End of Module Self Evaluation

1. Which practical skills and methodologies have you developed within this module and how effectively do you think you are employing them within your own practice?

• I've adopted a symbiotic approach in which the skills I learn feed into my work across the modules.
• Learning about drawing from observation and reference in visual language has improved my drawing skills and was particularly useful in visual skills Studio Brief 2 (drawing dogs from reference). This has also helped me gain confidence in drawing.
• I've tried to be experimental and expose myself to media/techniques I've not used before (gouache), thus making me a more versatile artist and my work more visually exciting.
• I applied Photoshop skills learned in visual language to V.S. briefs, I found Photoshop really useful in V.S. Studio Brief 3 for adding text and constructing the book jacket template.
• Ideas generation was previously a cognitive task for me, but using sketchbooks has pushed me to create visual ideas on paper. This has helped me to formulate and present my ideas. I exhausted multiple sketchbooks in preparing ideas for V.S. Studio Brief 1.
• Investigating artists in PPP provided me with new ways of making images. In exposing myself to a range of artists (Pinterest), I've broadened my knowledge of artists. I have directed my work by analysing what makes other illustrations successful and using these elements in my own practice.
• Blogging has been really handy to keep my work structured and navigate strategically through each brief. I'm using this regularly to reflect upon my progress.

2. Which principles/ theories of image making have you found most valuable during this module and how effectively do you think you are employing these within your own practice?

• I found roughing valuable because it provides a mock-up of each idea, meaning that once a rough has been chosen there is a plan to work from. I'd never used roughing before this module and I'm now using it in every brief.
• I've found experimenting useful because it's encouraged me to be playful and have fun, resulting in solutions I've enjoyed making. Studio Brief 3 is an example of my curiosity dictating a playful approach to the task.
• Research underpinned the majority of my briefs; I've found research valuable because it bestows reference and inspiration. In particular, Studio Brief 1 required a large amount of research into David Bowie that sparked my creative response.
• I've used my sketchbook as a visual diary every day to document ideas. This has been a constant tool for me and I've found it extremely useful in recording my responses.
• I've been challenged by the restrictions and formats of each brief, but think I've benefited from the experience of following instructions and attempting to solve problems. Working with a limited colour palette was a difficult task but I now know that an effective end result can be achieved. These restrictions simplify otherwise complex illustrations and I have transferred this theory across to my work in visual language.

3. What strengths can you identify within your submission and how have you capitalised on these?

• I'm a punctual student and working to deadlines is a strength that I pride myself on. The amount of work I've produced reflects the time and effort I've put into this module.
• I think my passion for illustration is evident in the work I've submitted. I fully engage with every brief because it's what I enjoy doing. My excitement and love of making things/world-building is ever-present.
• I've used my blog consistently and attempted to reflect on my progress throughout this module. 
• 'A willingness to learn' was a peer comment made about my work in the first week. I've made this my mantra and tried to let go of any apprehensions. I've jumped into tasks, even when I've found them challenging.
• I think my submission demonstrates strengths in character design. This is an area of illustration I'm particularly interested in and something that I have explored in several briefs.

4. What areas for further development can you identify within your submission and how will you address these in the future?

• I'm a perfectionist, sometimes I spend way too long worrying instead of making. I'm tackling this issue because I know I could produce much more work if I stopped being precious about it/ripping out pages that I'm not happy with.
• I write in quite a formal tone when blogging when but I should be having an informal conversation with myself. This consumes more time than it should and by shortening my posts I could create more practical work.
• I'd like to move on to work in A3 sketchbooks because I think A4 has restricted my freedom and the scale of my drawings.
• I need to continue to experiment with media and not settle in my comfort zone.
• I worry about anyone seeing my work. I need to overcome this anxiety because it prevents me from being able to participate properly in group crits.

5. In what way has this module introduced you to the Ba (Hons) Illustration programme?

• I've got to grips with blogging. It seemed complicated to begin with but I know what I am doing with it now and can continue doing this for the rest of the programme.
• I've settled into the routine of University and of using eStudio. I've been inducted to using the college resources and the Library.
• I've learned basic skills that I'll have to use regularly in future modules, I've been provided with the foundations on which to build my skills as I progress through the course.
• I've been introduced to briefs. This process will run through my degree and also prepare me for professional illustration practice post LCA.
• Working in the studio has helped me to feel comfortable and settled. We've also been encouraged to have peer reviews with students we don't normally speak to, so this has helped me to get to know my peers who I'll be spending the next 3 years with.