Week 5: Research Task
Analyse how a tone of voice is utilised by writers to emphasise a narrative and explore the relationship between content and form.
Pick a short article or narrative that has been designed engagingly. Choose from one of the following fields:
A children’s story
A zine
A design monograph
A news story
A brand guideline document
A business plan
A manifesto
A speech
Reflect upon how effective this text is at communicating with its target audience. You should consider approaches to form, layout, typeface selection, colour pallet, materials and medium.
A boy, a mole, a fox and a horse - Charlie Mackesy
The task I have chosen for this week’s challenge is Charlie Mackesy's "A Boy, a Mole, a Fox, and a Horse". This delightful masterpiece seamlessly weaves together heartwarming storytelling with captivating visuals, leaving a lasting impression on readers of all ages. I received this as a present by a close friend, and initially I thought it was a children’s book but once you start reading it you realise it is so much more, and was released at a time when we were about to go into a global lockdown and the countries mental health was being tested.
As a graphic designer, I find Mackesy's approach to both tone of voice and visual presentation to be incredibly engaging, drawing the audience with warmth, wisdom, and compassion through a series of quotes and a profound sense of empathy. Through simple yet profound conversations between the characters, Mackesy explores timeless themes such as friendship, kindness, and the beauty of embracing your vulnerabilities. The dialogue is crafted with a gentle humour (cake!) that adds depth and charm to the narrative, making it accessible and relatable to readers of diverse backgrounds. I’m sure this translates well globally.
In terms of visual manner, Mackesy's illustrations are clean, simple and stylish. Rendered in his distinctive calligraphic pen ink style, the images are rich in detail and emotion, capturing the essence of each character's personality and journey. The use of soft, muted colours creates a tranquil atmosphere, while subtle textures and shading add depth and dimension to the artwork. Mackesy's skilful use of light and shadow enhances the mood of each scene, evoking a sense of warmth and intimacy that envelops the reader throughout the book.
I’m sure the effectiveness of "A Boy, a Mole, a Fox, and a Horse" in communicating with its target audience for both children and adults finding comfort and inspiration in its pages. Through its poignant storytelling and visually stunning presentation, the book fosters empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the human experience. Mackesy's ability to connect with readers on an emotional level speaks to the universal appeal of his work, transcending age, background, and cultural differences. In an era where we are constantly reminded to ‘Be Kind’ this hits a sympathetic tone in a post covid era when Mental Health is very much on everyone’s agenda.
In reflection, the tone "A Boy, a Mole, a Fox, and a Horse" is a visual masterpiece that comforts through heartwarming quotes and the morals of the beauty of friendship, the power of kindness, and the magic of embracing life's simple comforts through his impactful calligraphic art and storytelling.