Synaevision is a website that explores the experiences of people with synesthesia. It’s aim is to combine the interpretation of specific synesthete encounters as well as the original artwork created by synesthetes. The intention of the project has remained similar to the proposed concept in that it is an expressive way of explaining the neurological phenomenon. However, the aesthetics of the website have changed through the development of the concept. I feel as though my technical ability has grown through this process through the continuous need for reflection and practice.
At the start of the project my knowledge of synesthesia was very limited. Therefore I needed to have a better understanding of what it was and how it affects people. I was initially attracted to the subjects associated with synesthesia because they involve the senses to a greater extent. This lends itself to an interesting burst of work. My initial ideas led me to believe that I would need to spend hours sifting through books and case studies to learn about the details of synesthesia. Being more of a people person, I tend to learn more when I am interacting with people, therefore sourcing my research and inspiration was best done on the Facebook page because there is large quantity of diverse experiences. I do feel my research could have been intensified with certain books that highlight the origins of synesthesia and several significant case studies. I feel like this research would have given my concept a substantial basis founded on primary sources. Areas of my website could have been enhanced through more extensive research; however I focused my attention more on the creative aspect of all of my information without delving deeper.
The project focus is largely on the website I have created. Having learned Adobe Muse last summer, I have been building on my skills since then through the creation of a digital magazine. My confidence in my ability to piece together an impressive online publication led me to be cocky with my time management. I decided that the best way to carry out my project was to create all of the content first and then edit it and format it into the website. However, I massively underestimated how time-consuming the website building would be. My perfectionist mentality meant that I couldn’t move on from something until I knew it was perfect. Even then I would continue to edit based on feedback. Despite the pressure I put on myself to bring the website to the standard I wanted, I am pleased I chose to do it myself. When I initially projected the ideas for this concept I had imagined the website would look similar to Pinterest with a variety of diverse high quality images. As the project has developed the focus has been more on the images as a collection and the significance of having them on a website.
The relationships I have built have contributed to the overall smoothness of the project. My ability to speak within small or large groups has meant that presenting my ideas for the progress presentation wasn’t an issue because I welcome new ideas and other creative input. At several points throughout this process I have questioned my ideas and decisions; I then looked to my mentor for support and guidance, which reassured me. On a few separate occasions I have disagreed with the feedback I was given with regards to the aesthetics of image or the website composition. I do feel that to a certain point the help I was given was for my benefit but personal preference does play a large part. Therefore in some instances I did decide to make my own decisions about how I want aspects of my website to look. With regards to models, I wanted the models to be all different, as personality plays a big part in how synesthetes view an image. I learnt that in order for me to feel comfortable and confident creating these looks I need to have a connection with model; knowing that I can converse with them puts me at ease. One particular model was very cold and didn’t seem interested in taking part, this made me nervous and incidentally meant I had to re-shoot an entire look because I rushed it through fear. I think because make-up is something I have to try really hard at, I am always nervous creating my looks, especially if they model frequently and are judgemental.
My initial proposal stated that my process would rely largely on the contribution and feedback from the people affected by synesthesia. This website is as much for them as it is inspired by them so my production schedule allocated certain weeks for them to review it and feedback to me. I managed to do this with a few of my images and the font for my logo, however I quickly learnt that the volume of responses all depends on the timing of the post. I also found that if the post was a concise question there was a higher chance of response. I do feel this hindered some aspects of the website because at certain points I had to make a decision about the content, based on my creative preference. One of the larger challenges I faced was that I don’t suffer from synesthesia myself so I didn’t want to seem like I was speaking on their behalf. The purpose of Synaevision was to bring to light the vast pool of creativity that can be a platform for inspiration. Every time a non-synesthete asked about the nature of my project and I answered with “synaesthesia”, their confused expression confirmed the importance of highlighting this condition and it’s potential for further concepts.
At several points through the project my unorganised approach obstructed the natural flow of the process. I also feel like my lack of willing to collaborate has added unnecessary pressure. For the first four photoshoots of this project I used a photographer and the outcome of these images were probably my best. I put that down to the fact my only focus on those shoots was the make-up and hair design and creative direction; therefore I was much more relaxed. Photography isn’t my strongest skill, yet if I have to do it, I will. But certain shoots were crippled by the fact I was worrying about every aspect of the shoot and not paying attention to detail. In a lot of instances I was forced to think on my feet in order to fix lighting problems which I was not equipped to do. Chris Overand ran weekly photography sessions that I should have attended if I knew I was going to be doing my own photography.
This project has been an interesting subject to study, not only is something very rare but the research into what synesthetes experience has broadened my creative boundaries but also given me the freedom to interpret stimuli and demonstrate my artistic ability. If more time was available for this unit I would have experimented with creating images that incorporate more than one sense at a time whereas, now, they are currently segregated to each section of the website. I would have liked to gather more personal research from the synesthetes in order to provide more inspiration for images. Whilst doing the project I had planned to create an event where I would invite synesthetes into the studio and let them dictate a series of ideas and experiences that I could interpret in a live arena, which I would have then filmed. This way I could have shown a true representation of the process that was involved in some areas of the website. I think this project is so vast that I have only touched on a small element of it and have plans to explore it further. I am planning to undergo the Creative Direction MA in September which I would like to use as a platform to delve into synesthesia on a more concentrated level.
I have had to overcome several obstacles throughout this project. One of which is constantly comparing my skills or achievements to other peers. Despite my project being very different from anything else I have seen I am very critical of how my outcome measures up to other peoples. This is something I dislike about my work ethic because I should be proud of what I have achieved and learn to concentrate on the journey I have come on to arrive at where I am. I also feel like my organisation skills are something I still need to work on. I have accepted that my style of learning is very last minute because I do produce better work in that scenario. However, I need to realise what is acceptable to leave until the last minute and what needs more planning and time management.
