Final Project Post 1

Clapperboard Project Blog Post: Inspiration, Design, and Aesthetic Development

My clapperboard project draws heavily from the golden age of Hollywood, particularly the 1940s–60s era when filmmaking was transitioning into a highly stylized, mechanical art form. I was inspired by behind-the-scenes photographs of directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder, where the clapperboard appeared not only as a functional tool but also as a visual icon of filmmaking culture. These boards often had a hand-painted, well-worn look that revealed their heavy use on set. One key image that influenced my work is a clapperboard from Casablanca (1942), visible in archival shots, which had a hand-lettered slate and wood clapstick—emphasizing practicality over polish.

Vision and Specifications

My vision was to create a physical artifact that embodies both function and nostalgia. I wanted the board to feel like something you’d find on a classic film set—authentic, utilitarian, and slightly imperfect from years of use. Functionally, it needed to work: it had to “clap” cleanly and be able to stand on its own as a display piece. Key specifications I prioritized:

• Materials: Solid wood for authenticity and durability.
• Size: Standard dimensions (approx. 12” x 10”) to reflect industry proportions.
• Mechanism: A hinged clapstick that makes a crisp snapping sound.
• Typography: Hand-painted fields for scene, take, roll, etc., using enamel paint to mimic vintage lettering.
• Finish: Strategically aged using sanding and layered staining to give it a lived-in look.

Initial Sketches and Design Iterations

In the early design stage, I sketched out multiple size and hinge placements, focusing on how to best align the clapstick with the top of the board for a satisfying close. I tested clapboard widths and lengths to find a proportion that both felt authentic and balanced when held or displayed. After the hand sketches, I translated my final draft into CAD using Fusion 360, where I detailed the hinge spacing, board dimensions, and joint fittings. The CAD drawing also helped me visualize depth and how the top arm would open and close over time. I kept the design minimalist in structure but textured in finish.

Aesthetic Embodiment

My chosen aesthetic—vintage, utilitarian, and character-rich—came through in multiple design decisions:

• I avoided clean, glossy finishes and instead used a matte wood stain layered with light dry brushing to simulate years of handling.
• I hand-lettered the text instead of using stencils or vinyl to keep that slightly inconsistent but personal look typical of mid-century props.
• I lightly dented corners and sanded edges to simulate wear without overdoing the distressing—finding a balance between old and broken-down.
• A small chip on one corner was left intact and sealed rather than sanded out, adding a subtle imperfection that felt “real.”

I also adapted some inspiration from contemporary props used in throwback productions like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), where the production design team replicated classic film tools for authenticity

This project was more than just a fabrication challenge—it was a study in how form and wear convey story. By grounding the design in Classic Hollywood aesthetics, I was able to bring together my interest in film history, physical craftsmanship, and storytelling through design.