Jon Klassen - Contextual Investigation

This is THREE-week homework. 3 questions this week, 3 the next and the presentation time.

Objectives
To further your understanding of graphic communication practitioners

Task
Using the web and my books, research and present a contextual investigation about the illustrator John Klassen.

The contents of the investigation should include the following. 

!!You will get extra marks if you draw, plan, describe and doodle elements relating to the investigation!!

WEEK 1
1. Personal Response

Describe who the artist is. You could include major works, a map / info of the town of where they work, a drawing of the artist / their studio. Use your imagination. Do NOT include a biography.

Explain your personal response. Use the pink section on the WAYS OF LOOKING sheet to help your questioning and responses.

2. Comprehension

Criticise and analyse their work. Use the WAYS OF LOOKING sheet to help your questioning. 

3. Characteristics
Take a number of typical examples and bullet point why they are characteristic of the designer. Consider, what makes a typical John Klassen?

WEEK 2
4. Context
Write about the context. What other designers are working at the same time? Include a range of illustrator's work
5. Influences
Research to find out who the designer has been influenced by. To do this you may need to read an interview with the illustrator. 
Just Google "Interview with [illustrator's name]" and read a few passages
Try these:
Read the last 3 paragraphs of this one…
http://www.artofthepicturebook.com/-check-in-with/2014/10/15/interview-with-jon-klassen

…and scroll to half way down this interview, to the paragraph that starts 'The structure of ‘This Is Not My Hat’ came from two…. You’ll find some odd influences there. 
http://blog.picturebookmakers.com/post/152596041611/jon-klassen

…and there are some in this interview towards the start:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/meet-jon-klassen-one-of-the-most-successful-canadian-authors-ever/article21051170/


6. Working in their style
Using photos or drawings that you created yourself or images from the web, emulate the style of the designer that you are researching and create a version or your own.

Checklist for assessment
Relevant images, in-depth research and response in your own words (no copy and paste), accurate emulation.

Time needed
6 hours

Deadline
Week 1 - 3 questions by Monday 15th of January (checked in class)
Week 2 - Final 3 questions by Monday 22nd of January.
Week 3 - Presentation in the style of the artist.

Any problems, pop and see me before either deadline.