FEBRUARY Over the last few months I have been mostly focusing on my other module, therefore I have fallen slightly behind in 603. However, I feel that taking almost a step back from this module has allowed me some breathing space, and I am ready to really give it my all now that this is my sole focus. I also have a lot more outside influence from my theory module, which has changed my manifesto for my practice. Throughout this year I want to really focus on sustainability and work with a strong purpose in my projects. One skill I have developed, in my fabric book project is fabric printing, as I have learnt about registration and bit-mapping, as well as how to handle the fabric screen printing equipment. This will be very useful in my future career, as I definitely want to work with crafting my own items at some point.
Keep values in mind when choosing briefs I have also really enjoyed working with shape and colour in both the ceramics and traditional print rooms. Through this I have created tangible goods, such as wrapping paper and ceramic jewellery. I really enjoyed just letting myself experimenting with different compositions and tones of voice simply through the altering of colour and selection of shapes. I feel that I have developed a stronger understanding of how my practice can be applied, and how this creates a home for my work to sit. I am still figuring out where I want to be as a practitioner, so looking at possible applications of my illustrations is a good way to expand how I view myself as a creative. As a result of these projects, I want to undertake some more live briefs, so that I will have a definite intended outcome to work towards, and can create more tailored pieces with real intent.
The most recent live brief I undertook taught me a great deal. I struggled being so literal with the Renewi brief, and drawing actual objects as simple flat shapes was initially challenging. However, by the end of it I felt a lot more confident about how to embody an idea. I feel that these outcomes aren’t my strongest, as they seem a bit stilted in their composition, but by the end of their creation, I felt far more comfortable with this kind of brief. I found it really difficult to work with such harshly contrasting colours, but I felt it was necessary to shake up my way of working, and it did benefit me a lot. I didn’t take long on the Renewi brief, and I would like to try this way of working through Illustrator again, as it is a quick way to gain professional results, which I can easily alter. I was also enthusiastic about this brief as it was for a sustainable energy company, and I need to ensure I keep my values with my when choosing projects this year, and only work on briefs I’m really passionate about, and would like to include in my portfolio.