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Calligram Project

 


My calligram project depicts a pair of koi fish circling around each other. The koi fish symbolizes good luck, abundance, and perseverance. The letter I wrote to my future self, which I used to construct the image, was written to wish my future self good luck and happiness and encouraging myself to make it through the adversities of life. I didn't use a specific image to base my drawing off, rather I incorporated different pictures I saw on Google. I also had the fish positioned to mimic the Yin Yang symbol. I did this because my letter talked about the good and bad feelings I was experiencing during this new chapter of my life. 


The font I used for the calligram is called Rage Italics. I chose this font because I felt like the font imitated the flow and movement of the koi fish in the water. I also felt like the cursive style of the font looked like a handwritten letter and I wanted to incorporate the letter aspect of the project into the image. The only colors I used for the font was black and orange because that is how the most stereotypical koi fish looks like. I made my calligram by using my text to both fill the shapes of my image and type on outlines. I either used the pen tool or the curvature tool to make the shapes of my image. The body and orange scales of the fish are made by filling a shape while the fins, tails, and rays are made by typing on the path of an outline. 


    I think what makes my piece successful is how I was able to successfully make a distinguishable image of koi fish with my text. I also connected my image to my text using symbolism so now when I look at my calligram I can be reminded of my letter without having to read it. My overall vision was to create a calligram of koi fish that looks like they are swimming around each other and I think I achieved that. The koi fish means something special to me now and I will hold them close to my heart. Lastly, I also enjoyed learning about the cool things you can create with Illustrator. 


My letter: 








Comments

  1. Melanie DePasquale17 November 2020 at 14:00

    This came out really, really well! I love the flow of the font you used and the alternating colors for the koi fish. Your shapes and lines were really well done. If I had any suggestions at all it would be to maybe give the fish on the left just a little more of a curve, so the two fish put together created a more circular shape. But really, that's just a personal preference and I really like this piece!

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