(MIS)-UNDERSTOOD

This practice-led research project uses illustration and publication design to explore the perceptions of Millennials. These perceptions are broadly categorized from two perspectives, namely the perspective of those who are part of the Millennial Generation and the stereotyped perceptions of individuals not belonging to the Millennial generation, or the stereotyped perceptions applied to Millennials publicized in the mainstream media. Millennials are influenced by events that form their attitudes and beliefs as they grew up in a much more globalized and mobilized world. Many Millennials are from neighborhoods where different ethnic groups reside - in our world, various cultures exist alongside each other. Millennials grew up holding diverse perspectives and a high level of tolerance towards differences and benefit a great deal from their open mindset. However, the general public’s perception of the Millennial generation is not positive. I was born in 1995 and thus considered a millennial! I aim to provide a platform to a few of my Millennial friends to voice their own opinions on stereotyping depicted in the media as well as by other generations. Based on a first person’s perspective, with visual and textual communication, and in the trend of die Millennial generation as the target audience I designed an artist publication, focusing on eight primary case studies of my Millennial friends being misunderstood. For me to tell these stories, I needed to research the Millennial Generation and their culture, as well as my Millennial friends so that I could accurately communicate their narrative as well as the stereotype attached to them. (Mis)understood is a photographipic portrait publication as an artist book, through interviews, photographs and publication design. Each Millennial and their internal and external perspectives are represented by portrait photographs, taken and edited by me, depicting their stereotype. It will be overlapped or contradicting with everyone’s specific story through illustrations. The Dual Narrative theory, which is a technique of telling a story from two points of view or two different perspectives, will be used to support this project. It is used to show parallels or emphasize differences in the lifestyles or points-of-view of people, places or time periods. The dual narrative theory will be applied through visual and communication design (photography and illustration art) to capture stereotype characteristics and the narrative of the Millennial generation. Photo essays of each Millennial is published, this is a way for a photographer to narate a story, with a series of photographs. The Millennials are the target audience therefore the aesthetic will embody them. Each Millennial will have their own voice in an individual booklet, as a narrative told by me, with input from the specific individual to make sure that their stories are authentic. The portrait photos are published in monochrome and the simplistic illustrations in white to strengthen the concept of dual narrative. The simplistic style illustration strengthens communication and is an important element to the authenticity of the narrative of the Millennial. Millennial style is used for communication, to keep the information authentic and more relatable. The eight booklets are then bound together to ensure that together they have a stronger voice to contradict the stereotypes and show the advantages they have through this crazy journey called life to be Understood.