Introduction to Darc Storycraft Studio by Yarrow Cervantes

I developed this multimedia design to visually communicate the energy behind my creative process. The composition involves nature and history with a sci-fi twist to denote my interest in technology.

I thought I’d break down each element and provide a detailed explanation of why I chose specific imagery for those with an interest in the design process.

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Joan d’Arc

The first graphic is a manipulated image of Albert Lynch’s Joan d’Arc, from which I drew my studio name. Joan d’Arc symbolizes spirituality, faith, adherence to truth, mothers, daughters, perseverance, and feminine power. She was a devout Catholic of French descent.

I’ve recently discovered the deep connections to Catholicism and the French heritage my grandmother’s family shared. My grand-aunt had the middle name “Joan d’Arc,” which made this imagery even more personal.

Of all the historical portraiture of d’Arc, this one stood out to me because of the power and assuredness in her stance, the beautiful armor she adorns herself in, and the field of Celestial Flame Irises that surround her. It’s an overwhelming juxtaposition of strength, power, and femininity.

432 Hz

This waveform depicts 432 Hz. 432 Hz is considered the “miracle” frequency, which ties into the story of Joan d’Arc and represents my love of working with audio.

Tone Curve

This grid is a stylized version of a tone curve, a tool I frequently use when color-grading photo and video. The tone curve is where one can set the vibe of an entire image. For images I’m grading, I use the depicted curve often.

Water and the Scorpion

There are two elements to this one. The scorpion represents my zodiac sun sign. The upside-down triangle symbolizes water, the element associated with Scorpio as well as a nod to my work on the water throughout my career.

plants and bugs

I took this photo of two Clodius parnassian butterflies resting on a cow parsnip flower in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. I included this image to represent my interests in etymology and botany, which are themes you may see throughout my personal projects.

pigment study

This is a flower petal under a microscope. The little blobs are water-soluble color pigments. I captured this image while taking an intensive botany course in 2019/20 that was later canceled due to covid. This image brings nature's scientific aspects forward and highlights its interconnectedness.

Energy visualization

The video on the far right of the composition references water, sound, and the “miracle” frequency. The projected image is concentrated light shining through water as 432 Hz vibrates through it. It creates a high-energy effect that I felt tied the piece together.