'The beauty of knowing the moment has passed away, but what you have captured will last forever.'

By Yasmin Knox 

Research Objective No.1 : David Bailey

David Bailey is a well known photographer and a huge inspiration to me. I have chosen two of his images, that are a personal favourite, and most importantly they inspired my own fashion photography shoot, these photos caught my attention because of the simplicity of the person/celebrity being the main focus point, in a fashion magazine the garment is vital to be captured an even though in both images he has chosen to take a close up shot, the garment remains as relevant as the person in the image. 

The fact that the image is in black and white highlights the texture of the fur and automatically ages the photo giving a vintage classic feel. Black and white photograph’s can often be disregarded as so much digital technology enhances colour. But I love the old classic mood created by Black and white photography, the detail which is captured, different shades of grey, shadows, density, your eye is focused more on the image and not distracted by colour.

 One thing I love most about David Bailey’s work is that it not outdated, his photography is as relevant today as the day he took it, its like he’s frozen time within his work.

Research Objective No.2 : Tim Walker

Tim Walker is a well known photographer who’s expertise are within the field of fashion I think that his work is amazing, an study his work thoroughly as I want to go into the field of fashion photography. I love that he captures more than the commercial expectation of fashion, or the typical stereotype of a fashion photographer just capturing the garment but he brings another dimension to Fashion Photography.

 Above is a photograph of Kate Moss taken by Tim Walker, what drew my attention most about this image was the lighting I love the shape formed on her face by the shadow it automatically gave the photograph a dramatic edge of mystery, you could even say there’s a slight gothic horror mood being created, this feeling is enhanced by the mysterious hand that she appears to be holding. 

  I attempted to imitate the dramatic lighting in my image, because my location was out doors I was concerned that I would not have access to artificial light and the flash on my camera would overpower the effect I wanted to create. However there were floor lights on our location, so I used them to our advantage and positioned my model over the floor light to gain the dramatic shadow/lighting on her face.

Research Objective No.3 :Tony Whittle

Tony Whittle is a master at landscape photography, I first discovered his work when given a landscape project brief, and had never worked in landscape photography so during my research I stumbled across a website that helped photographers improve there own landscape photography and it happened to be his website. His breath taking images are due to his amazing location; he is based in the Peak District perfectly positioned to capture the breathtaking moods of this dramatic Landscape. He is able to make the most of every interesting weather opportunity in our great countryside. One thing I love most about his work is the way he has captured the beautiful cloud formations and striking colors. Unfortunately not having access to the beautiful scenery he is blessed with, I was still inspired by his amazing technique of capturing the depth an detail within the clouds, I noticed within the photo’s I collected that they were taken during sunrise and sunset, the sun automatically adds a sense of magic to the photo’s from the detail in the shadows, to the reflection in the sea to the rays of sunlight within the clouds, I began to truly appreciate the beauty of landscape photography. Below are a few examples of my own work-influenced by Tony Whittle.

Photographer: Yasmin Knox 

(Y Knox Designs)

Research Objective No.4 :Oscar Wilson

Oscar Wilson is a well-known artist who made his mark as an artist in London in 1996. His specialities include image creation, hand crafted typography and illustration. I first came across his work through an advertisement I saw in the tube station for TFL (Transport for London). An as I began to research him further I found out that Oscar Wilson has produced work for a variety of high profile clients with commissions from the world of advertisement such as fashion, publishing TV and film.

He is also one of my inspirations; he inspired me to experiment with the use of text within an image, to form the same shape but using text. I have a great love for the font he has created I like the boldness and groovy characteristics of it, it also has a 60’s era feel, a visual description of what I mean would be (Austin Powers films).

My favourite piece from the selection of his work above would be the Iconic landmark London Tower Bridge (bottom right). This piece is an advert for (Totally London/www.visitlondon.com) within the image he has combined all the iconic places London is known for an used the words to form the bridge, a collaboration of visual an verbal. At first glance you may only see a bridge but then you discover within the text he has incorporated the heart of London.

Research Objective No.5: Alan Kitching

Alan Kitching is one of my favourite typography artists he has a great influence on me as a graphic designer particularly in my t-shirt design work (refer to Just do it for Christ). His work revealed to me a new and exciting way that typography can be created. By manipulating each letter he has created a visual dilemma/ jigsaw in which the viewer/spectator will have to look in detail to figure out the words. 

I thought that Typography was not seen as a dominant figure within the Arts, it can be overshadowed, and image often takes priority. But Alan has managed to create an eye catching dramatic way of forming typography, even down to the process he uses (Letterpress and Print Making) which is a very old printing technique, but creates a timeless effect. 

One of my favourite pieces from his collection of work is (left hand-side) “African” this was designed as an advertisement for a charity, to help bring attention to some of the well-known issues within Africa (Aids, Education and Corruption). I love this piece because of the way he has manipulated the text by placing text within text, a simple but effect way to draw attention to such an important issue. The colours used within this piece are strong bright and vibrant, which enhances the text.

YKnox.Designs: The Lost Princess

YKnox.Designs: Just Do It For Christ!

YKnox.Designs: Urban Eye's

Artist's Statement (YKnox.Designs)

“My Passion fuels the spirit of my design which reflects the soul in my photography. I am a creative…I am Y Knox Designs.”

I Live by this statement as a creative individual, I have always been passionate about the arts, from Fine Art to Graphics to Photography, the ability to express, capture and design from imagination and inspiration has always astounded me. To communicate through visual context is such a powerful thing, no opinion is right or wrong but we all have the freedom to interpret how art makes us feel.

The ingredient an essence of my work, and me as an artist is passion, and a love for what I do. Within Graphic Design I try to add a dynamic an vibrant approach towards my work, being inspired by other artist is great but without having your own significant approach you are just a copy cat. The strangest things can birth an idea an inspire me, significant artists that have had a great influence on me are Oscar Wilson, David Bailey and Tony Whittle to name a few…there amazing techniques help me to form my idea’s into reality.

I would never put myself In a category because I am constantly changing by absorbing new things which impact my creativity but if I had to place a title upon myself I would say I’m a free spirited designer, I create what I feel. From a young age I have always been critical of my own work, which I think is a great quality to have, there is always room for improvement, you never stop learning, growing an facing challenges in life an the same applies to Art, Design an Photography. If I’m not satisfied with the outcome of a piece of my work I always say, “A set back is a interruption in progress” – YK.  Its never to late to go back an improve until your happy with the outcome. If I am not pleased with my work I cant expect anyone else to be.

“An Artist should always approach design with a creative spirit of excellence, average is not acceptable.” -YK

Anyone can take a picture but I believe photography is more than just capturing a moment in time. It’s the fulfilment in capturing an image you first visualised within your mind, the power of freezing time within the press of a button. The beauty of knowing that moment has passed, but what you captured will last forever. If that is enough of a reason why I love what I do, I don’t know what is. Our memory can only hold so much, but a picture has no memory it captures what it see’s…a moment in time.

Throughout my education in the area of Graphic design an Photography I qualified in A levels an a Diploma in Art and Design which was a great accomplishment. But if I am honest my appreciation for these amazing areas of design came when I had the opportunity to do an Internship for a company called Fuzebox.inc in Atlanta Georgia (USA). It was an amazing experience not only to work for a professional Graphics Media company but also to experience it in a different country. To see how these fantastic designers methods of work, the execution and quality of work they produced. It was an honour and privilege to work alongside such great creative individuals.

As a result of my unforgettable experience at Fuzebox.inc I knew that the path of design was for me, it fuelled my passion, to one day own my own Creative Enterprise specialising in Graphic Design and Photography.  I am currently the co-founder of Y.KnoxDesigns a small independent business I started at the age of 18, and as I continue to build up my client base, and develop myself an business further, I know that my passion, creativity, unique approach to design and drive for success will take me to higher heights within the world of design. Like many of the artists that have inspired me, I hope to leave a legacy that will inspire others.

“My Passion fuels the spirit of my design which reflects the soul in my photography. I am a creative…I am Y Knox Designs.”