Visual Communication - Bachelors

Unseen Worlds in Design

This is a project that combines 3D modelling and AR technology for poster design. Three posters are created to promote a short animation series called "Legend Unveiled: Tales Of Unseen," which aims to explore the stories and culture behind urban legends. To enhance the visual appeal, spark more public interest, and maintain a sense of mystery, the audience can scan a QR code to reveal abstract teaser images.

Tsiu Tung Hung (Erica)

Chapter 1: The Slit-mouthed Woman

The Slit-Mouthed Woman’s story indirectly reflects the changing societal landscape in 1970s Japan. This period saw rapid economic development, a rising feminist movement, and a growing openness to women pursuing beauty transformations. Consequently, more women embraced plastic surgery to meet evolving beauty standards. Japan’s entertainment industry, featuring magazines and idol groups, set specific appearance ideals, fueling dissatisfaction with one’s own looks and promoting plastic surgery.

However, the surge in cosmetic procedures raised concerns. Risks, including disfigurement and infections, came with the quest for beauty, causing apprehension about the cosmetic surgery industry. The tale of the Slit-Mouthed Woman illustrates the complex interplay between societal attitudes, beauty standards, and the booming cosmetic surgery industry in 1970s Japan.

Chapter 2: Bloody Mary

“Bloody Mary” is an enduring urban legend, encompassing both ancient and modern versions. The ancient variant involved women climbing stairs with a candle to glimpse their future husbands in a mirror, while the contemporary rendition has young women chanting their name at midnight to summon Bloody Mary and gain foresight. Mary’s visage can morph into various forms, from a corpse to a witch or a spirit in a white wedding gown, sometimes even depicted covered in blood. Her potential harm towards participants sparks debate.

The prototype for Bloody Mary is often associated with Queen Mary I of 16th-century England, who faced turmoil within the royal family and vehemently reinstated Catholicism, leading to numerous executions. Despite her attempts to secure a male heir and restore order, she died childless, contributing to the legend’s focus on her reign’s power struggles and religious tensions, as well as later generations’ fear and resentment, intertwined with themes of the supernatural, marriage, and witchcraft.

Chapter 3: The Kidney Heist

The Kidney Heist urban legend, originating in the 1990s, depicts victims lured by kidney thieves, drugged, and awakening in agony. They discover their kidney has been removed and sold on the black market. Typically, victims are portrayed as unsuspecting individuals, including high school and college students. The gender of kidney thieves varies across renditions. This legend touches upon organ trafficking and economic factors. Illicit organ trade emerged in Asia in the 1980s and spread globally. Kidneys hold high market value, making them a prime target. The 1990s saw economic turmoil in the United States, including a recession following the Gulf War and the dot-com bubble, leading to financial instability. The legend may serve as a cautionary tale addressing these concerns.

Tsiu Tung Hung (Erica)

Erica is a visual communication student who loves to explore various software and technologies in her design work, therefore, diverse design styles can be found across her portfolio. She also loves to investigate and explore different cultures through her design projects.