Study Task 4

Study Task 4 - figure 1

Within this study task I've set out my initial research themes and outlines the issues I plan to address surrounding stereotypes within my visual work. This task was particularly helpful as it allowed me to focus my research to help develop my work visually. 

Research focus:

Throughout this brief I will address stereotypes within advertising in relation to both men and women. Within this practice brief I will make reference to my earlier research which shows that both men and women have the same concerns in relation to body image and the media and the expectations this places on people within society. Consequently I will focus on the unrealistic nature of these body ideals in order to show people they don’t have to live up to the ideals portrayed by the media. I will do this by drawing on research I’ve already conducted into existing stereotypes within advertising (fig 1 and 2) as well as expanding on this research in order to generate more ideas by looking at existing campaigns that address the issue of stereotypes (fig 3-5). 

Define design problem:

My main design problem I face is highlighting stereotypes within advertising and placing them into different situations in order to confront their use in a light hearted manner, to engage students within Leeds. This will allow me to  create an awareness campaign surrounding the effects stereotypes have on both men and women which will be distributed for free across student unions and in universities across Leeds.

Client needs or requirements:

This is a self initiated brief aimed at students within Leeds meaning the light hearted nature of the campaign is key as it will need to engage a young audience. Another key requirement for this brief is to make sure the campaign is easily accessible to students which will be addressed through the use of social media and the distribution of the material within student unions across Leeds. 

Figure 1