Featured Image: Poster design / Debora Ziemer’s viola bachelor concert / Image by Michelle Buchholz / 2024
Debora ” Debby” Ziemer is a phenomenal violist and did her Bachelor concert in June 2024 and it was a full success. Experimental sounds, a wild orchestra paired with tunes of Britney Spears show you that she has got it all. Before I designed this poster I had an interview with Debby to get a feel for what she is trying to express with her concert and the song choices that she made. When I asked her what feelings she associates with her concert she said “warmth, joyful energy, sometimes anger but no sorrow”. Through her studies she found her voice through music, which is why the concert is titles “voice”. Actively finding your own opinion amidst the opinions of other people. Remembering that you have a voice and to use it.
Debby’s vision for this poster started off with an image of her mouth which I translated to big juicy red lips. The feeling of making music as a group was also important to her which is why all the names of the people that took part in the concert are not falling too short. I have added star ornaments and organic lines that emerge out of the mouth to show the type of energy that makes your blood rush when you play music – especially in a group.
Every word that is seen on the poster is handwritten with acrylic paint and a brush and a steady hand. The outlines of the lips and Debby herself – who is sitting on the lower lip – are also made with the same technique. The colours are made digitally.
I have not heard Debby play her bachelor concert arrangement until it was the day of the concert. I made this poster only based on the questions that I asked her. I love taking my time trying to understand what the person in front of me envisions and needs for their project. Debby was delighted and what more could I ask for?
