Illustrator and designer Caroline Grohs was born in Düsseldorf, Germany. She grew up in a small town near Düsseldorf where her parents still live today. At the age of 19, she began her studies in Düsseldorf but a year later she moved out of her parents’ home and spent a year studying in Hamburg. Her mother is a graphic designer, so was introduced to graphic design, art and photography at an early age. I have selected Grohs as inspiration for my further work, her illustrative line work being being synonymous with the visuals I am creating. Her drawing work is largely geometric and polygonal, creating a contemporary and modern design that works effectively for the commercial nature of the art.  Grohs talks about this, stating that her favorite subjects and priorities were Corporate Design, Editorial and Illustration. This is evident through her corporate design project for a ballet/theater.This project is named Motion Theater. Grohs talks about the process of this project below: 

“After defining the brief for myself, I searched for inspiring photos and was fascinated by a photos from John Davis and other similar photographers. Their photos of dancers were just focused on the dancer with a clear background. I loved them. They were perfect to show how my concept should work. Then I tried to create a logo for the Motion Theater. A symbol combining the features of this theater – especially the focus on the main dancer – and the movement of dance. I drew many sketches and finally created this kind of “screening”, which has been adapted in different ways to represent the different figures and moves. The logo resulted from these sketches. The posters intertwine the dancers movements and their connections to the theater, so that it appears to be “in motion” at all times. The “floating” typography also expresses dance as movement in space. I love this kind of typography because it is a strong and clear statement, especially for this modern part of my theater.”

 

Grohs’s work on Motion Theatres can be seen above. She has essentially created these advertising posters for a ballet event, employing both her photographic and illustrative skills in order to generate a professional, corporate piece. We can identify the significant use of typography, as discussed by Grohs previously. She has employed a narrow, sans-serif, bold font for the important text that must be seen by the viewer. In addition to this, a collection of colours have been used to segregate components of text. We see the inclusion of a pale orange and turquoise that successfully organise the text without overpowering the primary image or main headline. These photographs themselves are very minimalist and simple. Taken within a studio environment, all emphasis is on the dancer. With a complex background, these images would be way too crowded. There would be too many clashing components such as the text, illustration background and subject. This is something to remember when I produce my work. The illustrations themselves are thin, white-line drawings. Polygonal shapes are being created to replicate the form and silhouette of the dancer. These geometric lines all originate from the word ‘Motion Theatre’ almost like they are being projected upon the dancer. It creates an interesting visual effect, looking as if the subjects are being consumed or protected by these transparent shells. I really like this project and it provides me with a number of different ideas that I can employ going into my exam. The work of Grohs has enlightened me regarding the use of typography and how this can assist in conveying a message within my work. Furthermore, Grohs work demonstrates the effectiveness of subtle line work. Her mark making is thin and reclusive. It is not in your face or dominating the composition. It shows how sometimes simplicity, and allowing the image to breathe and show its positive visuals can be a successful decision.