*Tattooed Body
The aim of this passion project was to create a physical artefact that would be an interactive exploration of storytelling, based on my personal relationship with tattoos. A self-expression to convey my conceptual skills and style as a designer.
AGDA Design Awards 2024
Merit for Student Self-Promotion
Project scope
Brand development
Publication
IllustrationLive brief
Drawing inspiration from B.S Johnson’s The Unfortunates, a book separated into twenty-seven sections to be read in random order, this artefact was based on the idea of pushing boundaries of narrative structure in a physical form. Inviting its audience to be creative and take part in building the story, which will differ depending on the creator.
To portray myself as a designer I chose to base this project on how I visually represent myself, which is through the tattoos on my body, of which I have thirteen. We do not choose our appearance, but we can choose how we express ourselves. Each tattoo tells a story about a moment in time from my life, a memory or an emotion connected to a time and place.
The design consists of a deck of twelve cards, each with an illustrated representation of a tattoo accompanied by a short story revealing a memory from that moment in time. The cards’ backside feature an outline which when placed together form my thirteenth tattoo. Furthermore there can be found a title to each story as well as where and in which order the tattoo was made. Creating a visual setting for the memory itself.
The illustrations and lettering were hand-drawn with a calligraphy pen, later to be scanned and retouched digitally. The designs were printed on uncoated black paper with UV ink, giving a granular look resembling skin. The cards, when pieced together, form its own shape of a body to be constructed in various shapes each time a story is read. The title to the project is a reference to my Swedish heritage, and the colours a portrayal of my personality and a tribute to the tattoo industry.
Like the tattoos on a body, these cards when pieced together form its own shape of a body.
*Text in right image
Tattoos are immensely intimate.
The reasons why and the choice of
which speaks for each person differently.
Mine are not chosen to enhance
meaning in my life, but to give me
control of my own representation.
We do not choose our bodies at birth,
but we do choose how to adorn
(and adore) it.
You will find in this envelope a set of
twelve cards, each card an interpretation
of a tattoo on my body and an emotional
experience attached to it.
Together they are an embrace of
my body and the way it lets me
express myself.
The reasons why and the choice of
which speaks for each person differently.
Mine are not chosen to enhance
meaning in my life, but to give me
control of my own representation.
We do not choose our bodies at birth,
but we do choose how to adorn
(and adore) it.
You will find in this envelope a set of
twelve cards, each card an interpretation
of a tattoo on my body and an emotional
experience attached to it.
Together they are an embrace of
my body and the way it lets me
express myself.
Manufactured by Juergens & Co