Student Illustration project

My name is Oliver. I'm 21 years old and I'm currently a second year Illustration student at Norwich University of the Arts, UK and I'm embarking on doing a project which is related to my condition. I suffer with Congential Heart Block and I'm fitted with a heart pacemaker. I want to create a conceptually illustrative book which encompasses how a pacemaker works and how it feels to have one implanted inside you, aimed at pacemaker patient's families and the general public. As research for this project, I'd like to hear of your experiences with the pacemaker, if you've ever had any difficulties and if you think this is a good idea :) This is purely for research purposes and will not be published. The reasoning behind this is that having something implanted inside of you is such an alien concept that I personally find it hard to explain the sensation to people. I intend to turn the scientific/technological aspect of the condition into accessible visual imagery to allow the general public into the world of the pacemaker. I'd love to hear from you and even better if you're of different ages!

Thankyou in advance,
Ollie

5 Comments

Hi

by ollie4494 - 2015-04-20 05:04:19

The book mentioned above is exactly what I don't want to produce. I want to produce something aimed at a more adult audience avoiding child-like aesthetic like Pacemakers made easy. I want something creative which communicates too. Hopefully this gives more insight for you. Feel free to check out my work at behance.net/olliehirstart and also Facebook.com/olliehirstart

Hi Ian,

by ollie4494 - 2015-04-20 05:04:26

it's for a university brief so everything's prospective at this stage. I am going to produce several copies of the book once it's made though to distribute

Hi Ian,

by ollie4494 - 2015-04-20 05:04:52

Ideally I'm looking for comments from you guys to provide reasoning for making the book :)

Hi Ollie

by IAN MC - 2015-04-20 12:04:38

Maybe I'm missing something but what is the point of producing an illustrative book if it is not to be published ?
Who would benefit from it ??

If you do decide to go ahead with it you might get some ideas from a well-illustrated UK book which has already been published . It is " Pacemakers made Easy " by Carl Robinson. ( more details on www.thepad.pm )

Best of luck

Ian

I Like Your Work

by NiceNiecey - 2015-04-22 05:04:04

I'm not very creative, Ollie, so I'm not sure how I could describe my PM experience! HOWEVER, I did look at your site referenced above and found your work very good. You have a unique perspective and you are certainly very talented. Good luck!

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.