Creating our own Ampersand (Group work)

Creating our own Ampersand (Group work)

As a group we decided to focus on the phrase together as it reflects the meaning of an and understanding of the concept of an ampersand. We then looked at different phrases which are used in text format. For together we brainstormed the suggestions: ‘2gevs’ ‘2getha’ ‘2gether’.

We took the element of the number ‘2’ and reversed, rotated, and repeated it, we also emphasised the ball terminals from the font choice. The personality of the ampersand was to create something being fulfilled, joyful, and happiness. With the larger sample, in my opinion, could be mistaken for a moustache if you were to flip the image horizontally. This design therefore was not effective of conveying the message together.

We then mocked up a simplified design from our mind map. This design worked better contrasted to the previous image as it shows a clearer connection. However, the design feature in the middle was not required. It also needed digital work as this was a rough sketch.

We developed the sketch further by applying Photoshop skills. We used the design feature and applied it in a horizontal position to create the illusion of the letter ‘t’. Doing this, this created the image to be more successful however we felt this symbol was hard to read of the word together. Also we wanted to introduce the idea of symmetry and combining elements which are more identical so it will be easier to repeat.

Then, we decided to use Photoshop and introduce other elements through letters from our suggested abbreviated words.

The ‘tt’ ampersand and ‘gs’ are least successful as they do not emphasize that symbol quality. In my opinion, the negative space hasn’t been used effectively and there’s no other shapes been created to emphasize that ampersand quality. I feel the idea looks obvious and not innovative enough. The ‘s2’ symbol could be mistaken for a heart symbol which could be identified with health. As a group we’ve created a symbol with a multiple meaning. However, saying this I feel this looks too cliché and obvious. The final two symbols on the bottom line are our strongest symbols as the elements have interlinked to create other shapes within. The aspect of symmetry has worked more effectively as well as the two elements linking better to convey the message of together.

The bottom left sample, we decided to create this as our final outcome from the feedback given from the crit. The symbol is more readable of the word ‘together’. The ampersand also used negative space effectively to create other shapes within the ampersand. The idea of linking and connection was portrayed through these repeating shapes.