01 MUST HAVES

provide a set of logical instructions on how to do something

show it in simple „1, 2, 3, …“-process steps

have a clear beginning and clear end state

combine text and graphic language

be branded and have a visual style

delivered in A1 format

show your name, name of the class and professors name

AND

make sure it's in French for that extra little „je ne sais quoi“ ;)

02 INITIAL IDEAS

I decided early on to go with the „personal story“ narrative.

„How to order a simple, honest cup of Joe“ sprang from my experiences as a barista in a hipster coffee shop.

„How to impress a techno aficionado“ originates from that uncomfortable feeling I get when surrounded by a bunch of too-cool-for-school-and-any-other-type-of-restraining-institution experts at a Berlin rave.

„How to flirt with a German as a French girl“ is well, euhm, VERY personal. I just don't get it …

My first concept was to develop an instruction manual on „how to perform la bise“ ( the kiss French people use to greet each other). I was advised to „put it in the freezer“ since the idea and its execution were clear from the beginning. I will further develop this idea for my portfolio perhaps as an entire „a Frenchie's guide to …“ poster series.

03 FIRST ILLUSTRATIONS

As a next step I decided to just GO FOR It and developed my ideas into a series of illustrations. It was very clear that I definitely wanted to embrace the French attitude in this project since the two other themes did not seem to inspire me as much.

04 FINAL POSTER

Flirter avec un Allemand

So after many thorough conversations the decision became final: I should go for the flirting. My quirky, „flirty“ illustration style seemed to suit the subject perfectly, and it demanded slightly more conceptual effort, which is sometimes „easier“ to accomplish than the most comfortable idea. Huh, isn't it ironic? 

I was advised to also maintain conceptual integrity by writing the steps in French. No worries, everything has been translated :)

05 TRANSLATION

A FRENCHIE'S GUIDE TO FLIRTING WITH A GERMAN

STEP 1

Don't despair! Flirting is treated differently around here!

STEP 2 

„Aurélie, so klappt das nie, du erwartest viel zu viel, die Deustchen flirten sehr subtil!“

Listen to „Aurélie“ from Wir sind Helden over and over again to familiarize yourself with German culture and get rid of your frustration!

STEP 3 

There is a time and place for everything in Germany. Flirting is reserved for bars and parties after the stroke of midnight!

STEP 4

Make him drink, otherwise you can forget it!

STEP 5

There are no in-betweens! Avoid confusion. In Germany, either you are together with a person for life, or you have one booty call after another. Make up your mind.  

STEP 6

If you just want to have fun, go for it! The real challenge is to make him stay. 

STEP 7

Be patient! In Germany love takes time, steps are made very slowly and cautiously. 

STEP 8

Be strong, make the first step! If not, you will have to be patient. Like, VERY patient. 

STEP 9 

Use stereotypes to your advantage. He'll love your cute accent and your „je ne sais quoi“. 

Vive la France!

STEP 10

Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?

Endure this joke with a smile. It's neither the first nor the last time you'll hear it. Sure, it's embarrassing, but please him! While we're at it, let him win at bier ball, his ego will thank you. 

STEP 11

Chillen?

The magic word is not hello or thank you, it's actually „CHILLEN“. It's probably the only way to get some one-on-one time. 

STEP 12

Congratulations! You have managed to snag a Kartoffel. Here is a happy German who is acclimatized to your femme fatale ways.

06 CAMPAIGN

My fictional sponsor is a condom brand called „the condom made in France“.

The companies incentive would be to support French expats overseas in their sexual and romantic endeavours. 

You might be open to new unfamiliar experiences, but staying safe also means trusting your contraceptive of choice. 

Although this manual is explicitly directed towards Frenchies living in Germany, the concept could easily be expanded towards a multitude of countries! Travelling overseas? Don't forget „la capote made in france“ and your flirt guide!

TRANSLATION- from left to right 

The ultimate guide to flirting with a German. 

„the condom made in france“

The rules might be different, but the game is always the same!

Liberty. Equality. Sexuality