2021

Emiel Durbal

Hi, I am Emiel. My work is predominately graphic design based although I do frequently work with illustration and motion graphics. I am motivated to design for change by using visual media and communication to construct narratives; environmental or human-based. I am interested in working in a studio whose goals and objectives align with mine. For the past few years, I have worked to produce content for real-world clientele nationally and internationally gifting me immense industry experience and knowledge.

Don't Mind The Weeds, We're Just Feeding The Bees Children's Picture Book (Self Initiated Project)

For this project, I wanted to use design and visual media to educate a young audience about buzz pollination, an overlooked pollination technique exclusive to bumblebees. I think it is important that young people understand the importance of bumblebees, especially when it comes to ecosystemic function and their contribution towards global food production. Through my work I hope to encourage young people to engage in wildlife conservation at a local level but most importantly, to connect with the natural world. During the course of this project, I worked closely with Gill Perkins, CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, an organisation working to support bumblebee populations in the UK. Since 2019 I have been a proud ambassador of the Trust, helping push their message to younger audiences through visual media.

After meeting with Gill Perkins we are currently discussing commercially publishing the book. Gill was astounded and felt as though the book perfectly encapsulated the trusts’ mission and branded it as an ‘essential resource to educate the youth’.

All profits will help fund conservation missions and research projects to help better understand and protect UK bumblebee species to ensure buzz pollination remains an important role in sustainable food production. Throughout my design career thus far, I have been explicit about my desire to design for change. Using my skills to better the lives of others is a privilege and something I want to commit to throughout my career. I hope to inspire others to use their skills, creative or not, to piece together a better future for our children and to live symbiotically with other species.

You can view the publication online using the link below:

https://online.fliphtml5.com/zyecx/rjug/

The book was illustrated using Adobe Photoshop using a variety of digital painting techniques.

I designed a mock-up of the book as if it were to be printed. The book is targeted at younger audiences therefore damages are inevitable. Because of this a hardcover case book wrapped with laminate most appropriate as this will help protect the interior.

For the pages I opted for a coated paper with a gloss finish. This paper type has a higher sheen coating which will enhance the colour and sharpness of the illustrations.

Conserve Nation – Low Carbon Music Festival (Major Project)

Festivals are celebratory time-based experiences that empower, inspire and unite individuals to reinforce relationships with music, art, culture, politics and identity. Whilst providing audiences with recreation, there is huge potential for these spaces to explore difficult societal narratives and offer viable solutions.
As a designer, I am highly motivated by sustainable solutions. In recent years, many music festivals have already explored environmental issues through initiatives, management of resources and education but I believe there is potential for these events to contribute more decisively to the climate emergency and environmental conservation.

For this project, I wanted to establish a low carbon music festival concept, breaking down the fundamental elements of a time-based event to find low carbon solutions. ‘Conserve Nation’ was born. After outlining the brand's core goals and principles, I researched heavily developing strong visual and brand identities. I then designed a number of branded materials that would be used on and off-site to promote the event and strengthen brand recognition.

Since starting out as a designer, I have always wanted my work to shape a better, more sustainable future one way or another. By using environmentalism as the trajectory for branding this event, I was able to research case studies and observe responsible behaviours from other brands. I was able to develop a more refined understanding of where the industry is at with regards to sustainability, allowing me to identify what needs doing for when I step into the industry.

Here is a montage of all branded outcomes for this event.

Emiel Durbal

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