FRENCH REVOLUTION

Graphic Design I - Prof. Frederun Scholz

Brief: Choose one of three historical events. Create three triptychs in the form of a series to convey a unique perspective of the event. The poster series should reflect an actual event (i.e. a symposium, demonstration or call to action). Each set should use a different approach for the event: 1. Manipulation of symbols 2. Repetition 3. Type as design personification

Role: Out of 100+ events our class came up with, we eventually narrowed it down to: The French Revolution, Space Exploration, and The Beatles' influence on popular culture.

During the research phase for the French Revolution I found out all about Maximilien de Robespierre, the central figure of the revolution. And serendipitously, his life fit so well into the Shakespearian three act structure, making it a perfect narrative for a triptych. The beginning (his life as one of the brightest scholars in France), the climax (the height of his power, and the Reign of Terror), and the resolve, in this case, a tragedy (execution at the guillotine).

Manipulation of symbols

The same vector shape was manipulated three different ways to illustrate events from Robespierre's life: telling a story about a scholar, a visionary, and his fate at the guillotine due to backlash of his tyranny. The French tricolor flag was also born out of the revolution, so that's portrayed here as well.

Repetition

Robepsierre is illustrated here relative to his position in life at the time. First, participatory, then as a leader, and finally being surrounded and prosecuted.

Type as design personification

Not so much about illustrating a narrative here as the others, but I tried to develop arresting imagery (chaotic swashes, swirls, paint splatters, high contrast, and a larger format: 66" wide) to pull the viewer in closer...leading them to learn about the event via secondary type.