OUIL603 EVALUATION

nEnd of Module Student Evaluationn BA(hons) Illustration Module: OUIL603 Extended Practice Name: Thomas O’Connor Student ID: to256771

Learning Outcome

Evidenced where?

Your grade

6A3 Understand and demonstrate coherent and detailed subject knowledge and professional competences, some of which will be informed by recent research in the discipline.

(Knowledge and understanding: RESEARCH)

Continued development of my research and theories from Context of Pratice, putting the illustrations I’ve generated into practice utilising contacts iniated through PPP.

Very Good

Visits to live events such as Leeds and Bradford Light Night’s for Wellington Place projection and assessing successes and limitations.

Research into the implementation of media from contemporaries and now rivals: Jean Jullien, David Shrigley, Mr.Bingo…etc.

Gallery Visits / discussions beyond illustration (E.g: Photography event then informing my own ideas such as ‘Two-pack’ and taking inspiration from normal folk doing funny things for living a la Stewart Lee) Identifying clients and briefs that allow me flex comedic muscles and using this as an opportunity to present it to clients that wouldn’t ordinarily steer too far from the serious. Also my own self-driven briefs which scope to progress with commercial value.

6B3 Articulate and synthesise their knowledge and understanding attributes and skills in effective ways in the contexts of creative practice, employment, further study, research and self fulfilment.

(Cognitive skills: PROBLEM ANALYSIS)

Roughing a multitude of ideas / composition before arriving at the final resolutions. SB1 is a good example of going too far and working out what’s acceptable. They made me amend the snowman’s balaclava or ‘gimp mask’ as Fred put it.

Using animation wherever possible and going beyond the brief. (.gif’s and video) Understanding limitations/context of the projected area or mural designs (E.g: the window on the lifting would have led to a different texture affecting the aesthetic.)

Final Major Project is an advertisement for the comedic strand of my practice, but will in turn make me a unique proposition and marketable as an illustrator. Multiple uses of comedic illustration to be applied with clients and also personal show endeavors.

Very Good

6C3 Develop appropriate methods of professional presentation combining visual, verbal and written techniques.

(Practical and Professional Skills: VISUAL QUALITY)

I’ve developed a process that can be applied across multiple areas to the same high standard - Traditional Print, On-screen, Projected, Mural…etc)

Excellent

My blog is an entertaining piece of art (hopefully) I intend to set up a personal one.

Written communication through blog and project report: concise summary of the resolutions (elevator pitches) Verbal accompaniment to visuals videos presented through professional Vimeo account.

6C4 Demonstrate their ability to synthesise analytical and intuitive approaches with a high level of process and professional skill.

(Practical and Professional Skills: TECHNICAL COMPETENCE)

Project Report

Very Good

Project Boards Portfolio (Printed / Static for posting out and Digital / Dynamic on my website) Additional software identified to add my skillset - making process more efficient (using ToonBoom & Duig for After Effects) Delivering artwork to specific standard (e.g Pantone ready print ASOS design and Book Cover & Spine print ready with bleed, crop and print marks) Improved quality of analogue linework by investing in Fabriano stock for final assets and improving pivotal equipment like my scanner to industry standard.

6D3 Analyse information and experiences, formulate independent judgements and articulate reasoned arguments through review and evaluation.

(Key Transferable Skills: EVALUATION & REFLECTION)

Project Report Blog Posts evidencing advancement on the original design. E.g - LCA Mural (SB2) - It wasn’t a feasible in timeframe but endeavoured to create a solid portfolio piece.

Discussions with peers and tutors informing change and further reflection with CIA Director Ben Cox and New Statements Editor Gerry Brakus.

Worked on what’s being successful previously. Savvy use of unutilised but successful ideas. Smartly aved time by recycling old material.

Work-in-progress further direction of Final Major Project ‘Gag-Gig’ performance with John Gordillo with option of having a recorded DVD and Edinburgh show.

Excellent

sFinal Evaluationn This last evaluation is just another point of reflection and in many ways it’s weirdly the opposite to the end, the module has in effect my setting up a trampoline ready for me to use as a platform for upcoming projects and live briefs. The work generated throughout this module has reinforced my core image-making techniques, anxious not to follow what’s en vogue - sticking to my own unconventional methods.

Project management has been a strong point – colour coded briefs to ensure efficiency when determining action plans – always forming daily and often hourly plans to meet deadlines. By doing so I established 170th Birthday mural (Part 2) was an unrealistic deadline and highlighted the importance of a cancellation/kill fee when dealing with clients. This time management has been interrogated by personal issues – I think I’ve answered these questions professionally, positioning myself adequately for life after academic endeavours.

I’ve never been good at physical juggling so it’s good to know I can deal with mentally juggling around briefs, leading to clear concepts and final resolutions.

The module has still given me a chance to experiment and present my work to those who wouldn’t ordinarily take interest. Establishing the art of comedy and use my illustration to present ideas through digital and printed documents. My work is still excites me more than anyone else’s, I’m unpredictable – even to myself. This allows me to constantly try and remould and extend my practice. Establishing where I can already apply my comedy (E.g MTV, NME, VICE…etc) but more importantly seeking opportunities aren’t so obvious (E.g taking illustration onto Stand-Up Comedy Stage) A straight forward business model of trying to make funny images has being formed on the basis from Context of Practice and the extensive look at comedies link to and usage within illustration. This research has led directly to Personal and Professional Practice establishing where I want to go and who I need to contact in order to do so. Then theory and knowledge from these modules has then been put into practice with the help of contacts I’ve established. (E.g Director – John Gordillo) Although developmental ideas work may have been limited in a few of the briefs with quick turnaround, savvy use of successful ideas previously generated but were never implemented anywhere, has really assisted. The notable difference in execution from core ideas for GAG-GIG and the Adobe briefs previous years has been capitalised with better execution based on peer and tutor feedback.

Upon reflection I’ve missed opportunities like the IBIS Mural, Virgin Communication Boxes and Fringe Festival Designs. In the future if something pops up I’ll try and submit something, even if I only have an hour spare. These were all realistic chances of exposure but I’ve selfishly prioritised personal briefs - that will hopefully pay off in the long run. I’ve found myself constantly busy turning around joke concepts or humourous responses to briefs. A work ethic I'm going to continue to push and focus on after leaving academic studies.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the two large scale murals and MEPC artwork gigs - possibly due to playing it a little left field - However was offered another job from the pitch to LCA 170th Birthday (SB2) and the CEO of advertising WE ARE BOUTIQUE! (SB4) has got my drawing above his desk and my number to call if something comes in. FurtherGeorge Addy and Ian Fulcher the candidates that got selected for the murals did a fantastic job with different solutions to my comical approach, both want to work with me as part of a collective that is to be setup in the summer: VISUWALLISE! (Where there’s a wall, there’s a way!)

Studio practice has not only led me to a cohesive personal portfolio of illustration but a three-pronged exit plan attack, Stand-Up Comedy by night a la ‘GAG-GIG’ (FMP) and answering briefs comically and commercially by day. VISUWALLISE will slot in in-between when opportunities present itself, in the unlikely event of any downtime,I can put these hours into joke generation which feeds into all forms of my practice.