I honestly don't know how this got finished, but it was an all-nighter, and Jonathan thankfully checks his emails first thing in the morning so he was able to help upload it for the GROTTO deadline!
Until this moment, the fact that I had been having issues with the Microsoft Authenticator app for a couple of weeks, having got a new phone, hadn't been a problem as: I had sorted outlook on my phone and iPad - but not having it on the computer was annoying, Adobe was logged into on the computer - the important device to be able to create the map, although when wanting to figure out rough sketches on the iPad I couldn't use that which was annoying, and I could log into the UAL portal and Moodle.
However, to submit the print to GROTTO you had to fill in a Microsoft form and of course I couldn't log in to it to authenticate it was me!! Jonathan to the rescue again and it got uploaded though, and so here is the finished design!
I find the digital process calm and satisfying to do, and I remember just seeing the hours tick by as I was making this like I was in some kind of black hole, it was freaky as I haven't experienced that level of hyper focus in a long time now - which that motivation definitely says I'm doing what I'm meant to do!
I had forgotten just how much details there still are after completing the map though, I still had to create the key to the lines, stations, and all the symbols I used in the map. I was able to copy and paste my progressive pride flag framing for the top and bottom from the original illustrator files of The Progressive Tube Map, as I decided I wanted that continuality with the map even though it's different, the idea that it forms a series of LGBTQIA+ tube maps.
I also forgot how long the text was going to take... painfully long. In my last tube map, I placed the text horizontally like the London Underground design, whereas for this I placed it diagonally. This wasn't a conscious choice like other aspects of the map, and could backfire as not being as legible, but I think it would've been more illegible to have the text go horizontally and the font be made smaller so it would fit. Unlike the last map, where it was pretty much all made up of one word labels, these stops have multiple words to try and summarise it as much as possible in as little text as possible.
I also had to write a brief summary, to keep in theme with the last map, which I'll copy below:
Transitioning does not require medical intervention, as the term transgender is not limited to the states of pre-operative, post-operative, or in-transition. However, for many people, hormones, voice therapy and/or surgery can help align their physical body with their gender identity.
Follow the tube map from the point of referral and learn the steps available to transgender and non-binary people in the UK through the NHS Gender Identity Services Pathway.
Overall, I'm so pleased with the final product. I think at first look, it could come across as overwhelming with just how much is on it, but on further inspection I hope people will feel relieved and informed from reading through the stops and stations.
I think the map could provide much-needed clarity for people on an already-complex journey, with too many thoughts, feelings, and opinions swirling in their heads - at least this would have done for me.
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