storytelling and art. The Art Deco style proved effective in conveying the mysterious and eerie nature of the legend. Also, turning the illustration into a gif added a layer of interactivity, making the turning point more immersive. Overall, the experience broadened my understanding of visual storytelling and digital illustration techniques.