Personalised Astrological Birth Charts
by AstroGraphix.
In 1995 Jane Thornton was approached by AstroGraphix - software developers Xedoc with astrologer Michael Carroll to conceptualise and design the chart layout and glyphs, and colour illustrate western and eastern astrological images to feature on personalised birth charts - to be generated by Xedoc's exclusively designed software.
Over a period of four months, Jane researched the project extensively and commenced illustrating a total of twenty-six complex and strikingly beautiful images, being: the twelve sun signs (including a female and male Aquarius and Sagittarius), the twelve chinese year animals and the planets for the wheel. Xedoc's sophisticated software enabled an astrologically accurate chart to be generated, reproducing the finest detail for a high resolution A3 output. AstroGraphix launched the product at the Sydney MBS fair in 1996, to an overwhelming response.
The recently launched website www.coolbirthcharts.com heralds a re-launch of the product into the market place, positioning it for a global marketing push, supported by the now U.S. based Xedoc/Verve Inc.
"I adored this project", smiles Thornton. "Philosophically, I found it supported my quest to achieve a greater understanding of who we are - what we're born with and what we make of it, and how it provides us with a personal and quite beautiful statement to contemplate - if we are so inclined.
The combination of the Eastern and Western illustrations reflects the essence of Yin and Yang and, ultimately, the chart can be interpreted as a guide on our journey to a greater understanding of the astrological influences at work in our lives. If that supports people in their quest for self-knowledge, or if they enjoy an aesthetic appreciation of the illustrations or even the personalised nature of the way it is produced - especially for them - then I am thrilled. This along with the full realisation of the birth chart's potential will make all the challenges of the project and subsequent patience worth it."
by Street Car Productions
In July 1999, Jane was approached by Alex Vass and Kym Carter to provide illustrations for a novelty book about sexy ways to lose weight called Sexercise - thus Street Car was created.
"I sat down to begin solving the biggest challenge with this project - how to illustrate 'masturbation' and 'orgasm'? Thus Monti & Mindi, the thirty-something, 90's couple were conceived.
This project offered me the wonderful opportunity to explore visual representation of sexuality in a risque, fun and very public domain - a tough call given that so many people, even of my generation, still believe that sex and sexuality is still such a private affair. We had an enormous amount of fun brainstorming! This project was important to me because I believe that it is incredibly liberating to expose (so to speak) the complex range of reactions, thoughts and feelings people have in relation to the issues around sexuality. The 'take-home' message has pleased me enormously ... with people responding so positively to the book - liberated - to be given permission to have a laugh, being shown that there is no need to be ashamed or embarrassed. It's also a fabulous and healthy way to develop our self-expression ... and lose weight! Perfect really!"
Encouraged by the response to the book (launched just prior to Christmas), and the exciting possibilities of the characters, Street Car Productions are developing further merchandising concepts and in conjunction with McPherson's, a high profile promotion and marketing company, developing proposals with a view to attracting investment, sponsorship and global licensing deals.
Other projects in development, including a SCP Website, will see Monti & Mindi escorting readers through, "Cybersexercise", a book exploring the 'chat room' phenomena and a Sex Education book and CD Rom for Kids. Teachers have also responded extremely positively to the concept - reporting that such a project has the capacity to enable sex education in the classroom to be fun and easier for ALL concerned - particularly by using humour, honesty and play to help children establish positive, healthy boundaries around body image and sexuality whilst exploring their individuality and asserting their independence.
"I was determined to create our 'thirty-something' Monti & Mindi with a wonderful body image - staying right away from the uber models and getting back to love handles!"
