RESEARCH
Methods to structure and edit a written document.
Translating verbal messages into visual forms is the essence of graphic design. Writing is essential to graphic designers to understand how content communicates and relates to visual form. You can use writing to build intellectual muscle, evaluate ideas, and adopt a responsible questioning and analysis position. No longer a neutral medium through which another's ideas flow, but instead, an active participant with a stake in the communication process.
The key to a successful publication is talking directly to your target audience, forming an emotional connection, so they feel part of the story (Burns, 2011).
There are endless stories to tell, and there are infinite ways to say to them. Structuring a publication starts with a narrative, which tells a story and contains a beginning, middle, and an end (van Loon, 2007). Narratives provide meaning to the visual communication through the selection, positioning and sequence of design elements in a layout (Ambrose, 2015).
Four types of narratives.
Linear Narrative
A linear narrative presents the events of the story in the order in which they happened.
Non-linear Narrative
A non-linear narrative presents the story's events out of order, employing flashbacks and other literary devices to shift the story's chronology.
Quest Narrative
A quest narrative is a story in which the protagonist works tirelessly toward a goal. The pursuit of this goal likely becomes their all-consuming passion, and they must face seemingly insurmountable obstacles along the way.
Viewpoint Narrative
A viewpoint narrative is designed to express the main character's points of view or subjective personal experience in the story. Moods, feelings, and other sensory details are filtered through the narrator's own life and subjective perspective.
Visual writers need to grab an audience's attention, keep them guessing and excite them from the heading and first paragraph through to the end (Burns, 2011).
Structured written pieces
Opinion
The best designers speak from the heart and balance fierce opinions with confident humility. Writing about your opinions helps develop and articulate how you approach problems, establish your voice, principles, and allow readers to figure out their views—making an exact point and communicating your opinion in not-too-many words.
Process Pieces
Process pieces help designers work better by either formulating their design process, learning how they can fix small or big problems.
How To?
Writing them shows we know our stuff, and we have command of the craft. These pieces give us guidance and instruction to create things.
Be a creator, and document your steps. Once you know your tool, you'll be able to share it (Phillips, 2018).
Critique
Improvement comes through critique with nuance.
Humour & Satire
Humour is freeing and makes you laugh, giggle, chuckle or snort. Laughter and a sense of humour are suitable for the soul. If we can't laugh at ourselves, then we're taking things too seriously (Phillips, 2018).
Design structure, navigation, pace, typography, titles, headings, subheadings, fonts, columns, grids, line spacing, visual aids, interactive elements, balancing text and white space aid the communication of the written word.
It is a visual writers responsibility to produce reader-friendly material through layout, design, and organisational elements surrounding the words themselves. If an article were simply a wall of undifferentiated text running for several screens or pages, any reader would be daunted by the prospect of having to scale that wall (Smith, n.d.).
ANALYSIS
Methods available to designers for self-publishing.
Although books are simply words on paper, there are many decisions to make when creating a publication. Some of the decisions come from a marketing plan, some from the book manufacturing process's constraints, and some from longstanding conventions that readers, perhaps unconsciously, are familiar with and that they look for to assure themselves that the book in question is appropriately put together.
Self-publication allows for creative freedom, complete editorial control, 100% ownership of rights, and a publishing guarantee (How to Self-Publish a Book in 2021: 7 Steps to Bestselling Success, 2021).
Traditionally one would go to a publisher to get a book published.
Traditional publishing stages
1) Proposal – the present idea
2) Development - find the right publisher
3) Discussions – publisher meetings with their team, including marketing, publisher and editor, to discuss and formalise proposal, audience, price, positioning statement, sample visuals and marketing.
4) Outcomes – If the idea is approved, develop it in a particular direction and run production costs
5) Follow up – costs established for illustration, photography, print, marketing, distribution & a formal offer is made to the author
6) Contract – dates for material delivery established
7) Delivery (Lewis, 2016)
Without the collaboration of a publishing house and their expertise, a self-published author needs to become familiar and educate themselves with the publishing industry's practices. A self-publisher will recreate the infrastructure of a publishing company but devote it to a single publication. A self-publisher is responsible for providing for or contracting out the editorial, interior and cover design, proofreading, illustration, indexing, proofing, manufacturing, warehousing, orders, shipping, accounting, marketing, publicity and sales (How to Self-Publish a Book in 2021: 7 Steps to Bestselling Success, 2021).
Printing
Today, many printers cater to smaller Indi publications and are equipped to print and produce on a smaller scale. POD printing will churn out individual copies as and when they are purchased. The cost-per-unit is higher than with printing methods of traditional publishers but limits risk.
Distribution
The key to the success of a publication is maximising its distribution. DIY distribution allows for more significant profits by cutting out the middleman. Professional distribution costs a premium, which means fewer profits, but will afford you time, faster circulation and a broader reach (Lewis 2016).
Finances
Money is an obstacle that nearly all self-publishing authors face. A self-publisher is solely responsible for funding everything to do with a publication. However, that doesn't mean emptying the savings account to publish it! Self-funding and platforms like Kickstarter and Crowdfunding provide you with start-up capital, allow you control and the freedom to build an audience to subscribe to your publication.
Self-publications are generally sold online, outside the traditional publishing industry, in which publishing companies pay authors advances and royalties, working with them to edit, design, and distribute the book. Digital technology and social media allow anyone with an internet connection to make their publication available to millions of readers for free (Ambrose, 2015), awarding visual writers the opportunity to self-publish they would not have been afforded in centuries past.
Fig. 1: The fundamental problem with newspapers’ online endeavors., 2016.
WORKSHOP CHALLENGE
Sketchbook Workshop Challenge ideas for Week 7.
I would like to create an Instagram profile for Huberta the Hippo and populate it with stories of her life, adventures, celebrity status and rise to fame. I want to position her as the first South African Influencer.
My 3000-word essay has the beginnings of these posts. Still, I have written it in a story format to finalise the tone of voice, timeline, historical and cultural accuracy before applying the concept in detail.
HUBERTA THE HIPPO – SOUTH AFRICA'S FIRST INFLUENCER.
In the 1920s, before the internet, media, and a wild frenzy of social media icons, a Hippopotamus named Huberta became South Africa’s first influencer. She was generations ahead of her time and managed to create a constant “buzz” and “hype”. Her legendary travels, exploits, and adventures made her an overnight celebrity who rose to local and international fame, uniting and inspiring a nation. Huberta's mythology is locked into South African folklore because Huberta captured the imagination of the public and had mass appeal.
So, let’s journey back in time, but relive Huberta’s escapades as if she was the Instagram Icon she would be if she lived in the 21st Century. And, of course, if she had opposable thumbs!
1928 - Eat, Play, Slay!
I’ve had this increasing sense of FOMO. I just think that I’m a really big hippo in a very small watering hole. So today, I put my big girl pantaloons on and decided to leave St. Lucia Bay. YOLO! (Sorry, that phrase is so last century.) There must be more to life than Zululand, and it’s supposed to be the roaring 20s after all. This place is just too small for all the dreams, ambition, and fiery sass I feel consuming me from the inside. I am more than just a hippo! So, bitches I’m finally ridding myself of the self-imposed shackles and prescribed identity, searching for fame and the big city lights.
As I sashayed away with swagger in my step, I thought about what Ruth Etting says, ‘This suspense is killing me, I can't stand uncertainty. Tell me "no", I've got to know - Whether you want me to stay or go.’
There have been whispers of gossip on the home front, is it ‘because of the breakup with Brian?’, 'She's leaving to find a mate,' 'She's scared of hunters', 'She's searching for a new bestie,' Honestly, all I can think is “Eat, Play, Slay!”
22 November 1928 – I didn’t expect them to take “Slay” literally!
Some people tell me that this is the “golden age” of railway, but I have to rely on my gorgeous feet to get me places. That reminds me as soon as I get to a town, I need to see if there’s anyone who can give me a well-deserved pedi.
Anyway, guided by my trusty feet and fate to direct me towards stardom, I feel as if big things are coming my way.
Well, I don’t know what Robbie Burns was smoking when he was talking about mice making plans but let me tell you, he was right about one thing… mine definitely went “agley”.
I arrived in New Guelderland today, expecting a warm welcome, but it’s not what I had in mind at all. My presence sent an Indian tribe running for the hills. I wanted to speak to the tribe’s manager because their audacity and lack of hospitality were astounding. Terrified screams replaced cheering, a flurry of arrows was not the welcome gift I envisioned, and tears of joy sounded more like hysterical wailing. Do they not know who I am destined to become? Zero Stars. Do not recommend.
23 November 1928 – The Natal Mercury is definitely not in Retrograde!
Imagine my surprise after brunching at a few more towns and farms; I was scouted by The Natal Mercury, who obviously recognised my raw talent. They have decided to feature non-other than moi with a photograph nogal! I forgave the photographer and his stalker-like tendencies after he captured my good side. I really think that I might be the precursor to all women embracing their curves and ample booties. LOLZ.
February 1929 – I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!
In the months since I was first discovered, my celebrity status has naturally spread far and wide. Local and international news have labelled me 'the Unions most famous tourist' and 'South Africa's national pet'. I really need to have a word with the sub-editors who come up with this nonsense… I am nobodies pet!
All of this fame means I am hounded day and night by paparazzi, and I think I need a bodyguard. Groupies, fangirls, and squealing crowds throw stones to get me to come out and greet them, and fans walk alongside me as if I’m a less creepy version of the Pied Piper.
Everyone looks good in black, so I finally managed to slip away unnoticed using the dead of night as cover. After hours of walking, worn out and exhausted, I stumbled upon the train tracks near the Umhlanga Lagoon.
I literally collapsed from exhaustion. I thought to close my eyes for just a minute and instead succumbed to a deep slumber under starlight. The African night sky really makes me feel hashtag blessed. I'm also blessed with clairvoyance and dreamed of making my mark in star-studded fashion on the Hollywood walk of fame. Watch out, Gloria Swanson. I’m coming for you! I was startled out of my dream reprising a role in Shifting Sands by the whoop of a locomotive and begrudgingly got up and walked away. Slowly, of course, no one rushes a star.
March 1929 – Peeping Toms
The price of fame is definitely a lack of privacy. It’s a double-edged sword because I crave the limelight but also think, ‘what does a girl need to do to get a bit of privacy?!’ I’ll tell you what she shouldn’t do… go skinny dipping!
Fame comes with its ups and downs, and sometimes, one needs to take refuge in a sanctuary to get a moment's reprieve. The monastery garden pools were supposed to be a safe haven away from prying eyes. One minute you’re bathing in naked glory, and the next, you’re a sex scandal.
Monasteries are supposed to be a sanctuary, and I didn’t expect to have my virtue questioned by a bunch of peeping toms eyeing my voluptuous curves. I recoiled in panic, turning a humiliating shade of pink as I tried my utmost to cover all my lady lumps from perverted eyes. The shame of having one’s privacy violated is almost too much to take, and I just hope this doesn’t turn into some kind of viral sexcapade! I hope every one of those vultures says three Hail Mary’s this Sunday in church.
Full Disclaimer: While there are many unscrupulous pseudo-celebrities out there who may have done this as a publicity stunt; I can assure you that I am a good and virtuous hippo who would never sully her reputation with scandal.
March 1929 – Paparazzi
Today was not one of my finest moments and could be compared to the mental break down in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. I felt like my world turned topsy-turvy, and everything started morphing most peculiarly. There is only so much a hippo can take before she breaks!
I’m a sensitive soul, and with the monastery incident still fresh in my mind, I haven’t been the best version of myself. So, when a photographer kept getting all up in my grill, taking photos, flashing lights, and stepping in my path, I snapped. Like an unhinged hippo on a rampage, I chased him down the main street, snapping at his heels. The poor guy actually ‘poo emoji’ himself, while the media captured every minute of the madness.
Of course, the papers misrepresented me. Tabloids just can’t help themselves. Anyway, don’t believe everything that you read in the papers.
You love me; you love me!
I seem to be mending my relationship with the press, and my popularity appears to be contagious! The press can’t get enough of me, and crowds, curious to catch a glimpse of me, gather along my travel route. I think I’ve finally made it to the biz! My name will be in bright lights in no time!
I am featured internationally in The Chicago Tribune and The New York Times, and I quote, ‘Huberta is second only to the Prince of Wales as the subject of sustained publicity wherever she goes.’
Maybe I could marry into the royal family? They need some new blood! Speaking of royal...
The local Indians have ceremonially deified me. The Kwa-Zulu Natal Hindus proclaimed me ‘Protector of the poor,’ and the National Provincial council have anointed me with ‘Royal Game’ status. OMG, I am officially royal. Queen Huberta, here we come!
1 April 1929 – April Fools
A woman has needs, and today I decided I needed to do some retail therapy and go window-shopping down Durban’s West Street. I was, of course, greeted by joyful crowds. I accepted an apple from a street vendor, much to her delight, and caused quite a stir. You’d think I’d taken the apple from the Garden of Eden the way people were going on about it! And what’s more, you would think people had never seen a hippo on the main street before?
My timing, as always, was impeccable, and this Diva splashed across the front page of the local tabloids for April Fools-Day.
I ain’t no fool!
April 1929 – A holiday by the sea.
Every celebrity deserves a little time off, and I took mine at the seaside. After walking hundreds of kilometres, my summer body was in showroom condition and knowing the media's power; I ready to flaunt my assets for the world to see.
With the sun high in the sky, I curled my hoves into the hot sand and readied myself for a day at the beach. I sunned myself and frolicked in the waves alongside Durban bathers to the delight of onlookers. Everyone loves a celebrity having some fun in the sun, and my stellar physique and elegant swimming form made headlines nationwide.
A night on the town.
I had finally made it to the big city and was going to take full advantage of everything Durban had to offer. Looking summery and chic, I stepped out for a night on the town with a swagger in my step. I have dreamed of the theatre since I was a bright-eyed pup bouncing off the watering hole floor which her nostrils above water. The magic, celebrities, lights, outfits, song and dance were a marvel I couldn’t wait to experience.
You can imagine my disappointment when there was a mix up at the ticket office, and I was denied entry to the theatre. An argument ensued, and after causing quite the stir, I stormed off in a fit of rage that would be commendable by any Diva of my stature.
Baby will not be put in the corner, and such a lack of respect meant it was time to move on from this city.
June 1929 – Brunch on the 9th hole.
I passed through Pinelands one morning and spotted a luscious brunch spot. It boasted a buffet of eighteen holes of finely mowed golfing lawn at different heights with watering holes scattered about as if curated for my dining purpose alone. I am a woman who embraces a fuller figure, and today, I planned on indulging.
Some men playing an odd game that involved iron clubs and small, dimpled white balls hovered impatiently on the sidelines while I dined leisurely, but etiquette prevailed as they didn’t dare approach or interrupt me. Being famous does come with some perks.
February 1931 - Pick on someone your size.
I decided to play hooky today at the zoo. Sighted as a huge tourist attraction, I wanted to see all the city had to offer. Some famous Bloemfontein Zookeepers with special licenses were also said to be visiting. I saw monkeys, elephants, leopards, zebra and humans who looked to be frozen in place with bewildered looks on their faces.
So here I was, merely minding my own business when out of nowhere, rangers wielding tranquilliser guns started chasing me. I was terrified and dove into the nearest watering hole for cover. A boat overturned, people screamed and shouted, shots were fired and narrowly missed me as I raced to the opposite shore, shouldering my pursuers out of the way as I made a break for it. At this time, I need to mention I am more than just a pretty face and have the brains to back the brawn. I outsmarted my attackers and disappeared into the crowd.
I have never understood the need for people to box you in and control you. An artist needs free reign and creative freedom to thrive.
Use the correct pronoun!
I am a ‘she’ and not a ‘he’!
I now understand the humiliation the media subjected Caster Semenya to. How could my lustrous curves be mistaken for anything other than that of a full and wholesome woman? A few newspapers have been calling me Hubert, and that kind of slander cuts deep. Do I need to die, be shipped off to London for an autopsy and taxidermy before people recognise I am Huberta, with all the girly parts to prove it?
I know woman’s rights have a long way to go, but this sexist behaviour is unacceptable. I am a woman; here, me roar!
Fake News.
I am tired of people stealing my narrative.
There is fake news circling far and wide that I am the Zulu’s reincarnated king, Tshaka Zulu. The Xhosa tribes are saying I am the spirit of a great chief who has returned to find justice for his people. Firstly, I am a girl! Secondly, I am not possessed and don’t fancy an exorcism or attack from religious zealots. Thirdly the idea of being worshipped and the reality of the situation are vastly different. Everywhere I go, African people fall to their knees in praise; it’s a little disconcerting.
The Afrikaners have labelled my travels Huberta’s Great Trek to remember the Dutch mass migration east by wagon from 1835 – 1846, through treacherous terrain and bloodshed to live out of British colonial rule’s reach.
My journey is about adventure and wanderlust, with some frivolous diversions here and there. If headlines and meaning are to be attached to them, I will be the one who decided on the narrative.
1930 – Gqeberha
Today I passed Port Elizabeth on the way to Port St. Johns. I find this name very difficult to pronounce and a tad discriminatory. They should name it after the Baakens River that flows through it. I suggest Gqeberha, which rolls of the tongue far easier and adds a Xhosa phonetical ‘click’ for fun.
gqe . ber . ha – ‘Xhosa’ click . bear . ‘Afrikaans’ g . ha
1 million likes.
Thank you to all my fans; I could not have done this without your support.
I thought I would celebrate this milestone with a recap of some of my celebratory moments.
- Two features in the New York Times
- Numerous poems were written about me
- Peter Younghusband’s ‘Huberta the Hippopotamus who became world-famous.
- Jean Marx-Engelbrecht’s ‘Huberta the untold story’.
- Cicely van Stratem ‘Huberta’s Journey’.
24 April 1931 – It was the best of days and the worst of days
Today I passed King Williams Town, wandered through a few farms and came across Keiskama River. The majesty of this idyllic setting was awe-inspiring. The grass was green and luscious; birds were in song around the overflowing river banks. It felt like home and had a spiritual quality about it as if my ancestors had lived here a hundred years ago. I had finally found my Utopia and a place to settle down and call home.
My heart was in blissful wonder, and my head was in the clouds. I didn’t see the men creeping up on me, and I didn’t hear the gunfire until it was too late.
Two farmers hunted, shot and killed me that day. I looked down and my slain body, lying on the banks of the river as my spirit rose to take its place amongst angles in hippo heaven. I had travelled 1600 kilometres over three years to realise my dreams, only to have them snatched away at the last minute. It just seemed so unfair.
April 1931 – Murder most foul.
My ghost can find solace in the aftermath of this national and international tragedy. Newspapers around the globe featured news of my death, which was widely mourned. Sympathy cards and donations poured in, together with letters from far afield as Philadelphia in the United States. Flags flew at half-mast throughout the country, and the people of Pietermaritzburg sent a magnificent floral for a display that could rival that of Princess Diana’s tribute. If Elton John was alive back then, I am sure he would have written me a song about a candle blowing in the wind.
The police and House of Assembly launched a nationwide manhunt after a public outcry over my slaying. A reward of 250 pounds for any information that would lead to the apprehension of my murderers was offered. The Marx and Hattingh families were eventually convicted and fined 25 pounds each for my murder, but worse was still to come. The public demonised them, and over time their line was decimated by accidental deaths and financial ruin—a punishment fitting the crime.
Immortalised in the hall of fame.
I finally got to see the world, even if it was in death. Crowd-funding sent my body to London for taxidermy, after which I was returned to South African for a memorial tribute, roadshow exhibitions. Thousands turned up to Durban, The Rand Easter Show, Witwatersrand Agricultural Society and East London to pay homage to their fallen hero.
My final resting place at the Amathole Museum in King Willaims Town is to this day a shrine for people to worship at my altar and read about my story.
I am a legendary symbol, Huberta the Hippopotamus, who united a nation and inspired hope in South Africa, a country plagued by economic hardship, poverty and racial division.
Workshop Challenge Proposal 1 - Moodboard for an Instagram profile set up for my Huberta essay.
Workshop Challenge Proposal 2 - Moodboard for an illustrated book on Huberta's rise to fame.
REFLECTION
The interplay between print and digital.
The concept that print is dead is a fallacy. Books and print are a charming, tangible, tactile experience for which there is a human need. Ultimately, books look nicer on bookshelves than hard drives. The crossroads for print and publication now come in the challenge to justify one's presence. "Do you have a unique idea, and is there an audience for it"? – David Lane
The rise in technology has resulted in a reaction against technology, making books new and novel once again. Print publications have realised this and, in turn, made beautiful, collectable objects that hold a readers' attention, give people a reason to buy them and appeal.
Print must consider the digital offering alongside the print and paper incarnation recognising and playing to each medium's strengths. The web can achieve directives that print cannot. You can publish news in a matter of minutes, host films, animations, conduct research and make connections.
Technology allows for creating an online presence that attracts high volume readers, directs online sales, creates traction with advertisers, promotes issues, events, and products and allows instant and constant interaction with an audience. Social media spreads a message globally by building an online community and loyal readership to translate into customers by connecting to an audience, creating instant engagement, conversations and promoting sales with little to no marketing budget.
Print and digital are equally crucial for business; they just do different things.
Reference: van Loon, J., 2007. Narrative Theory/Narrative Fiction. New Writing, 4(1), pp.18-25.
Reference: Ambrose, G., (2015) The Layout Book (Links to an external site.). London: Bloomsbury
Reference: Smith, J., n.d. 4.6: Effective Document Design. [online] Ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub. Available at: <https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/communicationatwork/chapter/4-6-effective-document-design/> [Accessed 10 March 2021].
Reference: Burdick, A., 1993. Eye Magazine | Opinion | What has writing got to do with design?. [online] Eyemagazine.com. Available at: <http://www.eyemagazine.com/opinion/article/what-has-writing-got-to-do-with-design> [Accessed 10 March 2021].
Reference: Lewis, A., (2016) So you want to publish a magazine? London: Laurence King, Chapter 1, 2, 5.
Reference: Phillips, C., 2018. Writing about design when you don't know what to write. [online] Medium. Available at: <https://uxdesign.cc/writing-about-design-when-you-dont-know-what-to-write-8442f118e65e> [Accessed 10 March 2021].
Reference: Robson, C., (2002) Real-world research: A resource for social scientists and practitioner-researchers (Links to an external site.). Oxford: Blackwell Publishers.
Reference: Burns, H.,2021. Writing Tips.
Reference: Reedsy. 2021. How to Self-Publish a Book in 2021: 7 Steps to Bestselling Success. [online] Available at: <https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-self-publish-a-book/> [Accessed 21 March 2021].
(How to Self-Publish a Book in 2021: 7 Steps to Bestselling Success, 2021).
Image 1: The fundamental problem with newspapers’ online endeavors., 2016. The fundamental problem with newspapers’ online endeavors.. [image] Available at: <https://nonesnotes.com/2016/12/05/the-fundamental-problem-with-newspapers-online-endeavors/> [Accessed 14 March 2021].