SCALE

Scale, when used in terms of design, is done so to describe the size of a form compared to the size of the human body. Different scale sizes can be used to allow different variables, and ultimately a different experience, with the art itself. Hand-held refers to smaller-scale objects, which can be held in our hands. This scale allows us to explore the details of the art from a distance, and see it more as a whole object than an experience. Human size is used to describe things equal to the size of the human body, allowing us to discover more pronounced details in the form itself. Finally, monumental scale forms, which are giant forms much larger than humans that allow the audience to completely absorb the work and recognize the smallest of details.

Personally, I have always been fascinated with monumental size works for numerous reasons. As it pertains to illustration & design, I enjoy how over-sized works allow the audience to see every tiny detail, especially with more meticulous artists. A good example of this would be the giant graphic novel, Kramers Ergot 7.


(my friend Wendy reading Kramers Ergot 7)

This monumental comic book was published by Buenaventura Press in 2008. An anthology containing single or double page works by 60 of the world's greatest cartoonists, this hardcover beast measures out at a whopping 16" x 21", roughly 300% the scale of the average comic book. Most of the artists chose to be especially throughout with their page design and layout, allowing the reader to become completely engrossed in the large images.

As far as more sculpture-oriented, 3-D design goes, I've always enjoyed the idea of over-sized Kubrick toys. Medicom's Kubrick toys are collectible Lego-esque toys, manufactured at 3 different sizes. A more hand-held size would be their standard, flagship size, the "100%," which is roughly 2.5 inches high. Then there's the 400%, which scale at about 9.5 inches. Finally, we have the 1000%, which are monumental toys measuring up to two and a half feet tall. These provide much more of a full-bodied (no pun intended), enveloping experience than the hand-held size provides, perhaps also giving the audience an alternative perspective of their own size in the world.


A young boy with two 1000% Daft Punk Kubricks.