Creative Commons Composite

My task was to create a Creative Commons Composite Image using CC licensed images. I needed to convey a certain mood through this image using design elements and principles to create a solid aesthetic. For my assignment I decided to research ‘The Flying Dutchman’ and create a composite image for a movie poster for the film.

The story behind the legend of the flying Dutchman isn’t very well known. Set in the 1800’s a Pirate Captain is selfish and treats his crew horribly. For this he and his crew are banished to sail the seas for eternity as a ghosts, with anyone sighting them promised death.

Because the legend is so unknown I wanted the poster to translate an essence of mystery, unsettlement and eeriness. I hoped to achieve these with aesthetics and use elements and principles of design to convey my message.

Contrast was a big factor in my poster. The heavy difference in the bottom of the composition compared to the middle creates a cut through the canvas. An idea of separation. Our eyes are attracted to the image because of this contrast but unsettled by it.

The scaling of the moon not only frames the canvas but also creates a heaviness to the design. This unnatural element opposes the normality of the scene underneath.

The coolness of colours develops a cold, unwelcoming environment.

I also added a small reference to another unsettling film, ‘The Birds’ by Alfred Hitchcock. This film turns something that is an everyday thing in our minds into fear. I like that idea, that the sea, or a boat, or the sky become things we come to fear through films, or movie posters like this.