For this study task I chose "Be Brave. Be Strong." by Helen Dardik, created in Adobe Illustrator with a Wacom Cintiq 22HD graphics tablet. I chose this image specifically as it is one of my favourite pieces from Dardik's portfolio; I even own the original print which I purchased recently from her Etsy store.
The image itself is the quintessential epitome of Dardik's work; with a highly-saturated and vivid colour palette, a simple use of shape, form and pattern and an overall childlike aesthetic with nostalgic undertones partnered with playful, happy characters. As with many other of her works, there is no clear outline defining the elements within the image, presenting a much softer tone of voice without a harsh angle. This provides a much simpler, naive look. The variations in tone present a clear contrast of lighter and darker areas without too much of a stark difference between hues and tones. Dardik predominantly uses secondary and tertiary colours, with minor use of primaries to ground these shades, meaning that many of the chosen tones balance together and work in harmony, of equal parts warm and cold. They are closely linked - yet distinct - variants. This results in a friendly, congruous final piece that flows together nicely. Rotund shapes again allude to a soft, non-defined and feminine approach to the illustration. Providing much visual interest is the subtle use of mark-making and pattern paired with smooth fill areas of colour. The patterns again allude to the past, with a sense of nostalgia, due to the fun and lively nature of the motifs - florals, waves, stripes and raindrops - borrowing heavily from Scandinavian Folk Art. The illustration has a strong structure without many blank areas on the canvas. Compositionally, the main character is facing to the right; looking towards her future, perhaps! She is depicted as doll-like with stringy, yarn hair and big blushing cheeks - full of innocence and honesty - yet fearless, in control, reigning in a powerful animal, at one with nature and ready to go forth into the unknown of her colourful environment. Even the custom font reflects my previous analysis; again using simple shapes, forms and colours to create an atmosphere of fun, energy and vitality.
The idea of this illustration, from my perspective, is to provide inspiration in a charming and insightful manner to an audience of both mature and juvenile viewers. It is highly reflective of childhood and happier times for the adults and encouraging and eye-catching to the younger ones. In its' original context, the piece was created to be sold as a print as part of Dardik's wider portfolio on her online Etsy shop. I originally found the image through Helen Dardik's blog, which I frequent regularly to browse through newer and older pieces for inspiration, which linked me to the store.
What works about this illustration? Personally , I favour the bold, curvaceous shapes, the custom-made font, the fun and energetic atmosphere that has been created, the sentimentality of youth, the pattern and mark-making techniques and the character design. It is a visual feast, but with a firm balance - without too much of any one dominating element.
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