STUDY TASK 5 WHERE AM I NOW? A VISUAL EVALUATION
PRACTICAL SKILLS Practical skills that I have developed throughout the first semester include; • An introduction to screenprinting, something I have never done before. • Improvements in my knowledge of digital software, becoming more familiar with Photoshop, inDesign..
storyboard plans
• I have also learned how to use the digital print facilities, which aided me in producing a fully printed book. • The use of storyboards and roughs is something that I have integrated within my work more and more, understanding that they are beneficial when generating ideas.
creating photoshop brushes
new approaches to media
PERSONAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS Blogging has been a process that I have found easy to carry out, and so I will continue to blog on a regular basis. This will help me to document work in manageable chunks. keep blogging!
I have managed to meet the deadlines for the briefs we have received, however one criticism I would give myself is to not be so slow to start. That way, I could have more time for the development of work. Although I have been able to keep on top of the work load so far, I have began to be more firm in knowing when to put a piece of work aside. Again, so that I can allow time for other projects and not get so fixated or stressed.
STUDY SKILLS
observational drawings
For me, an important study skill has been research. I think it is an extremely vital aspect of approaching a brief, as it can affect how strong or successful an idea is. Not only have I learned that research can take on many different forms; from published information, to photos, observationals, interviews‌ ...but I have realised the value in primary research visiting places, collecting original and unique information.
conversations
taking your own photos
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Over the course of the semester, I have become accustomed to the brief-led structure of the projects. Additionally, I have learned the processes of submission for the various modules. As I have been introduced to new processes, the facilities available, and have seen a wider range of illustration, I have had a greater interest in pursuing personal projects. I want to make zines, stickers, and other things in my own time.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE I have gained insight into the ways in which existing practitioners work through organised talks, visits, discussions, and big heads. Charlotte Mei
Talking about and discussing the different ways that illustrators and creatives work has been very important, especially when the information has came from them directly. It’s interesting to hear how people began their careers, how they distribute their work, and their approaches to their practice too.
Grace Helmer
For me, these talks have been both inspiring and a little daunting. But they have reinforced the importance of a good work ethic.
Eleni Kalorkoti
Marcus Oakley
TYPES OF ILLUSTRATION Discovering the many different forms that illustration can take has highlighted how boundless and free it can be as a discipline.
Tatsuro Kiuchi
From 3D, art direction, collage, ceramics, animation, photography-based, there are a huge number of possibilities. It’s also interesting to see how illustration has evolved, and how it continues to do so. (e.g. the creation of editorial gifs, who’d have thought?)
Ed Cheverton
PURPOSE OF ILLUSTRATION As mentioned previously, organised talks, discussions with peers, as well as seeking out examples of illustration and design have all helped to show how illustration fits into the world. It can inform, entertain, and highlight certain topics. I personally like how it can be used for both informational purposes, as well being purely for enjoyment.
Dadu Shin (editorial)
The numerous forms that illustration takes helps to carve out numerous purposes and places where it can exist and function.
Patrick Hruby (decorative wall graphics)
CONTEXTS OF ILLUSTRATION I think a combination of the required outcomes for our projects, and looking at the work of other practicing creatives has helped to inform the contexts that our work could exist in. Over the first term we have created work that has taken the shape of a book jacket, editorial illustrations, posters, a printed book, and more. By making a finalised piece of illustration, it becomes more real. More so when it is a tangible item like a book.
PRINCIPLES During the semester there have been times where I have heard or seen statements that struck a chord with me. One of them was the importance of design in illustration, as I strongly agree with this. Design considerations can elevate an image completely. Another was the concept of taking influence and inspiration from a wide array of sources, as well as illustration. Not only have I began to be more confident in doing this, but I feel it reflects my interests. I enjoy finding new things. On a similar note, this approach has made me even more open-minded in terms of visual culture and has fuelled an inquisitiveness in discovering new subjects.