My group’s manifesto topic deals with manipulative advertising and media bombardment, and how it effects people today (whether positive or negative). To begin investigating this topic, I created a mind map dealing with the sub-categories and associated topics of manipulative advertising. I focused in on fashion advertising, as that is my specialism.
As you can see, there are a lot of social issues attached to this idea of manipulative advertising. Many of these effects are negative. After viewing this map, it seemed like most advertisements are related closely to the consumer’s identity, and they function by making the consumer feel inadequate or abnormal.
In addition to the mind map, I began researching precedents of artists, designers, and companies who have addressed this issue in the past. Attached are a few of my resources:
To continue my research, Lee recommended that I do some visual research. I became fixated on this idea of identity, and how the media has such a massive impact on how we see ourselves as individuals. In the collage I played with body image, diversity, inclusion, identity, and mental health.
I am fixated on the idea of making a mask out of advertisements. This would symbolize the massive amount of media bombardment and not being able to escape it. It also relates to a struggle with identity.
I envision the photoshoot for this piece in the tube station with advertisements in the background, and the model, “reading” advertisements (even though their eyes will be covered). Then I want to create an advertisement with the photo, so it is kind of ironic and it relates back to the idea that advertisements are everywhere.
Samantha's RCA Process 