The Process of Collaborative Design
Some brief reflections on a recent project...
There are many occasions when I work directly with a design professional and their client. Here is a brief breakdown of my most recent commission where all three parties brought forward ideas and how the original conceptual drawing evolved into the final piece, "Mountain Cloud."
Concept Drawing: Communicates the details of the design and prepares both artist and client for the creative process.
Color Palette: Colors have inherent meanings, which can vary depending on the environment and the client’s own esthetics.
I chose these colors to indicate a ridgeline, rosey shear cliffs, pine trees, and rolling hills that lead up and into the mountains.
Variations on a Theme: After submitting the first color drawing, the designer voiced that her client was looking for a reticulated edge reminiscent of another work, "Big Red." With that information, I revised the edge treatment. I also played with color to explore other possibilities.
Room with a View: The designer sent an image of the visible horizon from the client's home, suggesting the ridgeline emulate the one in their view.
Integrated Ideas: Studying the ridgeline image, I began to incorporate these elements into the design.
Combined Creativity: After a number of drawing rounds and client input, we settled on a final concept for the commission.
Mountain Cloud: A final image of the work installed in its new home. I provided custom hardware for easy installation and the clients are very pleased with their commissioned artwork.