What is the message of the illustration? Supposing it is Jeff himself playing the guitar in a boat/canoe surrounded by a couple dozen carp-like fish, you are fed many different messages. First glance gives a serene, intimate setting that is perhaps a concert environment that one may enjoy most..? Other elements in the scene also add to this setting. Even the behavior of the fish causes one to ponder and think that perhaps if the music of Jeff Tweedy is so good, that even the fish are drawn to it, maybe I ought to listen as well. Not being allowed to see Jeff’s face causes the viewer to also wonder what they could be missing- and there just happens to be an empty spot in the boat directly across from Jeff to get the chance to find out what exactly that could be. (Perhaps for big female fans bringing to mind “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid.) However, when you look closely you realize that amidst the fish there are a couple of missiles just floating along. That sends a totally different message from the original serene scene. Maybe even suggesting the concert will include a few surprises, or that it really isn’t what it may look like at first glance. It may even seem like some kind of inside joke that only those that attend the show will be able to be in on. Perhaps Tweedy is holding a few tricks up his sleeves? Maybe Jeff Tweedy music appeals not only to “fish” but to a broader spectrum of people like “missiles”? Overall there is an excitement added to the overall serene scene by adding the missiles.
What was the context in which the illustration appeared? A man alone in a boat playing the guitar while fish and missiles swim alongside him. The man is facing away from the viewer. Colors used in poster are less vibrant except for the red color use to spell out Jeff Tweedy. Also, there is written information about the concert at the bottom of the poster including the info that it is a benefit show for Letters to Santa.
Who is the sender of the illustrated message? A lot has to do with the location, meaning floating in a boat on some kind of body of water. I feel, however, if there was not a man playing the guitar the other elements of the illustration all could have meant something different.
Who is the intended audience of the illustrated message? I feel a rather broad group of people- young, old, men, and women. (Boat ride appealing more to women (Professor Amy Adams for example) and the missiles more for men?)
What is the purpose of the illustration? The reason for this poster is to advertise a Jeff Tweedy concert. And the illustration helps to catch attention and persuade the viewer to attend the show.
What is the communication objective of the illustration? The posters objective is to give a slice of what a Jeff Tweedy concert is like. From the fact that fish and missiles swim along with him to hear his music, to the nice intimate scene, it does it’s best to portray what you don’t want to miss.
Who is the illustrator? Where do they live? Where do they work? Jay Ryan, working from The Bird Machine based right outside of Chicago. Ryan most likely lives in Illinois.
What medium was the illustration created in? Screen-printed illustrated poster. Originally drawn out in pencil.
Why did you choose this as one of your illustration examples? I picked this illustration because it appealed to me personally (it talked to me) and I enjoy a lot of Jay Ryan’s work. I am drawn to his process of first drawing out his work and then screen printing.
