C&C - P.1>BACK TO OUR ROOTS

Cheerful illustration of a family.

To start off out first assignment ever for this new subject, Culture and Civilisation, we were presented with something a little generic yet explorative at the same time. Being the start of a new semester, everyone was super gung-ho about this, immediately starting off strong by picking a compatible partner for a two-man team we needed to form. For me, Anna was perfect - a close friend and strong in her own artistic intellect. Attached is the project brief:

C&C P.1 Brief from suehwa533

From the beginning, we made the decision quickly to base the study on Anna's family, Although that meant we would have to make a weekend trip to Plentong, Johor, where she hailed from, we wanted to emphasize her unique mixed origins of Malay and Chinese. Plus, the Neo family are rich in their own sense of culture.

Requirements were simple: Our first discussion made Anna the official videographer and video editor, while I focused on the board design. And so, a weekend trip by bus to Johor Bahru was arranged for as soon as possible. In the meanwhile, we looked up for a few board design inspirations and directions from websites like Behance and Pinterest, as well as filming angles and examples on Vimeo. We also confirmed several shooting scenes, types of information, facts and figures we wanted to record during that precious weekend.

We were easily inspired, Hopeful and bright-eyed, we talked endlessly about having a minimalistic concept for both the boards and video: more of focus on graphics and photos, bringing out only important highlights of the Neo's family nature through words. Below are some of our main visions.

We had such an amazing time in Plentong. It was my first time making such a spontaneous getaway with a buddy so far away. And even though we were on an assignment, trying delicious Johor foods, mountain biking in the neighbouring palm oil plantations, getting to know her lovely family, was such an experience I treasure. And so we embarked on interviews with family members, walking around the dear town centre of Plentong, collecting vintage family photos. It was one of the most enjoyable projects ever. I mainly took photos and notes, while Anna arranged the interviews and took video footage. I loved the interesting bits about them, such as the incredible mix of Bahasa, Chinese and English in the household, their background as landscapers, and their affinity for bicycles. Some photos, for the fun of it:

The tween Anna and her brother, Jefri

First time mountain biking attempt! Exhilarating!

Delicious roti - my first meal in JB.

Getting to work right after we got back to KL, we discussed more and more frequently about board info and video flow, and also updated our tutor, Ms Ida about it weekly. This assignment meant something to us as we both loved it in its aesthetic and meaningful sense, so we aimed to make it really ours and original. After a few weeks, this is what we came up with to make our mark - enjoy!

First board: Pop-up photos with flip-open infographics.

Second board: Details about the Neo family culture + interactive flaps.

Video is on the way!



An amazingly satisfying start to the second half of foundation. Thanks to the Neos!