The 7 Creative Strategies
The goal for this project is practicing using the manipulation of images to visually represent a simple, useful household object of our choice in each of the Seven Creative Strategies to communicate meaningful ideas. We will show our work by creating seven different final images. One to represent each strategy.
Combination: This strategy is the combination of two or more elements unrelated elements to create a unique design that makes some sort of sense.
This image uses the strategy of combination by bringing together two or more elements in a way that makes sense. This image represents the division of a couple in a romantic relationship who is experiencing a break up. The scissors represent the divide, issues, resentment etc. that has come between the two people resulting in the couple being cut apart and going their separate ways.
Juxtaposition: This strategy is the combination of two of more elements in a manner that creates tension, surprise or irony. By bringing together unexpected objects, the artist can evoke emotions, challenge perceptions and create a memorable experience. The focus is to highlight the differences between the objects.
This image uses the strategy of juxtaposition by bringing together two unrelated objects with the scissors and the flower in a way that creates irony. In this image the scissors represents the stems of the flowers. It suggests that the tool you use to cut the flowers is crucial to their survival away from the mother plant. It will determine the health and vitality of the flower, much like how the stem would bring health and nutrition to the flower.
Isolation: This strategy of isolation is to separate an element visually away from other or surrounding objects as a way to create focus on that element.
This image uses the strategy of isolation by focusing on the tie on a plain white background. This image represents the importance of being cordial and responsible when ending one's employment with their employer. It is sometimes necessary to 'cut ties' but that doesn't mean you have to destroy professional relationships in the process. The 'tie' represents the formal relationship between the employer and employee. The scissors represent moving on in a clean and professional manner.
Metaphor or Simile: This strategy is meant to allow the viewer to focus on the meaning that is created by your design in relation to something else. I.E. arranging light bulbs to look like teeth.
This image uses the strategy of a metaphor by being a literal representation of the need to reduce our water usage. The scissors represent the 'cut' or reduction that we can all participate in to conserve our natural resources.
Change of Context/Environment: This strategy uses the contrast of elements in an unnatural or uncommon environments to portray an idea, or to highlight a concept.
This image uses the strategy of a change of context by using scissors in an unnatural way of cutting down a tree. The scissors represent the tragic loss of forest through unnecessary cutting of the trees leaving open and barren wasteland.
Physical/Shape Similarity: This strategy uses physical shape or characteristics to show the connection and similarity between object that wouldn’t normally go together.
This image uses the strategy of physical shape similarity by replacing the long thin bunny ears with the scissor blades. Scissors and a bunny would not normally go together. The blades show the need for sharp hearing skills in order for this vulnerable rabbit to survive in the wild as prey on the food chain.
Material Change/Swap/Focus: This strategy changes or swaps the material normally used for an element to something different. An example of this might be a hairbrush with the bristles being replaced with cactus.
This image uses the strategy of a material change by switching the tips of the scissor blades for hair. There is irony in this combination because these are hair cutting shears that would normally cut the hair. The message conveyed by this compilation is equal in irony of the design. The barber is represented by the scissors, and the hair is literal. Instead of cutting your hair, you barber will help you hair grow.
