PROJECT OVERVIEW

"Sight of Sound" is a collaborative project that explores the intersection of sound and graphic design, aiming to visually represent audio. Both disciplines share common tools: spontaneity, an intuitive sense of progression, a willingness to experiment, and a commitment to continuous learning. The goal was to select an audio and create corresponding visual designs inspired by it.

Deliverables:

30-second Riso stop-motion video
Two zines
Eight 11”x17” Posters
Eight postcards

01: Ideation

We discovered a shared Korean heritage and aimed to celebrate it through a unique project. Instead of using conventional Korean music or aesthetics, we sought to explore new territory and understand what it means to be Asian in a modern, globalized era.

We found Lim Kim’s album “Generasian,” especially the track “Yo-Soul,” which blends traditional Asian elements into a distinct, abstract sound that avoids representing any specific culture. The album challenges stereotypes and explores the true essence of Asia.

02: Mood & Storyboarding

Our mood board was vibrant, chaotic, and overwhelming, capturing the essence of “Yo-Soul.”

In our animation, we aimed to create exotic yet familiar scenes, including neon signs inspired by bustling streets in cities like Tokyo and Seoul, traditional animals from Asian folklore, and an immersive, undefined dimension.

← NEXT PROJECT: IMPACT & EMPATHY

We worked as a team to divide and conquer. I was in charge of illustrations, and my partner was responsible for the animation process. In our animation, we wanted to create a lot of exotic yet familiar scenes: neon signage influenced by busy streets in iconic cities like Tokyo and Seoul, traditional animals seen in Asian folklore, ultimately teleporting you into an undefined dimension. Combining our skills, we did just that.

Drawings I created on Adobe Illustrator

Animation on Adobe AfterEffects

Final Non-Risographed Animation

NEXT PROJECT: CHEGG →

04: Risograph Stop-Motion

The most challenging part of the project was maintaining the black background to capture a cyberpunk, neon-lit atmosphere. Despite multiple attempts, the black would overpower and blur the intricate lines during riso-printing. We ultimately switched to a white background, which surprisingly enhanced the project with a fresh, otherworldly dimension.

03: Animation

Final Risographed Animation

05: Posters & Postcards

In creating our posters and postcards, we used two distinct approaches: one illustrative and one typographic. We extended our animation illustrations by incorporating traditional Korean patterns and experimenting with contrasting colors to develop a unique visual language. This duality captures the essence of the song, blending traditional and modern elements.

06: Zines

The last deliverable was the zine. We developed two distinct zines: one leans towards providing information, while the other takes the form of an interactive and visually engaging pop-up carousel book.

07: Installation & Exhibition

Last but certainly not least was the final critique and public reception. Despite the hard work and challenges, my partner and I found the journey rewarding. We not only refined our technical skills with Adobe software and mastered the risograph but also developed crucial soft skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork.

Sight of Sound