Aalto VCD

The Visual Communication Design programme at Aalto University (VCD) is an international learn- ing community committed to investigating new modes of action within visual communication. This archive was established in 2020 as a means to document and share the activity and work of the programme.
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Let’s Make a Fuss

Sofía Mejía Diez
MA Thesis
2023

 

In my Visual Communication Design Master’s thesis, I addressed the question of how can print media be used as a tool to create interventions that draw attention to the existence of sexist structures within our personal experiences and disseminate diverse perspectives on the issue. I did so through both theoretical and practical research. The theoretical analysis explores the connections between print, feminism, and aspect change through two types of texts —academic text and elicitations. The practical research takes the form of a publication titled “Let’s Make a Fuss”. For the project, a series of eight questions were printed on yellow strips of paper, each accompanied by a QR code. The leaflets were then spread around Helsinki, Medellín, and other places in between. The purpose of the questions was not only to provoke reflection regarding different aspects of gender inequality but also to collect people’s opinions and stories. The QR code directed those who found the strip of paper to a Google Form where they could anonymously share their responses. In addition to the leaflets, a link to the Google Form with all eight questions was sent out to get more people involved in the project. This first issue is a compilation of all the responses gathered between August and November 2023.

 

www.sofiamejiadiez.com

Writing the Kinesphere

Writing the Kinesphere

The exhibition features 22 sentences exploring the question: “what does the body know about writing?” Designed collectively through an experimental process, each sentence is reimagined in lettering or typography, creating a spatial reading experience. The collaborative effort has no individual authors, but short descriptions accompany the work, providing insights into each designer’s unique approach.

The exploration between body, text and space has been inspired by the concept of kinesphere, which refers to the sphere of a person’s body reached by their limbs.

body—text—space exhibition at Luonnos

Experiment: Change, spring 2021

Exhibition of two concepts created for a social communication design course titled Experiment: Change in spring 2021.

 

The course was tutored by Tarja Nieminen from the Aalto Arts (VCD/Media Department) and Arto Sivonen from Måndag design agency (Helsinki, Finland).

 

The project is on display as a video installation in the School of Business lobby (Aalto University) behind Kipsari student restaurant.

 

The show is a part of Designs for a Cooler Planet / Helsinki Design Week (8-29 September, 2021) events.

Spatial Sequential Art – Comics beyond the Book Format

Terhi Adler

MA thesis

2021

 

Spatial Sequential Art – Comics beyond the Book Format

 

 

This thesis rethinks what comics can be. The aim is to renew expectations of what comics can look like and refresh the realization conventions. To achieve this, research of this thesis examines how the boundaries of comics would act if expanded into the third dimension. As a result, this thesis helps the establishing of a new medium, spatial comics.

 

The thesis is practise-led artistic research. That means producing knowledge by methods of creating art work, and describing the creations and ways of making. The theory for this thesis is mostly drawn from practice, meaning both hands-on work and the thought process. The thesis introduces ways of making spatial comics as well as reflects on the handling of the artistic work.

 

Spatial comics have its roots deeply in comics as a form of sequential art. Spatial comics follow the same logic as traditional comics, mixing visual and textual elements in a sequential narrative juxtaposition. As a form of intermedia art, spatial comics merges comics with a variety of possible combinations of spatially experienced art, usually installation or sculpture. By physical presence, spatial comics create multisensory experiences for the exhibition visitor. Being an artform of its own, spatial comics might not answer the problem of traditional comics exhibitions, but inspire towards taking the gallery space into consideration. By reading this thesis one can understand what spatial comics in its various formats is, and possible ways to make it.

 

Link to thesis: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/108795

 

Interview (Finnish): https://sarjakuvakeskus.fi/blogi/1321-terhi-adler

 

The on-going exhibition at Kanneltalo: https://www.facebook.com/events/1900629473433134/?post_id=1900633003432781&view=permalink

ILLUSIONS – Transforming fashion to animation through abstraction: a novel approach

Cecilia Kugler

MA thesis

2021

 

ILLUSIONS – Transforming fashion to animation through abstraction: a novel approach

 

This research is about transforming content from a different medium and generating a story based on the source content and supporting literature. This thesis examines how a fashion collection transformed into an animated narrative through several levels of abstraction. The research is made of two main components, the first part is a project that was developed for Tallinn Fashion Week 2020, and the second part is an extensive documentation of my self-reflective work process. The project of this thesis is ILLUSIONS, a 40 second animated short film made for Estonian fashion designer, Tauri Västrik’s collection. This animated short acts as a case study for interdisciplinary storytelling, and how a fashion collection was interpreted through visual abstraction, and literature. As a part of the research, I developed different ways to visualize and analyse the work process and to understand and communicate the reflective actions better. This research claims that the frequent change of tools during creative work can trigger reflection which allows the practitioner to overcome unexpected creative obstacles and
deliver the project within strict time constraints. In conclusion, through practice-based research, this thesis contributes to the discussion around reflective creative practice.

 

 

Arts Monument

Information Design Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name
Zuzanna Oniszczuk

 

Project Name
Arts Monument

 

Project Description
The project shows a 3D representation of four grant programs led by Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from 2020. The main idea was to create a monument, inspired by popular approach in modern architecture for designing memorials. My aim was to emphasize both exquisiteness and general impression of culture’s areas, what I achieved by manipulating of lights, camera movements and materials. The dominant of my memorial is in the center of the scene – the Visual Arts grants representation.

Acnephobic

Information Design Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name
Federico Simeoni

 

Project Name
Acnephobic

 

Project Description

Information Acnephobic is a personal micro-scale dataviz about the first 51 videos TikTok shows when looking for #acnepositivity. At the intersection of feminism and media studies, body positivity and skin positivity movements aim to give visibility to what is under politics of shame and consequential invisibility. Then, as information designers, can we develop a practice that goes back to the human substrate of data, without losing the gainings of synthetic thinking? Can we stop hiding humans behind numbers, and show their faces within a meaningful perspective?

 

Link http://fesimeoni.it/projects/2021/acnephobic/acnephobic.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Self-Organized Publishing Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name

Sabina Friman @binafriman

 

Project Name

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Project Description
To reflect on your practice is to grow as a practitioner, but it can be challenging to find time and ways to consciously reflect. Frequently Asked Questions is a deck of twenty question cards, designed to help you create a moment of introspection.

 

Whether used by yourself or together with others, the open-ended questions provide a starting point for you to think about the way you work – be it from a macro or micro perspective – and in that way map out your practice.

 

Frequently Asked Questions is a tool for reflective practicing, where habitual questioning plays a role in the process of personal and professional growth towards a more conscious and meaningful practice.

Under The Green Willow

Self-organised Publishing Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name

Kai Nordfors

 

Project Name

Under The Green Willow

 

Project Description
This project is a riso-printed zine publication, in a total of 26 copies. The content contains four interviews from four interviewees about each person’s perception of death. The content also includes a small illustrated story about the life cycle of a goat. The zine contains 28 pages that are printed in black and flat gold riso inks. Covers are printed in flat gold on black, lilac, green or red paper. Paper used in publication are Munken Pure (80g) for the inner pages and Tiziano (220g) for the covers. The dimensions of the publication is 210 x 126 mm. I wanted to achieve a bible-like feeling in this publication, purposefully using as thin and yellowish paper as possible for the inner pages and simulating the gold foil stamping effect on the covers with a flat gold riso ink.

Holy Nature

Self-Organised Publishing Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name
Aleksandra Czupryna

 

Project Name
Holy Nature

 

This zine begun with reflecting on the way trees communicate and how they live together. It proposes a way of thinking about trees as sentient beings and asks what we can learn from them. Looking at the shapes and textures found in tree bark, fungus and leaves as works of art sculpted by nature is at the core of the publication. The images you can find in the publication are all original artworks combining drawings, photographs and digital collages.

 

Details:
19,5 x 28,5 cm
64 pages. 46 pages printed full colour + 18 pages printed black on colour paper and hand assembled for each copy in different order.

Silver typeface

Type and written language Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Tuuli Ollikainen

 

Project title:
Silver typeface

 

Project Description:

The starting point for the project was to investigate the questions of gender and identity in type design. While typefaces aren’t inherently associated with gender, certain letterforms are likely to be regarded as feminine or masculine. This binary division is probably the most visible in the typographic choices in advertising gendered products. While many disciplines traditionally associated with gendered products such as fashion design are taking strides in blurring the lines between masculine and feminine, many in the type design industry seem to lack interest in topics outside of their craft. From a graphic designer’s perspective, type design is one form of visual expression and thus inseparable from the politics of visual communication.

 

The project sets out to embrace the beauty and the versatility of the personal in type design. It focuses on the idea of typefaces as identities of the multiple self, typefaces as avatars and as extensions of oneself. My thinking was influenced by the framework of Glitch feminism by Legacy Russell and the work of Charlotte Rohde and Jungmyung Lee, who highlight emotion and storytelling in their type design practices.

 

The outcome of the project is a display typeface, Silver, that has sharp, extended letterforms contrasted with thin strokes and exaggerated spiky serifs. The typeface is a complex character that is telling its own story. The feeling that it creates to a text varies by context and content, but its capacity to adjust is limited by its personality.

Neue Modulo

Type and Written Language Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:

Strahinja Jovanovic

 

Project Name:
Neue Modulo

 

Do we type as we write?
Do we write as we type?

 

Project Description:

Today’s digitalisation has changed our perspective of what it means to write, to use strokes/to combine, interact and see typography as a system of elements. What are these elements? How can we reuse these elements to create a new approach to type design? These were the main questions i was considering in my research and execution of a new modular script system which can help users to design their letters as they type them. The typeface Neue Modulo allows the user to create endless variations of glyphs and characters. The main inspiration for creating these elements were script typography, modular typography created by type designers such as Wim Crouwel, Herbert Bayer, and ASCII art.

 

The basic elements of the system were built by breaking up the letters of the Latin alphabet into a set of stroke-based elements? Each element is bound to a single key on the keyboard, enabling users to use the elements naturally as they type.The various combinations of these elements can be used to create the letters, ornaments or even illustrations by merely typing on a keyboard?

 

Strahinja Jovanovic is an exchange student from Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Slovenia. His practice and research into ornamentation, modularity and systems explores new ways of applying modularity in visual communication design. The broader aspect of his work can be found on website: http://stryo.si
Instagram: @_stryo_

 

 

 

ChaosGEN

Type and Written Language Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Otso Teperi

 

Title:
ChaosGEN

 

Project Description:
ChaosGEN is a web application that generates 3-dimensional compositions from random strokes. It started out as an asemic writing experiment and eventually formed into a more fully-fledged tool. Graphically the application explores the chaotic nature of what happens when you step outside of the realm of learned patterns of graphic design, and surrender to the whims of a pseudorandom number generator. It draws inspiration from my own experiences of dealing with the unknowns and unknowables of life. On the other hand, the project explores what it takes to create tools for designers. What kind of features and workflows best empower the designer to find meaning in chaos? How much control is too much?

 

Link
https://chaos.otsoteperi.com

Rhythms Of I-P

Type and Written Language Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Luisa Keintzel

 

Project name:
Rhythms Of I-P

 

Project description:

jalousies
right
green area
pines and oaks
apartments
closed curtains
bike
pornographer
barbie
reflections
ramp
gap
steps
yellow wood

“..Writing gives the impression of things. Conversely, things can give an impression of writing.”- Paul Elliman

 

Itä-Pasila is a neighbourhood in Helsinki, built in the 1970s and 80s and nowadays consists of a combination of living, working and commercial spaces. It is built on different levels. Those levels are divided into parking, living, working and shopping.

 

I translated Itä-Pasila into a writing system of abstract forms, inspired by the characteristic architectural elements of the neighbourhood. The writing is arranged according to a grid, which follows the same structure and logic of the levels as the neighbourhood itself.

 

Itä-Pasila has its very own rhythm, and your movement is lead by the surprising changes of the urban landscape. That is why, I was inspired to explore how to treat non typographic visual matter in a typographic manner.

 

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luisa.aino/

New Venetic

Type and Written Language Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:

Leonardo Passuello

 

Project Name:

New Venetic: a typeface inspired by the ancient Venetic language.

 

Project Description:

New Venetic is a typeface inspired by the ancient inscriptions written in Venetic language, a language spoken by the Veneti from the 9th to the 1st century BCE. The “Veneti” were an Indo-European population who inhabited the northeastern part of Italy, an area which nowadays would correspond to the modern-day region of Veneto.

 

The first part of the entire project was dedicated to historical research, in order to understand what is the Venetic language, who were the Veneti and what happened to them over the centuries. One path of my research process was outlined to understand the Venetic culture through the xreading of papers, books and texts; another to understand the Venetic culture through the visual analysis of the archaeological findings, in order to start to delineate the structure and the shapes of the typeface.

 

The second part of the project was dedicated to designing the typeface New Venetic, which also functions as the visual outcome of the research. Its shapes and dimensions were directly inspired by the ancient inscriptions carved in the stones found around the Veneto region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exodermis F41.0

Type & Written Language Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Kaisa Koisti

 

Project title:
Exodermis F41.0

 

Project Description:

What is the text doing on the skin? Who is the text for? Who is the author of the text?

 

Exodermis F41.0 is a project exploring the writing on the skin – in the form of tattooing. Alongside my graphic design practice, I’ve been active in tattooing for the past 3 years. The foundation for my project is based on the interest to combine these two languages of visual communication. My primary aims for this project were to address the multiple discourses around the phenomena of tattooing, to consider the skin as a site of communication, and to embody these observations within a mindfully designed product. Another viewpoint can be found in the personal content matter of Exodermis F41.0 – it’s celebrating the steps I’ve taken on my journey with the panic disorder. I spent the last Autumn in retreat and worked with my fear of dentist appointments, in which my panic attacks have originally generated from. For the first time in 26 years I went to the dentist and the absence of panic attacks manifested in there. Exodermis F41.0 is a project of emphatic design where critical thinking meets a modern-day rite of passage.

 

 

My approach for the research is based on the ontological, psychosocial and sociocultural fields – encompassing thematics of culture & identity, status & position, and health & protection. The book “Thinking Through the Skin” by Sarah Ahmed and Jackie Stacy played a crucial role here. It offered me a contemporary viewpoint regarding the skin practices & self-construal, and that shaped my thinking with the design process. The book is discussing how the inscription on the body can be considered as an attempt by the contemporary subject to deal with the absence of the big Other; The contemporary subject taking initiation into their own hands. The book is also highlighting the increased amount of imaginary simulacra and the counter-demand to escape from the screen-based environment. Here the body can be found as the site of the real.

 

 

With the health & protection themes in mind, I had the idea to examine the authorship regarding my personal medical record. I ended up using the diagnostic code F41.0 (Panic Disorder) found in my record, and utilising it as a storytelling device for this purpose – portraying the therapeutic value there can be in a self-initiated act. In addition, the most common category for text-based tattoos are names, so picking an unconventional – yet a meaningful – code-esque name for this felt like a nice touch. The information the name F41.0 is transmitting can be considered highly private, and I was curious to juxtapose it with the public display. The storytelling of the organic & artificial layers are showcased with the wearable fashion item I made out of the fake skin. The idea of the facial mask came to me intuitively, yet I can see reasons for using it: The face is the most thought-provoking placement to get inked, it is addressing the current mask-situation, and by blocking the natural breathing it can evoke the F41.0 symptoms in the subject. The storyline of imaginary simulacra is taking its form in my final outcome of the webstore-identity visualisation, where the fast-paced world of trends is meeting with the permanent nature of tattoos.

 

Instagram:
@kittykryptid

Notebook

Type and Written Language Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Fanni Perälä

 

Project title:

Notebook

 

Project Description:

In my project I set out to explore the human relationship with the environment focusing on aspects of communication and both gathering and formation of knowledge. Approaching the subject matter from a post-humanist perspective, I studied ways through which humans as a species have connected and interacted with their environments from animistic traditions to occupying land and locating resources.

 

In today’s urban Anthropocene the role of the natural environment is mostly to produce aesthetic and recreational experiences while knowledge and information has focused on other areas. By juxtaposing the environment and writing as a method of transferring information in the form of eco-asemics, I wanted to find new ways through which modern humans can reconnect with their environment.

 

Through the age-old bodily method of gathering information – walking, my goal was to study my habitat in order to find traces, tracks and imprints that have the semblance of writing. By documenting and re-drawing or re-writing my findings, my goal was to shape out a visual language that represents my immediate surroundings. The result is an asemic compendium divided into five chapters that do not have any linguistic content, but somehow still tell a story.

Drip typeface

Type and Written Language Studio 2021

 

Author’s name:
Annika Leppäaho

 

Project title:
Drip typeface

 

Project Description:

Drip is the outcome of a design process that focused on questioning neutrality in typography. I wanted to explore why some typefaces are perceived as “normal” and invisible, whereas others immediately catch our attention and thus seem unsuitable for everyday visual communication. Because graphic design happens in contact with the society that surrounds it, it is worthwhile to explore where typographic conventions come from and how today’s typographic preferences echo dated social power structures. I was particularly interested in uncovering features that have been left outside the definition of neutrality. Consequently my typeface represents an alternative reality, where traditionally maligned features have become desired ones. The project has been approached from a feminist viewpoint. Thus, my design process regarding Drip was particularly focused on investigating how the tradition of typography has overlooked female experience.

 

My research discovered how in relation to type design, certain visual characteristics have been consciously endorsed while others have come across opposition. Even though the idea of “neutral” typography has aimed to promote universalism, it has been created from a specific point of view that has often been male. Furthermore, “feminine” has acted as an umbrella term, under which undesirable visual qualities such as ornamentation, lightness and beauty have been organised. Simply recognising the male-centric nature of typographic traditions illustrates how biased our ideas regarding “normal” typefaces can be.

 

Drip is based on Helvetica. As I was interested in challenging the idea of neutral typography, I explored the typeface from the viewpoint of the maligned qualities I had discovered during my research. Consequently, Drip became the alternative version of “normal”, where conventionally praised features have become meaningless and disapproved qualities celebrated instead. Drip goes against Helvetica’s perceived clarity, objectivity and simplicity and focuses on expression, subjectivity and complexity instead. Letters that were previously geometric columns have evolved into high contrast, organic and wonky forms. The outcome was achieved through an instinctive way of working which disregarded exact measuring. Instead, letters were constructed through cutting and pasting various shapes together in an intuitive manner.

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annika.leppaaho/?hl=fi

Herätä minut

Type and Written Language Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name
Aliisa Perikangas

 

Project title:
Herätä minut

 

Project Description Text:
Herätä minut (‘Awaken Me’) is a piece of experimental poetry about covid anxiety. Through a typographic narrative, it explores how stories, atmospheres and tensions can be built by white space, speed and rhythm. The main aim of the project was to study typography in poetry and to find new alternatives to the minimalist, clean and simple typographic approach of ‘normal’ poetry. Script typefaces, self-made and experimental type design as well as hand lettering are intimate and fragile: they convey a sense of vulnerability and personality that builds a connection between writer and reader. Changing type sizes and uneven paragraphs create an idea of speed, give rhythm to the reading and build tension from the beginning to the very end.

 

The piece uncovers the personal thoughts, feelings and experiences of the writer during a global pandemic. It contains an intro and five chapters (‘Beginning, ‘Emptiness’, ‘Fantasy’, ‘Death’ and ‘End’). The poems are inspired by many great poets including Rupi Kaur, Sergei Zavjalov and Eino Leino who are all listed in the attached bibliography.

 

The link to the project:

https://readymag.com/u76689230/2805542/

 

Aliisa Perikangas is a visual explorer who is interested in combining writing, storytelling and typography. Through breaking rules and flirting with the idea of ugly and unconventional typography, she explores what can be done differently and why. You can follow her on Instagram: @a.perikangas.

“Let them bee”

Visual Narrative Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Weronika Karska

 

Project Name:
“Let them bee”

 

Project Description:
This is a project which highlights the urgent issue of bee extinction. My care for this matter became clear when I discovered an article describing our complex and delicate ecosystem – of which bees play a central part. I have focused my project on this topic in order to extend awareness and knowledge about shrinking bee populations and to illustrate how we can act now in order to help them.

 

To make the information palatable and accessible, I created an interactive digital narrative, targeted (in terms of the language) to a wide age-group of mostly adolescents and adults. As an infographic, the work has two reading modes, allowing the users to engage with the content through either a shorter or longer engagement.

 

“Let them bee” illustrates the way the bees live, their relationship with humans and most importantly, the reasons why bees are in decline and what we can do to stop their gradual vanishing. The visual narrative is based on a dotted line – a pathway which guides the reader through the different information. The journey ends abruptly as the dotted line becomes suddenly directionless. A final note explains how bees are losing their way home to their hives due to their distracted and weakened nervous systems.

 

EXIT

Visual Narrative Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Katja Ronkanen

 

Project title:

EXIT

 

Project description:
The anniversary of Covid-19 in Finland came and went, along with an entire academic year of remote studies. A “situation” that was supposed to be temporary has become the (new) normal. The exit plan from the pandemic is being discussed and people are receiving vaccinations. Meanwhile a time bomb of mental and physical illness and increasing inequality is boiling under the surface.

 

For many of us, the pandemic has led to a virtual life, unbearable isolation and detachment from the physical world. Working with physical materials acts as a proof of one’s existence to oneself. The handcraft of crochet, done slowly, carefully, allows one to dive deep into a rhythm and drift away from stress-filled thoughts. As an activity and tradition, crocheting is meditative and as a medium, associated with softness, warmth and care, providing a sense of safety and security in the face of the troubles of the world.

 

The mask (as an object) has become an icon of this time. While keeping us safe, it covers our faces and hides our emotions. On the other hand, a mask can be used to express oneself, like any other piece of clothing. EXIT, a series of masks made with soft materials in an unworldly style, tells a story of overwhelming isolation. One can try to escape into a dreamworld and hang in there, but the effects of the pandemic will eventually burst through the surface.

 

Mask design
by Katja Ronkanen &
@craftinghappinesscrochet

 

Photography
by Vilma Ahvenniemi
& Katja Ronkanen

 

Inspiration
Don’t hug me I’m scared (Don’t Hug me I’m Scared)
Studio Bertjan Pot (http://www.bertjanpot.nl/work/masks/)

 

Little Joys & the Little Story of Little Joys

Visual Narrative Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Sanni Wessman

 

Project Title:

Little Joys & the Little Story of Little Joys

 

Project Description Text:
After a year of isolation, cancelled hugs, postponed events and endless orders to stay home, the smaller joys in my life have found my appreciation. Whether it’s “just” an especially yummy breakfast, a big bouquet of fresh flowers or a facetime call with a best buddy, the little joys play a big part in brightening up the isolation and loneliness of self-quarantining days.

 

Little Joys is an illustrated ode for those tiny things. I asked my friends to tell me what brings them joy during these weird times and from their replies I chose my starting points for the illustrations. The end result is three embroidered illustrations that celebrate the small joyful things that matter now more than ever.

 

The whole project actually started as a mission to seek for joy. A getaway from the computer which nowadays acts simultaneously as an university class room, online office, living room and a movie theatre. Just to name a few. I wanted an escape, therefore I chose a bunch of colorful threads and a needle, watched some embroidery tutorials and jumped straight in the deep end of learning a new skill. Throughout the process I kept a diary which in the end turned into a process zine, the Little Zine of Little Joys.

Standing in a Giant Crowd of Strangers – a digital zine

Visual Narrative Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Oona Raadelma

 

Project Name:
Standing in a Giant Crowd of Strangers – a digital zine

 

Project description:
Standing in a Giant Crowd of Strangers is a digital zine which concentrates on what many of us are missing during the pandemic: crowds of people. I made this zine during the Spring 2021 lockdown in Helsinki, nearly a year after the first global outbreak of CO-VID19.

 

Crowds are at the centre of social life: national and international events, social change and civic celebration, major incidents and everyday life – these all involve experiences with crowds.

 

By combining texts and pictures from different sources thise zine digs deeper into the question: what is a crowd?

 

Currently the zine is only available for computer screens and it can be found under this link:

https://readymag.com/u2290310826/2688306/3/

Guide to self without instructions

Visual Narrative Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Kornelia Nowak

 

Project title:
Guide to self without instructions

 

Self is a term we use all the time, but in fact it is not entirely clear what it is and how it comes into being. There are many theories on this topic and my goal was not to present the most probable one, but rather to stimulate and expand our imaginations and thinking. By using scientific language and images of biological structures I aimed to blur the border between the actual and the fictional and highlight the narrative aspects of Western science and as well as the stories told about the self.

 

The zine contains historic photos found on the Internet, with captions that create a fictional, fantastical narratives of what self is. In Guide to self without instructions, selfhood is described as an organ, as palpable as stomach or lungs, but being subject to changes and transformations throughout life – a becoming that is shaped by experiences, memories and thoughts. My aim was to emphasize the variability of our experience of self and expose the illusion of its continuity as well as disrupt the idea of one consistent self structure.

So cute, so toxic

Visual Narrative Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Kiira Keski-Hakuni

 

Project Title:
So cute, so toxic

 

Project description text:

When I was two years old, my parents gave me a small chair that resembled the Amanita Muscaria mushroom. I recently discovered this chair again when my mom was covid-isolation cleaning her place and gave it back to me. I realized that this chair has been observing most of my life for the last 30 years.

 

The idea for this project came while I was experimenting with the software Blender for the first time. I wanted to create a character that would give me the warmth and the strength I needed to confront the many issues I would face while learning a new skill. I began searching for a meaningful object in my immediate surroundings that I could model. Eventually the object was that Amanita Muscaria chair.

 

The contrast between how Amanita Muscaria mushrooms are presented in comics and in nature inspires me – how can something so cute also be so toxic? For the past year, I have been isolated at home where it has become more obvious that I have developed some new (possibly toxic) thoughts. Am I learning enough? Am I doing enough? Am I succeeding with my studies? Am I enough?

 

In the animation, the Amanita Muscaria mushroom is depicted as detached emotions and unconscious thoughts, which makes it easier to observe these thoughts from a critical distance. With this decision, I am questioning if I created these thoughts by myself or if they are symptomatic of me being part of a wider culture of values – a culture that communicates the “successful” life I’m told I should live.

Days, details & delights

Visual Narratives Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name
Iiris Halme

 

Project Title:
Days, details & delights
2021/ Visual Diary, Notebook / Pencil, acrylic paint, markers / 15 x 15 cm

 

Creating art and design work for clients and employers often leads me into a tunnel – to a blurred timeline where I am making things based on external wishes and where the main focus is on the outcome. In these situations, I most often look for inspiration from where it’s quickly and easily available (the internet.)

 

Days, details & delights is a visual diary in the form of a book where each spread gives a glimpse into my daily experiences. 30 days. 30 creations. Through focusing on (and giving in to) my process and journey, I aimed to challenge the emphasis and pressures of the final outcome. Days, details & delights is a project that utilizes my passion towards experiencing my physical surroundings. Shapes, encounters, patterns, compositions, visuals. This work is a memory of a dedicated process as much as a collection of my everyday moments with sparkles of joy.

Aquatic Fantastical Organic

Visual Narrative Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Emma Johansson

 

Project title:
Aquatic Fantastical Organic

 

Project description:
Aquatic Fantastical Organic is an animation exploring the physical sensation of touch and its relation to other senses. Combining biomorphic elements and details of the human body, the animation blurs the limits of the body and its surroundings and inhabits the threshold of exterior and interior. The work reveals the hidden processes and phenomena happening simultaneously in the chain of sensations and emotions that physical touch, or the idea of it, triggers.

 

Inspired by practices of ASMR, embodiment, somatics and sensuality, Aquatic Fantastical Organic questions notions of subjectivity, individuality and the idea of who and what is sensing and being sensed.

 

For the best experience, use headphones.

Miten metsä parantaa (How the forest heals you)

Visual Narrative Studio 2021

 

Author’s Name:
Elina Johanna Ahonen

 

Project title:
Miten metsä parantaa (How the forest heals you)

 

Project description:

“Miten metsä parantaa” is an imaginary story about the healing effect of the forest, presented in the form of an interactive self-help guide.

 

When I was younger I dreamed of a profession as a biologist (the dream was accompanied by a glorified image of adventures in the heart of nature). Although I did not become a biologist, my interest in observing nature and studying the natural world remained unchanged. This project is a combination of an appreciation of details, a desire to understand the quiet life of plants, the strange magic of herb books, and the powerful effects of walking in the woods.

 

There are many theories and unexplained mysteries about the healing powers of the forest. In this work I took a speculative approach and imagined that there are little healers lurking in the forest, helping us to let go of unfortunate feelings. These creatures evaporate anxiety, relax tension, shake grief off shoulders and make fatigue go away.

 

I decided to narrate this phenomenon in a digital application because I wanted to present the information in a compact format as well as show the motion of these creatures. The app is for anyone who wants to enjoy nature, get to know their nearby forest better and learn to see nature in new and unexpected ways.

 

Links:
Figma prototype:
https://www.figma.com/proto/e3jlWJZG8mhxUzB5F7kZxg/Miten-mets%C3%A4-parantaa?node-id=90%3A26&scaling=scale-down&page-id=0%3A1

Experiment: Experiment

Experiment: Experiment
(Koe: Koe)

 

Spring 2021

 

During the course, the students planned and executed an individual art or design project, for which they set goals. The emphasis was on experimentation. The project could enhance the skills the students already possessed, or it could explore new, yet novel territory.

 

[Student Participants]

Erika Masalin
Hanna-Katri Eskelinen
Jasmin Huttunen
Jassir Kuronen
Juulia Jokinen
Laura Soini
Lauri Kortelainen
Linnea Lindgren
Milena Rinne
Minttu Leinonen
Nik Nummi
Otto Mether-Borgström
Paju Kaitajärvi
Touko Miikkuilainen:
Viktor Teodosin

 

Tutors: Markus Joutsela, Tarja Nieminen and Penni Osipow

 

Koe: Muutos / Experiment: Change

Social communication design and Design activism:
Experiment: Change (Koe: Muutos), Spring 2021

 

The course addressed the question of how design can help to build peace, take a stand, and help to understand, bring reconciliation.

 

Too often, creative designers have been left in an executive position even though creative thinking can make a difference. It is crucial that designers know on how to solve problems and how to communicate on complex issues. Creative work is also a collaboration where building partnerships and networks is essential.

 

The following concepts were created during the course:

 

1. CO-ACT
Jassir Kuronen, Nik Nummi and Viktor Teodosin

 

CO-ACT is a platform that brings together the different opportunities for NGOs and other stakeholders to operate and thus helps to find the most appropriate form of activism for themselves and for any individual. CO-ACT lowers the threshold for action taking. It is an effective communication channel, and brings also out smaller, lesser-known organizations. At the same time, it is a material bank from which one can download posters, brochures and other help for practical activities.

 

2. KLONG!
Eki Masalin, Laura Soini and Norma Lauritsalo

 

KLONG! encourages everybody to calm down for a moment, break away from the social media and digital devices, and think of somebody close-by. KLONG! is a new type of stationery box, made of environmentally friendly cellulose on which one can “print” one´s own message. The name comes from the sound of the mailbox, a slam when the mail falls through the door hole and delights the recipient.

 

3. Selkokollektiivi / Selko Collective
Milena Rinne and Juulia Jokinen

 

The Selko collective brings scientists and designers together. Through comprehensible and achievable science communication and the updating of science-related imagery, science is brought closer to audiences, with the goal of reducing polarization.

 

4. Liittolaisuus / Alliance
Viivi Kuisma, Linnea Lindgren and Hanna-Katri Eskelinen

 

An ally is a person who uses his or her own privilege to bring out the voices of groups of people who are in an unjust position without depriving them of space. The Alliance zines series deals with themes of promoting equality. Each zine issue has its own working group that is personally touched upon and each issue is the result of workshop work. Dissemination (and funding) of the Zines is the responsibility of the Allies.

 

5. Happy Body Stickers
Minttu Leinonen, Jasmin Huttunen and Lauri Kortelainen

 

This goodwill campaign concept spreads body positivity and questions conventional beauty ideals. Anyone can make Happy Body Stickers on the campaign website and distribute them in any place they want: virtually in social media but also physically in the city, in the fitting rooms of clothing stores, on the candy shelves in the market, etc. With the help of partner cooperation, it is possible to organize “sticker exhibitions” in different spaces.

 

6. Mimesis-kollektiivi / Mimesis Collective

 

The idea is to use gentleness to redefine the rather negatively charged contemporary memes and take them to a new environment. The aim is to find new means of communication to alleviate a divided culture of conversation. In addition to gentle social media memes, there also is a poster campaign.

 

The course was coordinated and tutored by VCD Lecturer Tarja Nieminen and co-tutored by Arto Sivonen from Måndag Design agency. https://www.mandag.fi

Self-Organised Publishing Studio/2021

Self-Organised Publishing Studio 2021

 

This studio course looks at contemporary publishing as an ecosystem of overlapping identities and diverse practices with the shared aim of making public. The course encourages students to explore the potential of publishing in relation to their own work and as a hospitable environment for setting up self-organised initiatives. With distribution of ideas in mind students work towards identifying, accessing, appreciating and cultivating the hidden elements of their practice.

 

The students realised a practical project in the form of a publication. With The theoretical framework outlined through lectures and site visits, they developed ideas and content for publications in tutorials and through discussing existing artists’ books and zines.

 

Studio Teacher: Tuukka Kaila

 

[Student Participants]
Sabina Friman
Amelie Scharffetter
Aino Salonen
Kai Nordfors
Iina Silventoinen
Aleksandra Czupryna
Ayano Honda
Saara Obele
Annukka Laine

 

Design As Writing / 2021

Design as Writing 2021

 

Focusing on the materiality of language, this course helps students amplify their identity as a ‘visual person’ towards full confidence in working with text, and to expand your vocabulary of expression accordingly. With a playful and experimental mindset, the course introduces a variety of methods, examples and theories concerning language and writing from a visual and material perspective.

 

Notions and methods such as textual appropriation, translation, illegible writing, flarf, writing by rules and constraints, as well as other means of uncreative writing are explored both in practice and in theory.

 

Course Teacher: Arja Karhumaa

 

[Student Participants]
Aleksandra Czupryna
Oskar Koli
Weronika Karska
Emma Johansson
Mirya Nezvitskaya
João M. Emediato
Leonardo Passuello
Hilla Mäkelä
Oona Raadelma
Katja Ronkanen
Mira Caselius
Iida Pohjolainen
Tuuli Ollikainen
Iina Silventoinen
Annukka laine
Luisa Keintzel
Kai Nordfors
Juan Carlos Guevara Verjel

Visual Narratives Studio/2021

Visual Narratives Studio 2021

 

In this studio, students explore and develop variations of visual narrative. Here, narrative is defined broadly, focusing on the communicative and multimodal aspects of storytelling, whether linear on non-linear. The projects might use the methods of journalism, motion graphics/animation, bookmaking, printmaking, or illustration and comics, and it might start from a standpoint that is either personal, documentary, or curatorial. Through developing their own extensive narrative project, students will gain confidence in defining their individual design approach, and an opportunity to (re)situate one’s own practice within the vast field of visual communication.

 

Studio teacher: Robynn McPherson

 

[Student Participants]
Elina Johanna Ahonen
Emma Johansson
Iiris Halme
Kiira Keski-Hakuni
Kornelia Nowak
Oona Raadelma
Ronkanen Katja
Sanni Wessman
Weronika Karska

Type and Written Language Studio/2021

Type and Written Language Studio 2021

 

This course allows students to examine writing and any of its properties outside the meaning of a text. This may include, for example, the systematic, performative, political, spiritual, or generative aspects of writing. Departing from an investigation of written language, the course expands the scope of potential design projects from typefaces into entire writing systems, as well as the tools and surfaces used to produce them.
In practical terms, students embark on a practice-based or artistic research project, the outcome of which could be, for example, a new typeface, an imaginary writing system, a self-generating encyclopaedia, or an interactive performance. Individual projects are supported by workshops, lectures and tutorials. Through developing their own project, students strengthen their understanding of the spectrum of typographic convention and invention, and gain precision in using written language as a visual means of expression.

 

Course teacher: Tuomas Kortteinen

 

[Student Participants]
Aliisa Perikangas
Annika Leppäaho
Fanni Perälä
Kaisa Koisti
Leonardo Passuello
Luisa Keintzel
Otso Teperi
Strahinja Jovanovic
Tuuli Ollikainen

Design for Motion 2021

Design for Motion 2021

 

Design for Motion course focuses on fundamental aspects of visual thinking in time. Design for motion is important across wide variety of medium to represent and communicate visual ideas in effective ways. This course focuses on core skills and thinking required to produce motion based visual ideas. This course prepares students to generate motion design ideas and implement professional settings using wide variety of tools and technologies.

 

Course Teachers:
Eliza Jäppinen and Teemu Jäppinen

 

[Student Participants]
Tiia Linström
Tuuli M Ollikainen
Valentina
Wangting Wu
Yiping
Zuzanna Oniszczuk
Sienna
Stella Keppo
Strahinja Jovanovic
Otso Teperi
Qianyu Fang
Sanna Lumikko
Sanni
Lari Tarvainen
Leonardo Passuello
Matias Ylikangas
Oona Raadelma
Oskar Koli
Johanna Tenström
Juan Qin
Kai Nordfors
Katja Ronkanen
Kiira Keski-Hakumi
Kornelia Nowak
Emma Johansson
Hilla Mäkelä
Henry Lämsä
Liris Halme
Janny
Aleksandra Czupryna
Ameya Chikramane
Anna Makes
Annika Leppäaho
Ayano Honda

Information Design Studio/2021

Information Design Studio

2021

 

The Information Design Studio focuses on systems design aspects of Information Design, incorporating elements interface design and interaction design. Throughout the course, students learn to design contextually relevant and user-centric information systems. The students have an opportunity to experiment and learn from everyday multi-sensorial information inspirations, including sound as the important aspect of information design. They develop the topic for their project or work on a set of available information design project descriptions. Projects can explore the possibility to use public data/issues, or arise from personal experiences or collaborative design with partners from internal or external organisations. This course especially supports the competence area of Information Design within Visual Communication Design. This is a trans-disciplinary inviting students from all disciplines who have a strong interest and want to develop a specialisation in Information Design and data visualisation.

 

Studio Teacher: Rupesh Vyas

 

[Student Participants]

Joonatan Saarhelo
Hilla Makela
Johannes Pennanen
Kai Nordfors
Johanna Tenstrom
Iida Pohjolainen
Jing Li
Stella Keppo
Federico Simeoni
Maria Okkonen
Casper Vonpfaler
Zuzanna Oniszczuk

This book belongs to T.B.D (2021)

This book belongs to T.B.D was a collective project made by those who took part in the Visual Narratives MA Studio (3.3. — 7.5.2021). T.B.D (in theory) took part in the studio but never materialized into a recognizable earthling.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
The content and form of the book was produced across distance over the course of 5 weeks using an undeterminable compost method for collaborative graphic design. The process included stages of mixing and re-mixing and grounded relations, meanings, metaphoring and memification as ways for unearthing stories and visual narratives. The project enabled our different ways of seeing and allowed us to study/story our collective consciousness and worldly phenomena.
⁣⁣
Elina Ahonen⁣⁣
Emma Johansson⁣⁣
Iiris Halme ⁣⁣
Jolanda Jokinen⁣⁣
Katja Ronkanen⁣⁣
Kiira Keski-Hakuni⁣⁣
Kornelia Nowak⁣⁣
Oona Raadelma ⁣⁣
Robynn McPherson⁣⁣
Sanni Wessman⁣⁣
Weronika Karska⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Edition of 12 ⁣⁣
Printed and bound in Espoo⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Visual Narratives Studio is led by Robynn McPherson⁣

Poster Workshop

POSTER WORKSHOP:
Creating an official and unofficial version of graphic design

 

12.–16.4.2021

 

Workshop by Niina Turtola / Femme Futuriste.

 

In this workshop students learned to speculate what graphic design ‘actually’ is and what it can be through creating two posters and writing an essay about the process. This workshop aims at defining what graphic design is as it exists in reality between a) client and customer and other 3rd party interests, b) designer’s subjective interests and c) public/audience interests. Jan van Toorn (2010) wishes that graphic designers would bring this apparent dissonance into designs, make it visible, and that designers would not smooth over this juicy dissonance. As an homage to his work this workshop was organized for students to reflect on what this means in actions and essay writing.

 

This workshop focused on graphic design as 1) official and objective and 2) unofficial and subjective practice. The problem statement according to Jan van Toorn following Poynor (2008, 222) is that “design today is more fascinated with the visual as a realistic imitation or decoration, and not by the image as a subjective narrative and interpretative element”.

 

During this workshop students will learn to look at graphic design as a self-reflective practice by writing and thinking about their work. The aim of the workshop is to define one’s own graphic design practice as a critical, artistic and theoretical practice.

 

This workshop has four tangible outcomes:
1. Official poster + Self-reflective written essay
2. Unofficial poster + Self-reflective written essay

 

Other relevant links during the workshop:

A passion for the real, Jan van Toorn (2010)
https://direct.mit.edu/desi/article/26/4/45/69008/A-Passion-for-the-Real

 

Art & Entanglement, Alva Noë (2017)
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/phpr.12360

 

About creative autonomy:
https://www.typeroom.eu/in-memoriam-jan-van-toorn-1932-2020

 

Q&A – The relationship between form and technology:
https://vimeo.com/3775270

 

Lecture of Jan van Toorn ON STRATEGY, METHOD AND LANGUAGE USE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0h-_1HSr4c

 

About Niina Turtola

 

Turtola is a graphic designer, contemporary artist and post-doctoral researcher. She devotes her life to developing the research in graphic design, typography and contemporary that mixes facts and fiction, art and graphic design, theory and practice. Turtola sees graphic design as artistic research that highlights the strangeness of the habitual world  – that we do not see – due to its habituality.

 

Link to ”Typographic enstrangement : Transforming everyday texts to typographic art” thesis where Turtola defines her artistic research and methodology of creating a new identity for graphic design: http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-337-253-5

 

Student Participants

Markus Grönlund

Leonardo Passuello

Minttu Leinonen

Iida Pohjolainen

Ann Kivisild

Kornelia Nowak

Weronika Karska

Otso Teperi

Five Visions, Five Posters

Five Visions, Five Posters

 

October 2020

 

Social communication posters designed by VCD BA students were on display in Warsaw, Poland in PROM Kultury Gallery, the Warsaw cluster of the European Union National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC). The exhibition was one of the events accompanying the international IF – Social Design for Sustainable Cities, a project coordinated by the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology in Warsaw.

The posters and multimedia presentations on display were selected and submitted by lecturers from 27 universities around the world.

 

The exhibition could be visited in the gallery until the end of October 2020. Reproductions of student posters, as well as essays and lectures by experts, are available both on the website https://if.pja.edu.pl and in the book “IF” by PJATK publishing house. IF – Social Design for Sustainable Cities was a project by EUNIC Warsaw and PJAIT, the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technologies. EUNIC – European Union National Institutes for Culture – is Europe’s network of national cultural institutes and organisations, with 36 members from all EU Member States.

 

A virtual 360° tour of the exhibition:
https://ths.li/kLwnKx

 

In the Aalto Arts, the project was coordinated and tutored by VCD lecturer Tarja Nieminen
and implemented as an optional, tutored small group activity.

 

Student participants

Markus Grönlund

Milja Komulainen

Aarni Kapanen

Pihla Lemmetyinen

Akseli Manner

Baltic-Nordic Mythology – An online media workshop

Baltic-Nordic Mythology

 

An online media workshop

 

During the week Mon 19 Oct – Fri 23 Oct, 2020, the VCD BA degree program arranged a CIRRUS (Nordic-Baltic network of Art and Design higher education) funded online workshop titled Baltic-Nordic Mythology in collaboration with the Graphic Design Department of the VDA, Academy of Arts in Vilnius, Lithuania. https://www.vda.lt/en/

 

This was a five-day online media workshop for BA and MA students at both universities which focused on Baltic-Nordic (Circum-Baltic) mythologies.

 

The workshop was coordinated and tutored by Tarja Nieminen from the Aalto Arts. The other tutors included Antti Hietaniemi (Aalto Arts), prof. Ausra Lisauskiené (VDA) and a visiting tutor Lode Coen (Antwerp, Belgium). Santtu Oja (MA/VCD) served as a workshop assistant.

In the beginning of the workshop, there were presentations by visiting lecturers from both countries on mythology and its definitions including an overview on academic research directions.

 

In addition, there were case study presentations e.g. on the impact and inspiration of mythology in art and design in both countries.

 

In the workshop, each participant designed a set of moving mythological characters, shapeshifters, which will be exhibited later on online or in physical spaces (for example as media installations in public indoor or outdoor spaces).

 

Video clips: excerpts on work-in-progress by Strahinja Jovanović, an exchange student in VCD from University of Ljubljana/Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Slovenia.

Glyph Drawing Club Workshop 2021: Online Gallery

Glyph Drawing Club Workshop: Online Gallery

 

17.–21.2.2021

 

Glyphenomenal is the result of a week-long modular graphic design workshop at Aalto University School of Arts, Design andArchitecture. The art pieces in this exhibition are all made by the participants of the workshop using GlyphDrawing.Club, an online modular design editor.

 

[Participants]

Markus Grönlund
Weronika Karska
Fanni Perälä
Kornelia Nowak
Tuuli Ollikainen
Kaisa Koisti
Strahinja Jovanovic
Annukka Laine
Helmi Leppänen
Leonardo Passuello
Stella Keppo
Aino Laukka
Mirka Larjomaa
Sanna Nykänen
Pekka Veikkolainen
Iida Pohjolainen

 

[Workshop Host]

Heikki Lotvonen

 

Link to online gallery: https://gdc-workshops.aalto.fi/glyphenomenal/

 

Metaphor in Visual Communication Workshop

Metaphor in Visual Communication

7-10.12.2020

Workshop

 

During this optional online workshop, students learned about use of metaphor and other figures (like euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron etc.) in visual language. Students practiced various methods of graphic expression, creating a message and building a narrative/story. Students designed various forms of visual interpretation based on the films, The Game or Gone Girl, both directed by David Fincher.

 

The selected medium could be a traditional or animated poster, advertising bumper or opening credits. The students were asked to design two communication artifacts, one with a strong accent on visual metaphor and the another without visual metaphor.

 

[Participants]
Reka Bakonyi
Aleksandra Czupryna
Hanna-Katri Eskelinen
Malin Gustafsson
Jolanda Jokinen
Strahinja Jovanovic
Merle Karp
Luisa Keintzel
Annika Leppäaho
Irina Markoska
Saara Obele
Leonardo Passuello
Oona Räyhantausta
Jacob Söderström

 

Workshop tutor: Jacek Mrowczyk (RISD Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, USA/Academy of Arts in Katowice, Poland)

Workshop coordinator and co-tutor: Tarja Nieminen (Lecturer in VCD, Aalto Arts)

Creative Computation for Visual Communication Design 2020

Creative Computation for Visual Communication Design
27.10.—3.12.2020

 

The objective of the course was to introduce creative computation as a practical and experimental method for visual communication design. During the course, students analysed the rule-based aspects of established design practices, as well as devised generative visual outcomes using JavaScript and the p5.js library. The course also provided a critical context for discussing the aesthetic and ethical implications of contemporary computational methods. Throughout the course, students were encouraged to adopt a hands-on, bottom-up approach where the creation of autonomous processes leads to unexpected outcomes.

 

The final projects under the theme “Digital tools for artisans of today” offer various insights to the following questions: What kind of digital tools might we need as contemporary practitioners? Does crafting our own tools empower us as creative professionals? How can we employ computation in our design practices to automate processes, solve problems or generate novel ideas?

 

 

Website: www.creativecomputation.aalto.fi

 

 

[Participants]

Qi Chen
Aleksandra Czupryna
Iiris Halme
Ayano Honda
Emma Johansson
Strahinja Jovanovic
Stella Keppo
Annukka Laine
Annika Leppäaho
Anna Mäkelä
Hilla Mäkelä
Tuuli Ollikainen
Leonardo Passuello
Pauline Peeters
Mihkali Pennanen
Aliisa Perikangas
Oona Raadelma
Aino Salonen
Iina Silventoinen
Federico Simeoni
Johanna Tenström
Otso Teperi
Sanni Wessman

 

Course teacher: Eevi Rutanen

 

Contemporary Visual Communication Design 2020

Observations about the time and space – connecting the past and the present

 

Contemporary Graphic Design 2020

 

This course reflected the established methods of graphic design as part of a broad and diverse visual culture and the contemporary we live in. Through observations on past and present design outcomes were re-evaluated and the tensions between tactile and digital observed. Due to the current restrictions the ability to see inspiration in the nearby was emphasized and the students gathered inspiration in the actual world around them – urban landscapes, music, nature and art.

 

The principal aim of the assignment under the theme ‘Traveling in Time’ was to observe the visual language and compositions from the past and build a conceptual process leading to a contemporary expression of that.

 

 

[Contributions]

Janne Gammelin – Spectator / Katsoja

Anna Mäkelä – Window loop

Annukka Laine  – Only A Particular Sphere

Aleksandra Czupryna – Pixels Squeezed from Digital Archives

Laura Kamppi – Flower bouquet

Federico Simeoni – GAMBA

Aino Salonen – Tarot self-portraits

Stella Keppo – CHAT DIMENSION

Amy Gelera – Coronavirus!

Jenni Lintumäki – Okir to Glyphs

Oona Raadelma – Zine

Strahinja Jovanovic – Traveling in Time

Emma Johansson – Pennon

 

Course teacher: Päivi Häikiö

Illustration Studio 2020

“The most important tool for an illustrator is not his hand, but his head”  –Adam Korpak

 

In Illustration studio 2020, the students were provided basic understanding on diversity and stylistic development of illustration as a professional practice. The principal aim of the assignments was to solve a problem of visual communication, in order to provide further development of personal visual language or technical skills. The topics in the Illustration Studio covered, for example, following subjects: where do ideas come from and how to enhance them, the role, power and influence of illustration, the conceptual process, sequential thinking and image-making, visual intelligence and social awareness, power of perception, interpretation of words into pictures and the creative interplay of text and images, as well as professional landscape of an illustrator.

 

[Contributions]

Markus Grönlund

Eero Urala

Delphine Rumo

Mira Caselius

Yulia Soloveva

Aarni Kapanen

Luisa Keintzel

 

Course teacher: Laura Valojärvi

Apply to the MA programme

Master’s Programme in Visual Communication Design

 

The Master’s Programme in Visual Communication Design (VCD) is an international learning community committed to investigating new modes of action within visual communication. As a critical response to the contemporary conditions, the studies enable you to reconsider the established notions of graphic design. The programme supports you in rethinking and redefining your own design practice, in order to situate it in wider societal and environmental frameworks.

 

By providing the competence areas of information design, visual narratives, and type & written language, the curriculum encourages you to turn your design practice towards the public and the sustainable, and towards multiple and diverse knowledge domains. The VCD programme provides you time and space to redefine your individual design approach, with continuous backup from community, collaboration, and peer learning. The studies support you in this with a combination of theory and practice.

 

The application period for master’s programmes runs once a year. The application period for studies beginning in the autumn of 2021 runs from 1 December 2020 to 4 January 2021 (3 pm, GMT +2).

 

 

More info:
www.aalto.fi/en/study-options/masters-programme-in-visual-communication-design

 

Application procedure:
www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes

Website Launch

The VCD archive was established on December 1st 2020 as a means to share the activity and work of the Visual Communication Design programme at Aalto University.

 

During the fall of 2020, over 50 items from 2017-2020 were curated and uploaded/back-posted. This is a selection of the extent of work produced in the VCD programme.

 

Thank you Arja Karhumaa and Rupesh Vyas for assisting the website’s design and concept and to the rest of the faculty for their support. Thank you to all the students for their care in submitting extensive documentation of projects, thesis and course work. Thank you Oliver Manner at Aalto Studios for assisting with hosting.

 

URL: www.vcd.aalto.fi

 

[Website Design]

Robynn McPherson

 

[Programming]

Viiksimaisteri

 

 

Samar Zureik (MA) Tirhal family: A bilingual typeface bridging two worlds

Samar Zureik

MA Thesis

2020

 

Tirhal family: A bilingual typeface bridging two worlds

 

This thesis attempts to show considerations related to typeface design specifically for the use in printed customer materials used in immigration sector. The genre of typefaces used for the government always highlights the importance of legibility. With the massive immigration flow into Europe after the Syrian crisis, it is fundamental for immigration services to provide documents in Arabic language using legible and well-designed typefaces. Having a legible typeface plays a pivotal role for immigrants in helping them to comprehend information about their new surroundings.

 

The specific objective of the thesis is to explore the design of the Migri (Finnish Immigration Services) multilingual materials and determine on how to create a bilingual typeface in Arabic and Latin for use in the governmental sectors aimed at helping immigrants.

 

The thesis sheds light on the methodological processes in harmonization and explores bilingual typefaces. It also investigates typefaces used in the public sector. This study explores the common trends in bi-script typefaces and investigates how these trends came into being. It documents the process on how to create a multilingual typeface family. The final outcome is presented in the form of a bi-script typeface of Arabic and Latin. The goal is to achieve good legibility and a unified visual identity.

 

Link to thesis:  http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202006143756

Robynn McPherson (MA) OS/error: Operating system for the human, the computer and the environment

Robynn McPherson

MA thesis

2020

 

OS/error: Operating system for the human, the computer, and the environment

 

OS/error is a six-mode conceptual operating system that poetically performs: Searching, Functioning, Building, Aligning, Scripting and Scrolling. These processes mediate interconnectedness through supporting the perception of humans and technological inventions as different compositions of nature and therefore indivisible from the environment.

 

OS/error functions to rupture norms and dismantle oppressive fixities. It is an intentional and critical mode of operating, resisting a culture of binary code, measurement and calculation and maintaining the functions of indeterminacy, inefficiency and delay. OS/error is a means to reflect on what is unknown and feared, and ultimately advance queerness as a shared phenomena within the human, the computer, and the environment.

 

Link to project: www.oserror.run

 

Link to thesis text: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-2020121356240

The Baltic Ripple Effect

The Baltic Ripple Effect 

 

Food from all around the globe travels over a silenced sea to nourish the needs of the happiest country in the world. The Baltic Sea is not only one of the busiest shipping routes in the world but also one of the most vulnerable biospheres; a fragile ecosystem that is suffering from human impact. Inside the anonymity of shipping containers and the plastic filled bellies of fish and seagulls lies the evidence of our individual impact on the Baltic Sea. But these brackish waters could also hold the solutions for a sustainable life where humans and other animals can thrive. The fate of the sea will be inevitably connected to our food choices.

 

Human impact on the Baltic Sea is omnipresent. From noise pollution to microplastics, from eutrophication to oil spills. But our everyday choices can also reverse the damage we’ve created. The artists, designers and photographers of the POLARIS Project expose the threats to the fragile ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. The conservation of the sea starts with individual impact and awareness of the environment. In revealing the links between food consumption and marine pollution through a mixed media installation the POLARIS group calls out to everyone who wants to preserve life below water and become an ally of the Baltic Sea.

 

Conscious consumption is the foundation of sustainable sociocultural change. By reducing traffic and turning to environmentally friendly food, the fragile ecosystem will thrive again. Only then the species at risk will have a chance to survive in their natural habitat. Life in and around the Baltic Sea has always been entangled. With an increased understanding of human impact on the sea we can envision a future where all life can benefit from this connection.

 

[Exhibition team]
Terhi Adler
Dominik Fleischmann
Sabina Friman
Sirja Moberg
Eulalia Ramírez

 

[Guidance]
Päivi Häikiö

 

[Additional contributors]
Elina Cajan-Nikkinen
Johanna Karjalainen
Mark McGuinness

 

The exhibition showcases the work behind two articles published in IMAGE magazine spring and summer 2020. The project was exhibited at Designs for a Cooler Planet in Otaniemi during September 2020, part of Helsinki Design Week.

 

This artistic research project is a collaboration between Aalto University School of Art, Design and Architecture and IMAGE magazine. It is part of the POLARIS series by the Department of Visual Communication Design.

 

[More info at:]

https://www.helsinkidesignweek.com/events/hack-our-habitat/

https://www.aalto.fi/en/events/the-baltic-ripple-effect

 

[Our instahandles:]

@binafriman , @terhiadler , @sirjatuuliam , @dqmi , @brainburger_

Sanni Wessman (BA) Red – Stories About Periods (Punaista – Tarinoita Kuukautisista)

Sanni Wessman

BA Thesis

2020

 

Red – Stories About Periods (Punaista – Tarinoita Kuukautisista)

 

Red – Stories About Periods (Punaista – Tarinoita Kuukautisista) is part of Sanni Wessman’s Bachelor’s Thesis. In her thesis she researches the stigma and shame of menstruation and how the visual communication design can play a part in ending the period shame. Red – Stories About Periods is a concept of an illustrated book which consist of 12 true stories about periods. It aims to present periods in a relatable and easily approachable way to remind the reader that periods are a normal part of our lives.

Joosung Kang (MA) Re-building context-oriented graphic design portfolio in the social media age

Joosung Kang

MA Thesis

2020

 

Re-building context-oriented graphic design portfolio in the social media age

 

For contemporary designers, using a singular or even multiple online portfolio platforms in the social media age has been an inevitable duty for self-promotion and visibility. By keeping designers themselves as always-online, it is possible to share and to show their creative activities – posting design projects and ‘WIP(work in progress)’ – to a world wide audience. Even among designers, creatives do not hesitate to follow, appreciate each other to expand their connections. Joint structure and its influence from representative portfolio platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Instagram have been comparatively under-mentioned.This study delves into the structure and system of portfolio platforms, which are the most representative services. This study identifies systematic factors which lead to passive participation in showcasing a portfolio and build the alternative portfolio as an experiment with the self-directed formation, and context of design. The newly suggested website portfolio is investigated with in-depth interviews of seven graphic design professionals and check its validity as an alternative or additional portfolio besides current portfolio platform services.

 

Link to the thesis

https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/44884

WAVES RISING

WAVES RISING

 

Photographic surface, sound and light form an installation body defined by materiality; undulating paper-thin waves spanning several meters in both length and height. The piece is supported by an animated infographic based on recorded data of changes in global mean sea level from the past century. The work informs and invites a dialogue on our relationship with the environment, and the future of our seas.

 

Sea levels are rising largely due to human-induced global warming. As greenhouse gas emissions increase, water temperatures rise causing thermal expansion of seawater and the melting of bodies of ice which drive rising sea levels. Since 1916, the global mean sea level has risen by around 0,2m. In a high emission scenario, sea levels are projected to rise up to nearly a meter by the end of the century, and up to several meters by the end of the next two. This would have a disastrous impact on shorelines and coastal human settlements, especially during storms when sea levels rise additionally and flood coastal areas. For marine cities like Helsinki, this unpredictability poses a future threat.

 

The installation aims to draw attention to this urgent environmental topic through silent activism. The spatial setup raises awareness in a quiet but effective way by creating monumental dimension and mood around the silent threat of rising sea levels.

 

This project was done in collaboration with the Department of Visual Communication Design and Päivi Häikiö, who mentored the project team throughout.

 

[The team]

Sabina Friman

Ayano Honda

Olena Mohylna

Fanni Perälä

 

[Special thanks]

Arja Karhumaa, Aalto VCD

Niklas Simonsen, sound design

Sara Urbanski, photography

Emilie Rigaud, typeface Naoko AA

 

[Exhibited at]

Helsinki City Hall, January 2020

Otaniemi, as a part of Designs for a Cooler Planet and Helsinki Design Week, September 2020

 

[Sources]

www.climate.gov

www.climate.nasa.gov

www.ipcc.org

www.iucn.org

www.2degreesinstitute.org

Discourse in Design 2020

Discourse in Design 2020

MA Visual Communication Design Programme

 

Exhibition

21.10-04.11.2020 ⁣⁣

Otaniementie 14, Väre Lobby⁣⁣

Aalto University

 

Discourse in Design consists of working in independent reading groups where thematic course literature is explored through reading, writing and conversation. This installation presents the outcome of the reading group work.

 

The course introduces contemporary theory and concepts within and beyond the field of visual communication design. It is a space for unlearning design dogmas, where we illuminate various ways of knowing and re-evaluate the discursive and material aspects of design practice

 

[Course Participants]

Oona Raadelma

Annukka Laine

Emma Johansson

Federico Simeoni

Hilla Mäkelä

Mirya Nezvitskaya

Iida Pohjolainen

Shambhavi Singh

Johanna Tenström

Otso Teperi

Katja Ronkanen

Kiira Keski-Hakuni

Leonardo Passuello

Aino Salonen

Iina Silventoinen

Iiris Halme

Saara Obele

Mihkali Pennanen

Strahinja Jovanović

Stella Keppo

Sanni Wessman

Tuuli Ollikainen

 

Course teacher: Anni Puolakka

 

Miila Westin (MA) The Mythical – A study on visual representations of mythical beings of folk religion in ancient Finland

Miila Westin

MA thesis

2020

 

The Mythical – A study on visual representations of mythical beings of folk religion in ancient Finland

 

This thesis looks at Finnish myths and their visualizations in children’s books and comics. The thesis aims to answer the question ‘How should an illustrator approach illustrating Finnish myths and folklore for children?’ The purpose of this thesis is to explore visualizations of Finnish myths and to estimate how much artistic freedom can be used in interpretations of myths. In this practice-based research I approach the subject through a literature review, by examining existing illustrations and visualizations and through my own creative process. As a result, I have created visualizations of Finnish mythical beings for children and exhibited them in Galleria Kuvitus, Helsinki.

 

The thesis consists of a written part and an artistic production. The written part examines Finnish myths and their visual interpretations. The research analyses the theoretical framework of myths and illustration as research subjects as well as the problems related to studying myths and folklore. The thesis discusses ancient belief systems which created the myths and how illustrators have so far interpreted them. In this research I examine the possibilities for artistic freedom and imagination in interpreting myths. I analyse the research material I found on the mythical beings I chose to illustrate and what influenced my interpretations.

 

In the production part I turn the observations into practise. I create a self-initiated artistic project in which I illustrate various Finnish mythical beings in different techniques and exhibit the finished illustrations in a gallery in Helsinki. I reflect on the artistic process in comparison to my research findings and evaluate what is considered a successful interpretation of a myth. I also contemplate on the choices I made about creating illustrations aimed for children. During the process I question my creative choices and design practices and explain in detail the build-up of the exhibition from research material to sketches and into final execution. In my research I come to the conclusion that artists are free to interpret myths in imaginative ways and there is no wrong way to visualize them due to the nature of the myths.

 

Link to thesis: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-2020121356237

 

Designs for a Cooler Planet – Visual Identity

Designs for a Cooler Planet⁣

⁣
Visual Identity by Milja Komulainen and Olga Elliot Schou⁣
⁣

The visual identity for this year’s Designs for A Cooler Planet exhibition is inspired by sports aesthetics. The identity combines the excitement and drive of the sports world with community efforts to make the world a better place. It highlights the UN sustainable development goals and celebrates the work of the students and researchers of the Aalto community. The identity was applied to the wayfinding and the printed and digital communication of the event.⁣
⁣

[About Designs for a Cooler Planet]⁣
Aalto University as part of the Helsinki Design Week declares a Designs for a Cooler Planet theme month, which gathers four inspiring exhibitions and related events on September 2–25, 2020. In these four exhibitions the community presents over 30 projects that show how collaboration between designers, researchers and stakeholders can lead to better solutions for people and the environment to help reach the Sustainable Development Goals.⁣
⁣
More at: www.aalto.fi/acoolerplanet⁣

Mikko Airikka (MA) Designing better tourist maps: How can illustration be used to improve the functionality of a tourist map?

Mikko Airikka

MA thesis

2020

 

Designing better tourist maps: How can illustration be used to improve the functionality of a tourist map?

 

This Master’s Thesis examined the functionality of tourist maps. Through the research conducted in the thesis, the aim was to find out how to create tourist maps not only aesthetically appealing, but properly functioning for information acquisition purposes. The emphasis of the research was on finding out what kind of visual styles should be used when striving to design a functional tourist map and how illustration can be used to improve the functionality of tourist maps. The purpose of the research was also to identify different kinds of problematic issues appearing on tourist maps designed by graphic designers. As part of the thesis, three different versions of Suomenlinna tourist maps were designed for research purposes.

 

Link to thesis: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201911076031

Local (2020)

Local (2020⁣⁣⁣)

⁣⁣

Local is a collage of academic poetics examining the theme of localities, particularly in the context of graphic design and visual communication. What do we consider local, here, exactly—either literally or conceptually?

 

Edited by Arja Karhumaa and Kaisa Lassinaro ⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣

with contributions from Minna Henriksson, Sara de Bondt, Agata Szydlowska, Kiia Beilinson, Amelie Scharffetter, Janne Gammelin, João Emediato, Olli Korpela, Eirunn Kvalnes, Krista Blomqvist, and Amy Gelera. ⁣⁣⁣

⁣

 

//⁣⁣⁣

Starting from the local⁣⁣⁣

Graphic design and the local⁣⁣⁣

The Finnish local⁣⁣⁣

What about the local⁣⁣⁣

What if knowledge is local⁣⁣⁣

Issues on the local⁣⁣⁣

The endangered local⁣⁣⁣

Imagining a new local⁣⁣⁣

Forget the local⁣⁣⁣

The feminist local⁣⁣⁣

How typography is local⁣⁣⁣

Unfinished thoughts on the local⁣⁣⁣

Who cares about the local⁣⁣⁣

Does language make you local⁣⁣⁣

Weather is local⁣⁣⁣

How to stay local⁣⁣⁣

We are all local⁣⁣⁣

So many questions about the local⁣⁣⁣

Skillful practices are local⁣⁣⁣

The future is local⁣⁣⁣

Support your local⁣⁣⁣

Are you a local⁣⁣⁣

The scholarly local⁣⁣⁣

Are universities local⁣⁣⁣

 

⁣⁣⁣

Available online at https://shop.aalto.fi/p/1398-local/

⁣⁣⁣

ISBN 978-952-60-8902-7

Design As Writing (2020)

Design As Writing (2020)

⁣

This book consists of the textual contributions the 22 participants made for the Design as Writing course this year. Faced with a new reality of spaces available in our lives this spring, we decided to dedicate the course work to the concept of ’Space’, whether understood as a physical, metaphorical, conceptual or methodical framework. Many ended up using this opportunity to reflect on their experiences of this peculiar period, others used the same opportunity as a necessary escape from the conditions we lived in. Together, all these approaches became an exceptional documentation of the time we spent together (by not spending it together). However you look at it, we did create a space together.⁣

 

⁣

[Authors⁣]

Aino Inkeri Salonen

Samu Salovaara

Laura Kamppi

Amelie Scharffetter

Yujin Lee

Eulalia Ramírez Moreda

Nils Qvis

Shambhavi Singh

Sabina Friman

Tintin Rosvik

Kaisa Koisti

Olena Mohylna

Noora Typpö

Olga Elliot Schou

Olli Korpela

Terhi Adler

Annika Leppäaho

Fanni Perälä

Iina Sillfors

Amy Gelera

Jolanda Jokinen

Matias Ylikangas⁣⁣

⁣

[Editing and Book Design⁣]

Arja Karhumaa

Robynn McPherson⁣

⁣

Edition of 35⁣

 

Design As Writing 14.4.-20.5.2020⁣

Course led by Arja Karhumaa⁣

⁣

Aalto VCD – MA Visual Communication Design Programme⁣

Aalto University

Xiaoyi Xu (MA) The city of Szymborska – World-building as a way of interpreting and presenting poetry

Xiaoyi Xu

MA thesis

2019

 

The city of Szymborska – World-building as a way of interpreting and presenting poetry

 

The City of Szymborska tests the compatibility of World-building and Poetry. An imaginary city was built up in an exhibition space, as an audience, you can feel free to explore and experience different ways of looking at poetry, you’re encouraged to touch, listen and interact with all the poems exhibited there.

 

This thesis describes in detail an artistic practice-based research that uses the theory of World-building to analyse the structure of the City of Szymborska as well as the construction process. The imaginary city is displayed in an exhibition context where all Szymborska’s poetry is transformed into everyday formats or objects. This transformation is based on a semantic and core theme analysis of the poems, which I elaborate in the ancillary material Poems and Forms.

 

Thesis text: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/41369

 

Website: www.szymborska.city (open with chrome)

 

Reading Room 2020

READING ROOM

Read our work. Read with others.⁣ Welcome to the Reading Room. ⁣

⁣

May 19–20 / ONLINE / 10:00–14:00⁣

⁣

Join us during our 2–day Reading Room where we will share work produced during the Aalto VCD ‘Design as Writing’ course (14.4.–20.5.2020) led by Arja Karhumaa. ⁣

⁣

Presentations from:

Samu Salovaara

Aino Salonen

Laura Kamppi

Amelie Scharffetter

Yujin Lee

Eulalia Ramírez

Nils Qvis

Shambhavi Singh

Sabina Friman

Tintin Rosvik

Kaisa Koisti

Olena Mohylna

Noora Typpö

Olga Schou

Olli Korpela

Terhi Adler

Annika Leppäaho

Fanni Perälä

Iina Sillfors

Amy Gelera

Jolanda Jokinen

Matias Ylikangas⁣

 

ZOOM link upon request

Väline: Liike 2020 / Tool: Motion 2020

Väline: Liike 2020 // Tool: Motion 2020 Reel

 

Showreel from an introductory course in motion graphics design held 14.-30.4.2020.

 

Students featured:

Aappo Törmänen

Erika Masalin

Hanna-Katri Eskelinen

Jasmin Huttunen

Jassir Kuronen

Lauri Kortelainen

Linnea Lindgren

Milena Rinne

Minttu Leinonen

Nik Nummi

Norma Lauritsalo

Otto-Mether Borgström

Paju Kaitajärvi

Touko Miikkulainen

Viivi Kuisma

Viktor Teodosin

Viljamaria Raittila

 

 

Course teacher: Antti Hietaniemi

Music: Rushmo – Summer is calling

 

Kiia Beilinson (MA) Valkoinen oletusasetus. Miten visuaalisen viestinnän suunnittelu osallistuu ylläpitämään rakenteellista rasismia Suomessa?

Kiia Beilinson

MA Thesis

2020

 

Valkoinen oletusasetus. Miten visuaalisen viestinnän suunnittelu osallistuu ylläpitämään rakenteellista rasismia Suomessa?

 

Maisterinopinnäytetyöni tutkii, kuinka visuaalinen viestintä osallistuu ylläpitämään rakenteellista rasismia. Taustoitan aihetta käymällä läpi visuaalisen viestinnän yhteyttä rasismiin historiasta nykypäivään. Tarkastelen erityisesti valkoisuuden valtapositiota ja valkoista etuoikeutta suhteessa normeihin ja ”oletusasetuksiin” yksilön ja yhteiskunnan tasoilla. “Oletusasetukset” näyttäytyvät paitsi ideologisina, poliittisina ja symbolisina, myös konkreettisina standardeina visuaalisen suunnittelun instituutioissa, työkaluissa ja lopputuotteissa.

 

Lisäksi esittelen visuaalisen viestinnän ammattilaisille keväällä 2019 teettämäni identiteettikyselyn, jonka tuloksia analysoin kirjallisuusaineistoani vasten. Identiteettitutkimuksessa kartoitin suomalaisten alalla työskentelevien henkilöiden etnisiä identiteettejä sekä näkemyksiä ja asenteita koskien muun muassa alan keskinäistä moninaisuutta sekä representaation monipuolisuutta työn tuotteissa.

 

Ammennan työssäni dekonstruktiivisen ja dekolonisoivan tieteenfilosofian suuntauksista tarkastellessani rakenteellisen rasismin ja valkoisuuden ristiriitaisuuksia. Tavoitteenani on ymmärtää ja oppia purkamaan länsimaista ajattelua läpäiseviä kolonialistisia valtasuhteita, syrjiviä käytäntöjä ja neutraaliksi asetettuja näkökulmia. Kyselyanalyysin ja kirjallisuuslähteiden avulla pyrin vastaamaan tutkimuskysymykseeni ”Miten visuaalisen viestinnän suunnittelu osallistuu ylläpitämään rakenteellista rasismia?”. Päätelmäosiossa pohdin suunnittelijan valtaa suhteessa muutokseen.

 

————-

[in English]

 

 

The white preset. How is visual communication design contributing in structural racism in Finland?

 

In this master’s thesis I research on the ways visual communication design is contributing in structural racism. I base my thesis on theory and examples of the ways visual culture has been involved in racism throughout history as well as in the present days. I put a lot of focus on whiteness, white supremacy and white privilege as norms and ”presets” on individual and societal levels. These “presets” are considered ideological, political, symbolic and concrete, as they exist also in design institutions, tools and products.

 

I present an identity questionnaire for Finnish visual communication designers I carried through in spring 2019 and observe the results aside of my chosen literary reference material and theory. In the questionnaire I have mapped out the ethnic identifying of the professionals in the field of visual communication design in Finland as well as their attitudes and opinions considering diversity and representation among the profession and the outcomes of visual communication design.

 

I reach towards deconstructive and decolonising research methodologies in investigating the crossroads and joints of structural racism, whiteness and visual communication design. I point out on the colonial power relations, discriminative practises and ”neutral” perspectives of the Western societies in order to understand how to deconstruct them. Via the questionnaire analysis and written reference theory I strive to answer my research question: ”How is visual communication design contributing in structural racism?”. In my conclusions I discuss designer’s power in relation to chance.

 

 

Link to thesis:  http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201911276340

Motion Graphics and Production Design

Motion Graphics and Production Design

 

Motion Graphics and Production Design course focuses on fundamental aspects of visual thinking in time. Design for motion is important across wide variety of medium to represent and communicate visual ideas in effective ways. This course focuses on core skills and thinking required to produce motion based visual ideas. This course prepares students to generate motion design ideas and implement professional settings using wide variety of tools and technologies.

 

Course Teachers:

Eliza Jäppinen and Teemu Jäppinen

 

Student Participants:

 

Urban Space Gaming

Urban Space Gaming

 

Workshop

3-7.2. 2020
Espoo, Finland

 

The theme of the workshop was communication and intervention in the public space by means of participatory games and using the act of play. In a broad sense, the whole city can be seen as a setting for a game. As such, the workshop encouraged students to see not only the physical, but also the social and political aspects of using the city as an urban playground.

 

One of the projects created during the workshop was on display during Helsinki Design Week in September 2020. More info: www.aalto.fi/en/events/the-project-underground-a-whale

 

Workshop Blog: urbanspacegamingespoo2020.tumblr.com

 

 

[About Urban Space Gaming]

This international project was coordinated by Aalto VCD Lecturer Tarja Nieminen, in collaboration with Iceland University of Arts in Reykjavik and VDA, Vilnius Academy of Arts in Lithuania. The project was funded by CIRRUS (Nordic-Baltic Network of Art and Design Education) and the workshops were aimed at students from different Nordic-Baltic countries. The tutors were Tarja Nieminen (Aalto University, Finland), Ausra Lisauskiene (VDA Vilnius Academy of Arts, Lithuania), Samuel Rees (Iceland University of Arts, Reykjavik), Lode Coen (Belgium) and Wulf Livingston (UK) as well as other the visiting lecturers.

 

The other Urban Space Gaming workshops involving Aalto VCD and other Aalto
Arts students were held in:

 

Reykjavik: 4-8.2.2019
urbanspacegamingreykjavik2019.tumblr.com

 

Vilnius:  5-9.2.2018
urbanspacegaming.tumblr.com

A Picture of a Word (2020)

 

A PICTURE OF A WORD (2020)

 

This publication came to being, as a result of the Aalto VCD workshop “Toolkit for Language, Writing & Bookmaking,” held by Tina Melzer in February 2020. (www.tinemelzer.eu)

 

[Contributions]

Terhi Adler

Brittaney Drake

João Emediato

Hanna-Katri Eskelinen

Sabina Friman

Amy R. Gelera

Jassir Kuronen

Heidi Mettälä

Pauliina Nykänen

Aliisa Perikangas

Iida Pohjolainen

Viljamaria Raittila

Clementine Rusten

Amelie Scharffetter

Olga M. Elliot

Erik Solin

Mirka Sulander

Laura Timonen

 

[Editing and Graphic Design]

Amelie Scharffetter

Jassir Kuronen

João Emediato

Olga M. Elliot

 

[Cover Design]

Aliisa Perikangas

 

Edition of 25

 

Aalto University 2020

Glyph Drawing Club Workshop 2020: Calendar

Glyph Drawing Club Workshop: Calendar

17.–21.2.2020

 

During the GlyphDrawing.Club workshop the participants created a classic wall-hung year calendar using glyph drawing club and printed the results with a RisoGraph using Teal and Fluorescent Pink colors. GlyphDrawing.club is a free online contemporary text art and modular design editor that uses an adjustable grid and the full set of typographic symbols from any font. It can be used for making custom modular type design, illustrations, concrete poetry, ASCII art and much more! The editor is created by Aalto alumni Heikki Lotvonen.

 

[Participants]

Jenni Lintumäki (March)

Eulalia Ramírez (April)

Juulia Jokinen (May)

Olli Korpela (June)

Eki Masalin (July)

Lauri Kortelainen (August)

Johanna Tenström (September)

Santtu Oja (October)

Janne Kankkunen (November)

ShuoAn Yang (December)

Nessa Kelly (January 2021)

 

[Workshop Host]

Heikki Lotvonen

 

Exploring Narratives 2020

Exploring Narratives 2020

 

Exhibition

► 13.02. – 26.02.2020

► Betaspace Gallery (Otakaari 1, A-wing 1st floor)

 

MA students of VCD exhibit their individual projects developed through the course Exploring Narratives Studio. The group focused on embedding our personal/social/cultural voices in the visual storytelling production, interweaving our practices and ambitious experimentations together.

 

Amelie Scharffetter

Amy R. Gelera

Aleksandra Czupryna

Ayano Honda

Eirunn Kvalness

Fanni Perälä

João Emediato

Joonas Vaananen

Lari Mörö

Laura Kamppi

Matias Ylikangas

Niko Tiainen

Nils Qvis

Olli Korpela

Punit Hiremath

Sabina Friman

Shambhavi Singh

Tintin Rosvik

Toom Tragel

 

Course tutor: Robin Ellis

 

Documentation images by Toom Tragel, Amy Gelera, João Emediato and Sabina Friman

Train Brag

Train Brag

2020

 

Designed by Anni Tolvanen, Iina Silventoinen and Akseli Manner, the AR Face Filter Collection encourages users to hype train travel and confess their flight shame. Innovation, gamification and modern meta-level humor harness Instagram’s tools for powerful communication.⁣

 

The concept was created in the course Koe: Muutos (Experience: Change) coordinated and tutored by VCD Lecturer Tarja Nieminen and co-tutored
by Arto Sivonen from Måndag Agency – https://www.mandag.fi

 

Train Brag was showcased during the International Nordic Travel Fair in January 2020 in Helsinki.

IN-FORM-ATION EXCHANGE

IN-FORM-ATION EXCHANGE

 

Exhibition

20.11 – 2.12.2019

Majakovsky Library Gallery
St Petersburg, Russia

 

This exhibition was realized in collaboration with the International Design School in St Petersburg, Russia, which also had local student work on display.

 

The banner-style posters on display presented design works by Aalto VCD BA students.

 

To commemorate 100 years of Finnish independence, the students developed a concept, content and design for any kind of informative graphic on the topic of a product and concerning the history of Finland and Finnish culture.

 

Course tutor and producer of the exhibition: Tarja Nieminen

Aalto Package Design Symposium 2019

Aalto Package Design Symposium

10 October 2019

Dipoli, Aalto University

 

In a world of finite resources, what are the drivers of change in packaging design? How to address sustainability and how to design experiences and empathy? What is the role of packaging design when introducing new product types or entering new markets? These wicked questions were addressed and discussed at the first Aalto Package Design Symposium at Dipoli on October 10, 2019.

 

Our international keynote speakers include founder of The Dieline, Andrew Gibbs (USA) and award winning designer Fumi Sasada (JP).

 

 

More info: www.aalto.fi/en/events/aalto-package-design-symposium-2019

 

Watch conference keynotes: www.pack-age.aalto.fi/1st-aalto-packaging-design-symposium

 

[About Pack-Age at Aalto University]

Pack-Age is an intensive and extensive packaging design project minor at Aalto University uniting design, business, and engineering, to sustainability and project-based learning. Students work in transdisciplinary teams with real projects from the industry. Creative problem-solving is a key concept of the course, where students’ backgrounds become the core resource for creative teamwork.

 

www.pack-age.aalto.fi

Other Pasts – turn on the archive

Other Pasts – turn on the archive

 

Exhibition 12.2019

Aalto University

Vare, Kipsari lobby

 

Other Pasts has been turning on the archive,

finding clues and hints,

surfacing the past and

making it anew,

sensing their ways across many o’formats

of uncoated paper sheets,

resting their eyes on vivid inks,

coming across the wonders of Kontula

(found by those who know how to look),

taken by the telling drawings

found in the smuggled letters of red prisoners,

and feelings embedded in pioneer kids’ fanzines.

 

Amelie Scharffetter

Amy Gelera

Eirunn Kvalnes

Janne K.

João Emediato

Krista Blomqvist

Olli Korpela

 

— Other Pasts was initiated by VCD designer-in-residence Kaisa Lassinaro (www.kaisalassinaro.net)

 

Photo credit: Jenni Holma

Discourse in Design 2019

Discourse in Design 2019

MA Visual Communication Design Programme

 

Exhibition

24-28.10.2019

Otaniementie 14, Väre Lobby⁣⁣

Aalto University

 

Discourse in Design consists of working in independent reading groups where thematic course literature is explored through reading, writing and conversation. This installation presents the outcome of the reading group work. The course introduces contemporary theory and concepts within and beyond the field of visual communication design. It is a space for unlearning design dogmas, where we illuminate various ways of knowing and re-evaluate the discursive and material aspects of design practice.

—

Ayano Honda / Sabina Friman / Nils Skogman / Laura Kamppi / Yuika Machida / Matias Ylikangas / Pekka Veikkolainen / Olena Mohylna / Fanni Perälä / Toom Tragel / Eirunn Kvalnes / Jenni Lintumäki / Annika Leppäaho / Olli Korpela / Heidi Anttila / Aliisa Perikangas / Teppo Vesikukka / Amy Gelera / Pauliina Nykänen / Elina Nikkinen / Janne Kankkunen / Suvi Hyökki / João Emediato / Amelie Scharffetter / Tintin Rosvik / Kaisa Koisti / Lari Mörö / Jolanda Jokinen

 

Course teacher: Arja Karhumaa

 

NORDES 2019 Conference – Visual Identity

NORDES 2019 Conference

 

Visual Identity by Robynn McPherson and Pauliina Nykänen

 

[Conference Description]

WHO CARES?

8th biannual Nordic Design Research Society (NORDES) conference

Aalto University, Finland

2–4 June 2019

 

In the 2019 Nordes conference, we draw inspiration from notions of care as a lens through which to reflect upon and critique as well as potentially to refocus and redirect design and design research. Care might be understood in relation to philosophical lines of inquiry in other disciplines exploring theories, politics and ethics of care. Care might be understood concretely in relation to the ideals and infrastructures of welfare and healthcare systems, or service interactions. Care might be understood personally as a mindset seeking out what is meaningful for people, and for life, and with design as reflective and skilled action concerned with improving things and preferred situations.

 

[Abstract Book]

https://nordes2019.aalto.fi/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NORDES2019_AbstractBook_PDFversion.pdf

 

[Website]

https://nordes2019.aalto.fi/

The ALIEN

The ALIEN

 

During 2017-2019, Aalto VCD participated in an EU Erasmus Plus project on migration titled ALIEN. The partnering countries were Poland, Greece, the UK and Finland.

 

The project aimed to contribute to greater equity and social cohesion within Europe, through transnational and interdisciplinary collaboration of academic staff, migrant organizations and postgraduate students based in partner countries. The project aimed to enhance young people intercultural competences, knowledge and understandings of migration processes by researching and working on the issue of public concern related to migration.

 

Given the critical context of the current refugee crisis in Europe the project’s objectives were:

 

– To advance young people’s intercultural competencies, knowledge and understanding of migration through transnational, multi and interdisciplinary collaboration of academic staff, migrant organizations and postgraduate students.

– To develop the engagement of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) with local and international migrant organizations as well as regional authorities to build bridges and share knowledge, good practices and raise awareness of issues around migration.

 

In total eight students with their tutor Tarja Nieminen participated in six multi-disciplinary workshops covering different aspects of the theme.

 

The universities and institutions involved were the Polish Japanese Academy of Information Technology and Warsaw School of Economics from Poland, Technopolis – City of Athens from Greece, Glyndwr University and UWS, the University of the West of Scotland from the UK and Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture from Finland. At Aalto, the project was coordinated and tutored by VCD Lecturer Tarja Nieminen.

 

Further information about the project can be found in the website: www.alien.pja.edu.pl

 

 

 

[SAMPLE WORKSHOP]

Social Policy: Acknowledging the past to face the future?

26 -30 October, 2018

UWS University of West Scotland, Glasgow/Paisley, the UK

 

Overview:
For the week in Glasgow and Paisley, the participants were both acknowledging the past as well as facing the future. Students were working in small, multidisciplinary, research groups and had a choice to make early in the week: whether to re-examine the past (in terms of Glasgow’s colonial and imperial history, and the legacy of this), or to look to the future (in terms of where Scotland might find itself after Brexit in relation to issues of migration and immigration). In the beginning of the workshop, Colin Clark outlined the general terrain to be covered by both topics and illustrated the types of resources that can be employed to explore the issues. The central and connecting themes were ones of identity and belonging in place, space and time – does the past necessarily determine and shape our social, economic and political futures? The end goal of the week in Glasgow and Paisley was that by Friday students had collaboratively designed e-posters and presented them in front of their peers, staff and invited guest audience.

 

Images are from the communication concept created by Saga Rantanen (VCD Exchange student, Aalto Arts), Joel Nieminen (MA Photography, Aalto Arts), Bartosz Wyszynski (Polish-Japanese Academy of information Technology), Nadia Kanyange (UWS), Noora Ntaba (UWS), Olivia Koskinen (UWS) and Shannon Anderson (UWS).

 

Tutors: Colin Clark (UWS), Adam Cooke (Glyndwr), Tarja Nieminen (Aalto University) and Yadzia Williams (Glyndwr)

VCD Symposium 2019: Questions of Education and Research Within Graphic Design and Visual Communication Design in Nordic-Baltic Institutions

VCD Symposium 2019

Questions of Education and Research Within Graphic Design and Visual Communication Design in Nordic-Baltic Institutions

5–6.6.2019

Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Espoo, Finland

 

Online Publication: www.vcdsymposium.fi

 

[About]

On 5–6 June 2019, a group of design educators and academics gathered at the Aalto University campus in Espoo, Finland, invited by the Visual Communication Design study programme at Aalto ARTS.

 

The symposium brought together the Visual Communication and Graphic Design programmes in Nordic and Baltic countries. This was a collegial meeting for discussion – a friendly and relaxed event, arranged however in the hope of significant academic implications. It was about study programmes coming together, learning to know each other, asking questions together—discussing localities, commonalities, differences. The symposium proposed a focus in mapping contemporary questions within graphic design and visual communication higher education and research, and the possibility of forming a network for future collaborations.

 

For the symposium, the participant institutions were asked to define what might be one of the most urgent questions in their study programmes right now, and to share that question with others. As anticipated, posing questions created more questions, but it was also very clear that most of the institutions were troubled by similar issues. Many fruitful, engaged discussions ensued, and friends were made. The symposium ended up as the launch of a collegial network for this field in the Nordic, Scandinavian and Baltic countries, for peer discussion and collaboration.

 

This informal network might create more opportunities, such as exchanging ideas and sharing good practices in teaching, discussing the emerging field of practice-based research and critical making in this field, as well as possible concrete developments such as planning courses/workshops/research projects, joint publishing or exhibitions, etc.

 

 

 

[Organized by]

Aalto VCD—Visual Communication Design Programme at Aalto University

 

[Support from]

CIRRUS, Nordic–Baltic Network of Art and Design Education

 

[Online publication editor]

Arja Karhumaa

 

[Reading list editors]

Indrek Sirkel

Ott kagovere

 

[Website Design]

Robynn McPherson

 

[Website Programming]

Viiksimaisteri / Ville Niemi

Open Lecture: LIVE HACKS – Hackers & Designers (NL)

Open Lecture and Workshop Presentation – Welcome all!

 

Hackers & Designers (NL)

LIVE HACKS

w/ James Bryan Graves (hacker) and Anja Groten (designer)

———————-

Friday 13.12.2019

Väre P107 (VCD homebase)

15:00—17:00

 

During their talks Anja & James will discuss what role instant/live/exposed coding and designing take in their different practices.

 

The talks will be followed by a presentation of the Live Hacks workshop results manifested in a collaborative live coding performance, in which the workshop participants will show off their newly obtained coding, design and improvisation skills!

 

www.hackersanddesigners.nl

Torso 1/2019: Dynamite Stuff

Torso 1/2019: Dynamite Stuff

 

[Designers]

Pihla Lemmetyinen

Milja Komulainen

Markus Grönlund

 

[Torso Magazine]

Torso is Tokyo’s bi-annual magazine (and occasional surprise zine) that explores art, life and the ideas of Finland’s new design generation. The independent magazine is published through TOKYO (student association at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture) and in which the editorial staff is picked each year from Aalto ARTS students.

 

[Instagram]

@torsolehti

 

[Issuu]

www.issuu.com/torsolehti

 

[TOKYO website]

www.tokyo.fi

Väline: Liike 2019 / Tool: Motion 2019

Väline: Liike 2019 // Tool: Motion 2019 Reel

 

Showreel from an introductory course in motion graphics design held 16.4.2019-3.5.2019.

 

Students featured:

Akseli Manner

Markus Grönlund

Max Nuutila

Milja Komulainen

Milla Parkkali

Miska Lehto

Ossi Kannosto

Pihla Lemmetyinen

Pinja Mäentaka

Sera Remes

Tuomas Mähönen

Veera Kesänen

Yulia Soloveva

Onni Anttoora

 

 

Course teacher: Antti Hietaniemi

Music: Geographer – Synergy (Youtube Music Library)

Iisa Pappi (BA) Ristiriita työkaluna musiikkijulkaisun visuaalisen ilmeen suunnittelussa

Iisa Pappi

BA Thesis

2019

 

Ristiriita työkaluna musiikkijulkaisun visuaalisen ilmeen suunnittelussa

 

Iisa Pappi’s bachelor thesis observes and analyzes contradiction as the fundamental tool for a design process. In this thesis the tool is used to create visuals for a musical artist, including a logo, album cover art and promotional video clips for social media. In this work contradiction is defined as contrast, being offbeat, coincidence as a chance for contradiction, and other impressions of mismatching.

 

During the process the tool of contradiction is used differently. Sometimes it takes over as the leader of decision-making and other times it is mainly used for designer’s own reflection.

 

The client’s wish for the visuals was to strive for both anonymity and a strong, recognizable character, which is how the surreal silhouettes came to be. The visuals were created through a game of Chinese whispers: the designer created silhouettes based on the soundscape of the songs and after that a collaborating choreographer created a signature way of moving for each silhouette without hearing the actual music they will be dancing to, creating a chance for contradictions.

 

Link to full thesis in Finnish: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202001191730

Visualizing Knowledge Conference 2019: Data Sensations 

Visualizing Knowledge Conference 2019: Data Sensations

Conference: 10.5.2019
Workshops: 8-9.5.2019

Dipoli, Aalto University
Otakaari 24, 02150, Espoo, Finland

 

VK19 – Data Sensations

 

We rely on our senses to evaluate the kaleidoscopic theatre of phenomena around us. Essential to the understanding of our environment is a translation of the external world to our internal experience, performed in concert by our senses. These senses extend beyond only visual perception—we shape textures with our skin, encounter memories with our nose, and appraise music with our ears.

 

Today, we extend these senses through a myriad of machines and sensors, which simultaneously collect and contribute to the surplus of data that comprises our world. Much of this information remains under-utilized or in its raw form. Only when guided by a certain inquiry can we establish understanding and return patterns in familiar forms.

 

Further still, one of the most important considerations in information design is the user experience. Which senses are, or could be, involved? How do our senses influence the information itself? Meaningful design should resonate in the senses as much as any other experience.

 

The subject of this year’s conference is the human senses and their role in information design. Topics under consideration include current and future methods in the use of sensory data, data collection and representation, media considerations, and production techniques.

 

Website: https://vizknowledge.aalto.fi/archive/2019/

 

[Aalto University Staff & Faculty]

Prof. Rupesh Vyas – Project Lead

Minna Ainoa – Producer, Department of Media

Moona Tikka – Event Coordinator

Research Engineer Veli-Matti Saarinen – Thermal Photobooth, Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

 

[Student Team]

Sofia Schleutker – Team Lead & PR

Saara Majanne – Visual Design

Utkarsh Raut – Animation & Production

Ada Peiretti – Showcase Curation & Design

Ilkka Malin – Showcase Curation & Design

Helmi Dominguez Vanha-aho – Well-being & Showcase Curation

Stephan Garneau – Well-being & Editor (text)

 

Conference photos: Iiro Immonen

 

[Conference background]

Visualizing Knowledge has been held every year since 2012 in Helsinki, Finland. It was formerly known as Tieto Näkyväksi and organized by Jonatan Hildén and Juuso Koponen from Koponen + Hildén. In 2017, the event became a part of Aalto University and is now organized by a highly motivated team of students, faculty and staff from the fields of Visual Communication and Information Design.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vizknowledge/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vizknowledge/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vizknowledge/

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/vizknowledge

 

Finland 100 – Refreshing Take on Finnish History

Finland 100 – Refreshing Take on Finnish History

 

Exhibition

7-21.9.2019

SINO-Finnish Design Centre
Tongji University, Shanghai, China

 

The exhibition showcased banner-style posters presenting design works by Aalto VCD BA students.

 

To commemorate 100 years of Finnish independence, the students developed a concept, content and design for any informative graphic that concerns the history of Finland and Finnish culture.

 

Course tutor and producer of the exhibition: Tarja Nieminen

PUBLIC TALKS: Questions of Education and Research Within Visual Communication in the North

PUBLIC TALKS: Questions of Education and Research Within Visual Communication in the North

—

 

Wednesday June 5th, 14:30-17:30

Design Factory Stage, Betonimiehenkuja 5
Free entrance

 

—

This event is part of a networking symposium for representatives of study programmes in graphic design and visual communication within Nordic-Baltic institutions. The symposium is built around open questions, and in this afternoon session, those educators introduce their own urgent questions. The event is open for anyone interested. Feel free to spend the whole afternoon listening in, or to just drop by. If you want you can leave your own question to be examined by the symposium later on.

 

10 min talks from 13 invited Institutions:
Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Art Academy of Latvia
Beckmans College of Design
Design School Kolding
Estonian Academy of Arts
Iceland University of the Arts
Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
KHIO — Oslo National Academy of the Arts
KMD — University of Bergen
Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design
Lahti University of Applied Sciences
University of Lapland
Vilnius Academy of Arts


Organized by Aalto VCD, Visual Communication Design Programme at Aalto University, with support from Cirrus, Nordic-Baltic Network of Art and Design Education.

Reading Room 2019

Read our work.
Read with others.
Welcome to the Reading Room.

 

Reading Room

21–22.5.2019
Väre F102
Hours: 10–14:30

 

Join us in our 2–day Reading Room where we will share work produced during the MA course Design as Writing held 16.4.–22.5.2019

 

Presentations from:

Kiia Beilinson

Brittaney Drake

Stephan Garneau

Teodor Georgiev

Tuisku Hiltunen

Antti Honka

Janne Kuisma

Mirka Larjomaa

Marika Latsone

Saara Majanne

Robynn McPherson

Pauliina Nykänen

Santtu Oja

Oona Räyhäntausta

Sofia Schleutker

Erik Solin

Jacob Stewart

Joonas Väänänen

Elisabeth Vesanto

Aina Viukari

 

Course teacher: Arja Karhumaa

Experiment: Language 2019

Experiment: Language 2019

Exhibition

 

April 9th – April 18th 2019

Väre Building Floor 2

 

In the 2nd year BA course ‘Experiment: Language’, typography is seen as an essential part of written language. Typographic forms and practices are deeply rooted in histories, cultures, and societies. We reached beyond the latin alphabet and studies various writing systems for their inherent typographic tools, technologies, and conventions.

 

Each of us made a poster and a brochure-like layout examining a particular writing system and a cultural phenomenon related to its local or contextual surroundings. We talked to native speakers in order to understand both the text and the context we were working with.

 

Exploring Narratives 2019

Exploring Narratives 2019⁣
⁣
⁣
Exhibition⁣
14.2.2019 – 8.3.2019⁣⁣
Harald Herlin Learning Centre Lobby⁣
⁣
⁣
Collection of personal projects by Aalto VCD MA students produced in the course Exploring Narratives Studio.⁣
⁣
⁣
Antti Honka – A Life Formula Manifesto⁣⁣
Brittaney Drake – Preliminary Research⁣⁣
Cecilia Kugler – Just puk⁣⁣
Tuisku Hiltunen – 24-hour Moonlight Diner⁣⁣
Janne Kuisma – Kekkone (A Day of the President)⁣⁣
Pauliina Nykänen – Feels⁣⁣
Jamini Kavoori – Chewy’s sticky situation⁣⁣
Erik Solin – Ghost of Earth⁣⁣
Noora Typpö – Cityscapes⁣⁣
Aina Viukari – A Story Behind the Perfect Portraits⁣⁣
Terhi Adler – Talk to Me⁣⁣
Marika Latsone – Roadkills⁣⁣
Sofia Schleutker – Know your liquids!⁣⁣
Elisabeth Vesanto – Dumpster God⁣⁣
Oona Räyhäntausta – Paradox of fear⁣⁣
Saara Majanne – Almost gone⁣⁣
Utkarsh Raut – Why We Took The Car (?) ⁣⁣

⁣
Course tutor: Robin Ellis⁣
⁣
⁣⁣
Limited edition of risography printed exhibition catalogs available.

Open Lecture: Publishing, Bookmaking and Language Games as Autonomous Practice – Tine Melzer

Welcome to an open lecture by artist Tine Melzer !

Wednesday, 19 Feb 2020 / 17.15 in Väre F101

 

Tine Melzer: Publishing, Bookmaking and Language Games as Autonomous Practice

 

In this lecture, Tine Melzer speaks about her practice as author of autonomous book publications, collaborative projects and language-based visual works.

 

Tine Melzer (PhD) is a Zurich-based artist, author and researcher with a focus on language. Based on her award-winning book Taxidermy for Language-Animals she examines language fragments from different practices—philosophy, literature, visual art—by exploiting some of our linguistic habits and tools. Her main practice is writing and making books. She is associate professor at the HKB University of the Arts Bern where she currently researches phenomena of Aspect Change. Her work is exhibited and published internationally.

 

www.tinemelzer.eu

 

Design As Writing (2019)

Design As Writing (2019)

⁣

This book consists of the textual contributions the 20 participants made for the Design as Writing course in 2019.

 

Design As Writing 19.4.-22.5.2019

Course led by Arja Karhumaa⁣

⁣

[Authors⁣]

Kiia Beilinson

Brittaney Drake

Stephan Garneau

Teodor Georgiev

Tuisku Hiltunen

Antti Honka

Janne Kuisma

Mirka Larjomaa

Marika Latsone

Saara Majanne

Robynn McPherson

Pauliina Nykänen

Santtu Oja

Oona Räyhäntausta

Sofia Schleutker

Erik Solin

Jacob Stewart

Joonas Väänänen

Elisabeth Vesanto

Aina Viukari

⁣

[Editing and Book Design]⁣

Brittaney Drake

Marika Latsone

⁣

Edition of 35⁣

⁣

Aalto VCD – MA Visual Communication Design Programme⁣

Aalto University

 

Anni Sairio (BA) Under Control – Miten animaation visuaalinen maailma ja tunnelma luodaan

Anni Sairio

BA thesis

2019

 

Under Control – Miten animaation visuaalinen maailma ja tunnelma luodaan / How to Create the Visual World and Atmosphere in Animation

 

My thesis work is a short animation called Under Control. The animation deals with addiction. The story tells about a phone addicted person whose phone has had enough and decides to escape. The phone owner gets extremely anxious when she can’t catch the phone. The anxiety is visualized using the magic of animation. I made the short in collaboration with Virve Ranta and Veera Krouglov in the animation minor. The written part of my thesis deals with the process of creating an atmosphere and a consistent visual world in animation. I used Under Control as an example. The animation had its premiere at the Love and Anarchy festival in September 2020.

 

Link to Under Control short: https://annisairio.com/under-control-clips-of-an-unpublished-short-animation

Glyph Drawing Club Workshop 2019: Zine

Glyph Drawing Club Workshop: Zine

18.–22.2.2019

 

The Glyph Drawing Club Workshop zine is the result of a week-long modular type design & illustration workshop. All letterings, illustrations and patterns in this zine are made with Glyph Drawing Club, a versatile online text art and modular design editor. The editor is inspired by the limitations and possibilities of old school ASCII art editors, but brought to modern times; the editor is based on an adjustable grid into which typographic symbols (glyphs) can be inserted from any font. The work in this zine is done with a modular type system called “Tesserae 4×4”, which is a large collection of square tiles decorated with a variety of patterns that can be rotated, mirrored, inverted and colorised. Visit www.glyphdrawing.club to make your own creation.

 

[Participants]

Saara Majanne

Elisabeth Vesanto

Ulla Kokki

Jenna Ervasti

Akseli Manner

Punit J. Hiremath

Reishabh Kailey

Johanna Karjalainen

Julia Soloveva

 

[Workshop host]

Heikki Lotvonen

 

 

Eevi Rutanen (BA) Rules of Emergence — Generating and Curating Creativity

Eevi Rutanen

BA Thesis

2017

 

Rules of Emergence — Generating and Curating Creativity

 

This Bachelor’s thesis discusses the relationship between generating and curating in the context of artistic activity. In this context, generating refers to processes and systems used in generative art and generative design. Curating refers to the traditional profession of producing exhibitions, and to the contemporary definition of curating as a universal act of selection and evaluation. The objective of this thesis is to introduce the processes and methods used in generating and curating, and to expose the creative potential emerging from the combination of these practices.

 

The research analyses and compares contemporary discourses of generating and curating, and presents examples of modern generative and curatorial practices. A joint framework is proposed which illustrates the interconnection of generating and curating. Theories of creativity by Deleuze and Boden & Wiggings are accommodated in the framework to demonstrate the potential of the synthesis for emergent outcomes.

 

Despite the apparent discreteness of generating and curating, they in fact share many characteristics, both practical and conceptual. They both require the definition of a rule, which determines the curatorial or generative process. In generative design or art, this rule is an algorithm or some other formalisation of an action, in curating the rule is the selection criteria of the collection. Both in generating and curating, the agent creates the process instead of designing directly the product. Generating requires curating in evaluating and selecting the outcomes, as curating depends upon generating in forming the collection according to the selective rules. Deleuze’s concepts of “virtual” and “actual” capture the emergent properties of generating and curating: the rules define the “virtual” cloud of possible outcomes, from which the perceptible products are actualised. Thus, generating and curating both supervene on and contain each other.

 

Link to the thesis in aaltodocs: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201705304868

Tintin Rosvik (BA) The dynamic dot / Den dynamiska punkten

Tintin Rosvik

BA thesis

2019

 

The dynamic dot / Den dynamiska punkten

 

The research explores the constant reshaping of the visual designer’s professional role in the 21st century; in terms of identity, position, purpose and practice. The problem statement is studied by looking at the various forms of the model the T-shaped person as a visual metaphor of this ever-changing role. This visual analysis, together with insightful discussions with senior designers and design educators, forms a bricolage of knowledge which is incorporated in an improved version of the T-shaped model. Throughout the thesis, the T reshapes into a human-shaped person, a model introduced as a reaction to the stated problem. The outcome of the research is twofold; (1) a proposed visual and theoretical improvement of the existing models, and (2) a contribution to the critical debate within the visual communication design field.

 

Link to the thesis in aaltodocs: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201905263224

Screening: Donna Haraway: Story Telling for Earthly Survival (2016)

Screening: Donna Haraway: Story Telling for Earthly Survival (2016)

A film by Fabrizio Terranova

 

Monday 3 December 2018 at Kino Andorra (Eerikinkatu 11, Helsinki)

 

[schedule]

18:00 Introduction + film screening (82 min)

20:00 Post-discussion in Dubrovnik Lounge & Lobby.

Creative Practice: Thinking with Donna Haraway

Anni Puolakka, Jenni-Elina von Bagh, Sofi Perikangas, moderated by Arja Karhumaa

 

[info]

Admission is free

170 seats will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis

Doors open at 17:30

Accessibility: 6 steps downstairs to cinema premises, railing on left hand side.

 

[about the film]

Donna Haraway is a prominent scholar in the field of science and technology, a feminist, and a science-fiction enthusiast who works at building a bridge between science and fiction. She became known in the 1980s through her work on gender, identity, and technology, which broke with the prevailing trends and opened the door to a frank and cheerful trans species feminism. Haraway is a gifted storyteller who paints a rebellious and hopeful universe teeming with critters and trans species, in an era of disasters. Brussels filmmaker Fabrizio Terranova visited Donna Haraway at her home in California, living with her – almost literally, for a few weeks, and there produced a quirky film portrait. Terranova allowed Haraway to speak in her own environment, using attractive staging that emphasised the playful, cerebral sensitivity of the scientist. The result is a rare, candid, intellectual portrait of a highly original thinker.

Koe: Teknologia 2018 / Experience: Technology 2018

Koe: Teknologia 2018 // Experience: Technology 2018

 

Showreel from an introductory course in motion graphics design.

 

Students featured in reel:

Anna Mäkinen

Eero Urala

Iida Pohjolainen

Iisa Pappi

Inka Salminen

Jenni Laaksoharju

Johanna Tenström

Kai Nordfors

Katri Astala

Kiira Keski-Hakuni

Lumi Hartikainen

Niina Loukimo

Otso Peräsaari

Saara Obele

Saga Rantanen

Sanni Wessman

Tintin Rosvik

 

Course teacher: Antti Hietaniemi

Mustafa Saifee (MA) VR-Viz: Visualization system for data visualization in VR

Mustafa Saifee

MA Thesis

2018

 

VR-Viz: Visualization system for data visualization in VR

 

Recent years have seen fast growth in big data. The datasets are not only exponentially larger, but also more complex (multi-dimensional). Because of the scale and complexity of these datasets, their visualization poses significant challenges. As a solution, this thesis explores how virtual reality (VR) and 3D visualization can be used to visualize complex and large datasets, and proposes a visualization system for designing visualizations in VR.

 

First, this thesis examines concepts of information visualization, VR, and 3D information visualization. Next, it explores visualization systems for 3D visualization and three examples of information visualization in VR and discusses their successes and short comings. Finally, in order to make VR information visualization accessible to a wider audience, a tool is introduced to simplify the process of designing information visualization in VR for beginners. The tool can also be used as a quick prototyping tool by more advanced users.

 

VR-Viz provides high-level react components to generate 3D visualization in webVR. It combines A-Frame with React (for DOM manipulation) and D3 (for data visualizations) to generate visualization in VR. It provides a JSON syntax for generating visualizations (the concept is inspired from Vega-Lite)

 

Interactive examples can be seen and explored here: https://vr-viz.netlify.com/

 

Open source library can be found here: https://github.com/mustafasaifee42/VR-Viz

 

Link to thesis: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/36113

Packaging Design: Aalto University Executive Education

Aalto University Executive Education (Packaging Design Minor)

 

[Project Year] 

2018

 

[Client]

Aalto University Executive Education

 

[Student team]

Nga Nguyen

Lilla Tóth

Johanna Tarkiainen

Cecillia van Dongen

 

[Background & Challenge]

In March 2018, six design students and three teachers specializing in ceramics from Aalto University’s Department of Design, travelled to Jingdezhen, China—the source and birthplace of porcelain manufac- ture, where they created 24 unique vases on the spot during a 24-day workshop. One of the vases, “Pikkupomelo” by Saija Halko, was commissioned to be a VIP gift, which Dr. Pekka Mattila, the Managing Director of Aalto EE, will give in person to international executive leaders while travelling abroad.

 

The challenge was to design a package that complements the “Pikkupomelo” vase –  a package that communicates the Aalto University Executive Education values, the premiumness of the vase, while abiding by the gift-giving rituals.

 

[Solution]

After rigorous research into the client and the definition of quality and luxury, the brief was turned into a design goal – to create a memorable unboxing experience by activating the senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch. Together with the vase, the package was to be considered a work of art.

 

Five concepts and more than 20 prototypes were explored throughout the entire process. In the end, the final design was produced, where the colours of the package became a reminder of the Jingdezhen porcelain, and beautifully echoed the vase colours of the “Pikkupomelo”. The iconic slanted edge of the package is a subtle nostalgia of the Gaoling mountain terrains, hinting at the story of the vase.

 

[About Pack-Age at Aalto University]

Pack-Age is an intensive and extensive packaging design project minor at Aalto University uniting design, business, and engineering, to sustainability and project-based learning. Students work in transdisciplinary teams with real projects from the industry. Creative problem-solving is a key concept of the course, where students’ backgrounds become the core resource for creative teamwork.

 

www.pack-age.aalto.fi

 

Lisa Staudinger (MA) The world’s wealth in pizza: Improving the comprehension of large numbers through information visualization

Lisa Staudinger

MA Thesis

2018

 

The world’s wealth in pizza: Improving the comprehension of large numbers through information visualization

 

Extreme numerical magnitudes in all forms are part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, measures outside our immediate experience are notoriously difficult to imagine, and therefore carry little meaning to the average person. This can lead to misinterpretations, misjudgments, or in the worst case, complete disregard of important issues.

 

The aim of this thesis was to investigate how large numerical measures can be explained in ways that are relatable and support meaningful decisions in viewers/users.

 

On a practical level this included analyzing existing visualizations, describing a framework for presenting extreme magnitudes, and creating three interactive visualization prototypes which were used to conduct an insight-based evaluation / user test.

 

Read the thesis here: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201806294018

Visualizing Knowledge Conference 2018: Design. Reveal. Act. 

Visualizing Knowledge 2018: Design. Reveal. Act.

Conference: 4.5.2018
Dipoli, Aalto University
Otakaari 24, 02150, Espoo, Finland

 

 

VK18 – Design. Reveal. Act.

 

Visualizing Knowledge brings together a diverse group of creators and decision-makers to discuss new approaches in data visualization and information design – designers, journalists, scientists, people from the public sector and enthusiasts. This year’s event is centered around design’s potential to reveal insight in data and relate stories that inspire action.

 

The one-day conference features researchers, educators and practitioners from a variety of disciplines related to Information Design while the showcase exhibits new talents from information design research and education. Workshops leading up to the conference invite speakers and audience alike to learn about state-of-the-art tools and methods in data visualization and exchange ideas and contacts.

 

Website: https://vizknowledge.aalto.fi/archive/2018/

 

 

[Aalto University Staff and Faculty]

Prof. Rupesh Vyas – Project Lead, Creative Direction

Minna Ainoa – Producer Department of Media

 

[Student Organizing Team]

Adina Renner – Team Lead, Art Direction

Alessandra Del Nero – Showcase Curation & Design

Qin Yang – Showcase Curation & Design

Pei-Yu Lin – PR & Communication, Speaker Well-Being

Heini Kekki – PR & Communication

Lilla Tóth – Graphic Design & Production

 

 

[Conference background]

Visualizing Knowledge has been held every year since 2012 in Helsinki, Finland. It was formerly known as Tieto Näkyväksi and organized by Jonatan Hildén and Juuso Koponen from Koponen + Hildén. In 2017, the event became a part of Aalto University and is now organized by a highly motivated team of students, faculty and staff from the fields of Visual Communication and Information Design.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vizknowledge/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vizknowledge/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vizknowledge/

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/vizknowledge

Packaging Design: Handle With Care

Handle With Care

Packaging Design Minor

 

[Project year]

2018

 

[Client]

Fiskars Group

 

[Student team]

Francesco Scognamiglio

Elina Rantanilkku

Kerttu-Maaria Ylipoti

Riku Lappalainen

 

[Background & Challenge]

When purchased online, Iittala’s products are shipped to the customer in a plain e-commerce box. One of the crucial problems is that these plain cardboard boxes do not mirror the premium image of the Iittala brand and products. As the items are extremely fragile, protection is also a key; however, bubble wrap was something that the company wished to eliminate. The challenge was to come up with an improved e-commerce box that answered all of these mixed complex problems.

 

[Solution]

Different personas were created to hypothesize the users and situations. After defining the themes of what makes the Iittala brand special, three different concepts were made.

 

The final solution is a “box in a box”. The structure is made up of two different pieces, which has a ripping opening done with perforation cuts. This enhances the unboxing experience, where scissors are not needed to open the box. The exterior color of the box is a standard cardboard brown, taking the customers by surprise when they see the richly patterned design in the interior.

 

In addition, beautifully folded paper structures protect the items in lieu of plastic bubble wrap. Around the teema dishes is a tessellation called “Waterbomb” and the sheet used to keep everything in place is called “Miura-ori”. These folded paper options give the box a premium feel – exactly the kind of quality that Iittala values and represents.

 

 

[About Pack-Age at Aalto University]

Pack-Age is an intensive and extensive packaging design project minor at Aalto University uniting design, business, and engineering, to sustainability and project-based learning. Students work in transdisciplinary teams with real projects from the industry. Creative problem-solving is a key concept of the course, where students’ backgrounds become the core resource for creative teamwork.

 

www.pack-age.aalto.fi

 

 

 

Snapshot – Flow Festival 2018

Flow Festival: Snapshot (2018)

 

“The Visual Communication Design Programme at Aalto University returns to Flow Festival with a concept titled “Snapshot”. It captures the whole festival experience and atmosphere in powerful visuals. These snapshots, or frozen moments, are described by eight illustrators in one over 100-meter-long mural, and the concept is brought to life by five designers in short animations looping on the stage screens.” — Flow Festival (www.flowfestival.com)

 

[Typography and Graphic Design]
Joosung Kang
Oona Viskari

 

[Artist/Illustrators]
Juliana Hyrri

Aino Salonen

Robert Lönnqvist

Terhi Adler

Veera Krouglov

Tiia Lindström

Iiris Halme

Samar Zureik

Veera Kortelainen

Matias Ylikangas

Lukaz Geratowski

Anni Tolvanen

Anni Sairio

 

[More info]
www.vuodenhuiput.fi/en/archive/53412/

Torso 2/2018: Elämä on laiffii

Torso 2/2018: Elämä on laiffii

 

[Editor]

Aliisa Perikangas

 

[Torso Team]

Veera Kortainen

Roosa Melenjeff

Iida Pohjalainen

Iiris Halme

Heini Kekki

Leo Kosola

Samra Sabanovic

Johanna Tarkiainen

 

400 printed copies

 

[About Torso Magazine]

Torso is Tokyo’s bi-annual magazine (and occasional surprise zine) that explores art, life and the ideas of Finland’s new design generation. The independent magazine is published through TOKYO (student association at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture) and in which the editorial staff is picked each year from Aalto ARTS students.

 

[Issuu]

www.issuu.com/torsolehti

 

[Instagram]

@torsolehti

Linn Henrichson (BA) Lost in interpretation

Linn Henrichson

BA Thesis

2018

 

Lost in interpretation

 

In this bachelor’s thesis I reflect on different perspectives regarding how to approach cultural differences through the means of visual communication and artistic practice. The work is based on a self-initiated production made during a two-months stay at an artist’s residency in Saint-Louis, Senegal, during the spring of 2018. My point of departure was to investigate local forms of graphic expression in Saint-Louis, its techniques and processes, and based on that develop my own artistic production, ending as an exhibition.

 

The theoretic part of the work discusses visual communication in a global context, with an emphasis on cultural awareness, including perspectives on Eurocentric criticism, globalisation of visual culture, and appropriation of aesthetics belonging to a certain locality. In my reflection on these topics, I particularly focus on the cultural exchange between Europe and Africa, Senegal being the main focal point. Aside from the hybridised aesthetics derived from contemporary forms of globalisation, I also look into how the history of colonisation has influenced the visual language of today.

 

Subsequent to this is the report of the production, where I describe how my project evolved from the preparations and reflections before my trip, to the finished exhibition, which was held in a local gallery in Saint-Louis the 7th to the 13th of April 2018. My source of inspiration being vernacular expressions in the context of local commerce in Senegal, I explain how I used those influences as a visual reference while exploring alternative ways of using traditional Senegalese hand craft techniques as a medium for graphic design. The final production for the exhibition consisted of ten individual artworks, produced with techniques such as reverse-glass painting, textile collage and photography. I will report on how I, despite the large variety of working methods in my production, aimed for stylistic coherence through the means of theme, typography and choice of material.

Design as Critical Practice 2018

Design as Critical Practice 2018

 

Exhibition

4.–18.12.2018 @ V2 Gallery⁣

2nd floor, G Wing, Väre, Otakaari 14, Espoo⁣

⁣

How can awareness of urgent social, political and technological issues shape the ways we work as designers? How can we re-organise our every day design practices so that they could be more feminist, situated, ecological, materialist and speculative?⁣

⁣

During the Design as Critical Practice course twenty five master students of visual communication design spent six weeks working with these questions. We met with feminist curatorial duo nynnyt, had a role-play exercise with architect Kaisa Karvinen and a site specific publishing workshop by Tallinn based graphic designer Ott Kagovere. We talked about privilege and nonlinear history of critical design. In the end of the course students presented projects reflecting the themes of the course.⁣

 

Course⁣ teacher: Tommi Vasko

Digitaaliset mediat II 2017 / Digital Media II 2017

Digitaaliset mediat II 2017 / Digital Media II 2017

 

Showreel of student works created during 31.10.–05.12.2017 for the course Digital Media II: Introduction to Motion Graphics Tools and Aesthetics, using Cinema 4D and After Effects, by the Aalto ARTS Visual Communication Design BA 2nd year students.

 

Work from:

Aino Salonen

Aliina Perikangas

Anni Sairio

Anni Tolvanen

Ella Eiranto

Elzė Grigonytė

Hannah Hjördís

Iina Sofia Silvennoinen

Iiris Halme

Matias Ylikangas

Max Nuutila

Mitja Lehtevä

Nils Skogman

Nina Haukkovaara

Veera Kortelainen

 

Music: the beach 2015 mix by Platinum Butterfly (CC-BY)

 

Course coordinator: Tarja Nieminen

Course instructor: Antti Hietaniemi

Packaging Design: Spices Chef

Spices Chef (Packaging Design Minor)

 

[Project Year]

2017

 

[Client]

Promotto Spices

 

[Student team]

Minna Liimatainen

Tong Li

Craig Lindsay

Aino-Nina Saarikoski

Inga Tammivuori

Jian Zhu

 

[Background & Challenge]

Promotto Spices is a Finnish based company in Joensuu that takes spices to the next level. The challenge was to design a new package for one of their brands, “Spices Chef”. The package would have to be suitable for Promotto Spices’ wide range of spice and herbs; each with their own aromas values, sizes and delicacies. The package would have to be innovative, easy to use and store, and be suitable for the kitchen environment, while being appropriate to be manufactured at scale in a cost efficient manner.

 

[Solution]

After researching into the market, conducting a SWOT analysis, and defining the primary target user as the Lohas consumer group, many ideas were generated and iterated.

Crucial to the design is the system of colour and pattern, where the individual identities for all the Spices Chef products were created. Inspired by the flavor of the spice itself, the colour and pattern were based on its particular characteristics. In addition to the packaging structure, materials, graphics and patterns, a new logo and branding was also considered and designed.

 

The final design combines a visual innovativeness and realistic production possibilities. It is simple, yet elegant, high quality, but not too premium. It is sustainable and appealing to consumers who value the lifestyle of health and sustainability. The concept truly reflects the quality of the products within and is a fantastic solution for the Spices Chef brand.

 

 

[About Pack-Age at Aalto University]

Pack-Age is an intensive and extensive packaging design project minor at Aalto University uniting design, business, and engineering, to sustainability and project-based learning. Students work in transdisciplinary teams with real projects from the industry. Creative problem-solving is a key concept of the course, where students’ backgrounds become the core resource for creative teamwork.

 

www.pack-age.aalto.fi