Dillon Bush

 
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Hello, my name is Dillon Bush, and I’m a Graphic Design major with a minor in Book Arts here at Otis College of Art & Design, graduating May 2020. Throughout my Undergraduate experience at Otis, I have had the opportunity to develop into a multifaceted artist and designer. Experimenting with methodologies and mediums in both digital and analog has developed my skill set and influenced my unorthodox process. Some of these skills include Augmented Reality (AR), letterpress, screenprinting, bookmaking, photography, design software, and illustration. Through a strong work ethic and a passion for my craft and studies, I have obtained multiple internships and freelance opportunities, as well as maintaining honor roll and receiving the Communication Arts Distinction in Graphic Design Studio Award. Heavily politically influenced, my work sheds light on social injustice, political reform and environmental sustainability, in hope of challenging perspective and catalyzing social change.

I have always seen a strong connection between music and design. Through my research, I discovered that the connections are almost endless. Aspects such as terminology, methodology, and technology are just a few of the various similarities. Discovering this has influenced my technique and process in both music and design. This poster was my first long-term project exploring Augmented Reality (AR). Through combining the print and digital worlds, I was able to create a deeper interaction between music and design. It features original music that samples material such as hip hop beats and old techno tracks. Download the "Artivive" app, open it up and aim your smartphone camera at the poster to see how Augmented Reality works. (For troubleshooting: you may need to bring your device close to the image and keep screen brightness up on both computer and smartphone). Additionally, you can follow the video link and see how the physical version will look with Augmented Reality.

Distant Lights is a 6 edition, spiral-bound book. All imagery is hand-printed, and it features original text, two 3-color polymer plate prints as well as silkscreened images from Nasa JPL. The covers were printed using polymer plates. I have always had a fascination with space and astronomy, but I never took the time to think about what it is with this vast environment that resonates with me. This exploration helped me define why space comforts me. Here is a passage from the book:

"When I think about space, it puts my mind at ease. It reminds me that we are all just tiny specs in this massive void."

Currently on display in the Special Collections at Otis Library

Music and design are both tools with multiple functions. They can be didactic and educational, relaying information that might not be commonly known. They can also bring individuals together and create a sense of community. For my final project, I had the opportunity to pursue a concept that I had been fostering for a while. Resilient Sound is a record label that applies the functions previously mentioned to catalyze social change. Augmented Reality is a significant component in this project that creates interaction between the audience and product in order to spread awareness about different themes and stories, such as the first E.P. release, Stop & Frisk. This investigates the story of Kalief Browder, a young man who committed suicide as a result of the stratifying effects of the Stop & Frisk policy initiated by Mayor Mike Bloomberg of New York. The release is a part of the first vinyl series which focuses on the theme of police brutality. Every series is composed of 3 records (2 artist releases and 1 compilation) all of which donate proceeds to an organization or charity that falls under the specified theme.

Here you can interact with the vinyl record mockup through Augmented Reality by downloading the "Artivive" app, opening it up and aiming your smartphone camera at the image. I encourage you to give it a try. (For troubleshooting: you may need to bring your device close to the image and keep screen brightness up on both computer and smartphone). Additionally, you can follow the Vimeo link to view how the physical copy will function.

Often in design, an entire visual system can grow out of one small piece of inspiration. A prompt such as this is a prime example of how this is possible. These three posters developed out of a single icon. The exploration began with creating a list of words that were based on the emotion, texture and mood of this icon. Then a kit of parts of multiple formats and mediums was developed, which evolved into various compositions and finally the posters displayed.

Growing up in Los Angeles in the mid to late 2000's, raving became a way for many of us to collectively organize and escape from the stressors of life. Since the Covid-19 epidemic, many live dance events and techno parties have transitioned to a livestream format, attempting to bridge the social gap that we have lost without these late-night festivities that are at the core of LA culture. The 4AM website has 3 different "stages" and each one showcases a different genre of electronic music to mimic the model of raves. The zine is a way for readers to get a glimpse of who and what the scene represented. They both contain nostalgic details that intend to spark reminiscing and comfort in those who grew up in this vibrant scene.

Learn To Drown comments on the current state of our environment and considers the possibility of Earth immersed in water as a consequence of our careless behavior. Although this concept may seem unlikely, scientists and journalists have been discussing that a submerged Earth is a possibility if we continue polluting our planet with the same level of greenhouse gas emissions.

After a brutal 3rd World War, Earth is left in an eternal nuclear winter. An interconnecting cavern system was developed to preserve heat and ensure survival, but this alone wasn't quite enough. After years of research, scientists and engineers discovered the one solution that would emit enough heat to keep the human race going – sound systems. Through the combination of bass, dance and electrical currents, these sound systems provide massive amounts of thermal energy that have proven to be significant to the human race's well-being.

These two posters were the outcome of a heavily iterative image-making process. The poster on the left is a digital composition that features phrases such as "ACAB" and "Stand Up Against Fascism". The right is completely analog, taken with an iPhone XS camera, and it contains elements such as graffiti supplies, a microphone, and photos of establishments from lower-income neighborhoods. They both share a similar color palette and tone, disrupting and distorting the red, white and blue which is a comment on the oppressive and dysfunctional state of our country and government.