Visual Narration
The objective of this visual narration assignment is to understand and overcome representation challenges by using various representation techniques to communicate ideas effectively without relying on the textual content.
1. Brainstorming
Visual narrative, usually known as photo story, has its own challenge when the main subjects are inanimate objects. I took this challenge and used chopsticks as the main subjects. Iconic facial expressions, which are usually used in emoticons, are added to the chopstick to make the inanimate object lively expressing various emotions.
2. The Original Story
I took more than a hundred photos for the original photo story and filtered them out to 9 for the story. I selected 8 out of these and presented in critique session for feedback. Here’s the original 9 photos: (click image for larger view)
Based on the feedback gathered during critique session and consultation, this original photo story:
- was too complex
- had ambiguous climax
3. The Final Story
Based on those feedback, I changed most scenes by having the photos retaken and modified to:
• show flow of an event: split frame
• show emotion: loneliness (semi B/W)
• show expression: surprised (callout “!”)
• show clearer climax or turning point: bigger photo size for turning point and happy ending.
1: Nobody wants to use Mr Chopstick
2: Mr Chopstick feels sad and begin the search. Waiting for bus…
3: In the bus…
4: And keep searching until…
5: He found Ms Chopstick!
6: Mr and Ms Chopstick now stay together
7: And someone finally picks Mr and Ms Chopstick
8: Mr Chopstick feels happy
