Poster Design, Typography, Collage, Prop Design
During the pandemic the need to shop local is universal to everyone but especially small businesses. The challenge was getting my personal work out into the world and to experiment with manipulating images. As a designer this was new to me. It had a slower process of layering, similar to painting.
The arrangement of fruits was taken in front of a grocer's when I had to queue for 30 minutes before I could go in. I was excited to see all the exotic fruits, drawn particularly to the custard apple for it's pattern. I liked that the imagery came from a unique time, the start of the 'new normal'. Generally, I enjoy taking photos of everyday life on my phone and now refer to them for concepts.
Photo taken from the first time stores reopened since lockdown.
Process in isolating the images
In lockdown I got into these ‘explained videos’ and was inspired by this VOX series and the use of ‘cooper black’. On choosing the colour, I referenced the colours used at grocers and storefronts. They were typically a dark red, blue or green.
Little did I know, a social account on Instagram reposted my work where it was shared and reposted. I shortly after received a message from PageMasters.co in London, who wanted to collaborate and print my poster to hand out to small businesses.
Justin from PageMasters printed half and dropped it at small businesses in south east and east London. I took over Camden area where I was living at the time and central London.
Through this I got to meet so many people who owned small businesses, both virtually and in person. Sometimes people are shocked by the kindness – that it’s for free and that I made this for them. It’s a wholesome feeling to be connected to the community.
People kept wanting to buy them for their homes, so we decided to dedicate our third batch of prints where all proceeds went to Hospitality Action. We were able to raise £325 in May 2021.
Series of photos shared across social media
News stand mocks
Posters and stickers mocked
