This module has taught me how to imbue messages within my illustrations. I have studied examples of illustrators who successfully communicate ideas through their art and I have attempted to do the same in mine. For example, in Studio Brief 1 I intended to make my GIFs communicate a selection of words 'gross', 'ugly', 'sick' and explored the physical connotations of these adjectives in my character design.
I found it a challenge to communicate without the use of text, but I've discovered how an audience can interpret messages from an image and how visual codes can be used to create a tone that aids this interpretation.
The effectiveness of my products has been determined by the responses I gained from my peers in the group crits at the end of each brief. I have measured success by the level to which they 'read' my message. The most successful outcome was probably the GIFs I made, since the audience made noises of disgust at the 'creature' as he picked his nose; It successfully repulsed them!
2. What approaches to/ methods of image making have you developed and how have they informed your concept development process?
I have learned how to make GIFs which I found was an innovative and engaging form of illustration that I'd like to use again, especially in designing characters, since it is a quick way of animating a flat design. This helped me to establish how my creature would move before translating that into a physical model.
Working in a digital format forced me to work on-screen and develop ways of reducing images down into graphic shapes. The 'Greetings From' brief challenged me to make vectors. Although I didn't enjoy this approach to image making, it is a new skill for me that I may need again in the future. It has pushed me to produce more graphic and simple illustrations.
I have followed my curiosity and passion for model-making to develop my skills in these processes. I've used clay, paper mache, plasticine and wire within my puppet-making. I have also tried to follow the model-making principles of Jim Henson during Studio Brief 3 in an attempt to make work that would fit into his world.
3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?
I work well independently and have produced a large quantity of work over this module. I have managed my time effectively and finished all the tasks set.
My blog is honest and personal. I have used this consistently and devoted a lot of time to reflect on my progress. I will continue to use the blog to evaluate and summarise each major creative decision I make since I have found that it helps me to direct my time and effort efficiently.
I've been critical of my own and other artists' work, which has helped me to form opinions and develop interests.
I think I have been quite ambitious throughout this module. I've taken on big projects and set myself huge goals. This ambition can be dangerous and worsen my anxiety, but it has really driven my work forward. I've been innovative and demanded exciting results from my work.
4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?
My sketchbooks are a weakness because I haven't used them as much as I could have. I should have spent longer designing and planning within this space. I will allow myself a longer time to work in the sketchbook before making anything physical in future projects.
I haven't much experience with working digitally, especially with Illustrator or Wacom tablets. I should practice using these processes before tackling a brief that requires a digital output.
I need to preserve my creations. Because these things are so fragile, they often fall apart or get destroyed before submission. I need to find ways to protect and look after these products so that they can be submitted or exhibited later.
5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
1 - I need to practise drawing more. Keeping a personal sketchbook has helped me to think creatively all the time and record any ideas I have. Visual Language taught me how valuable sketchbooks can be and how to use it as a work-out. Maintaining a sketchbook practice will make my final outcomes stronger and better planned.
2 - Following the brief. I have got distracted and veered away from the brief several times in this module. Although it is great to get deep into the project and explore it thoroughly, I need to print out a copy of the brief and follow it strictly.
3 - I have found looking at other artists really useful so I would like to do this more and continue to expand my knowledge of the industry in order to work out where my work might exist.
4 - Although I've been quite innovative and ambitious, I think I'm getting settled into comfortable ways of image-making again and I need to keep exploring. I want to keep my work interesting and to keep refining my products by investigating other approaches.
5 - Seeking more feedback and contact in order to establish where I'm going and to what level I am working at/what I need to improve.
BOOK A PRINT SLOT AS SOON AS I KNOW WHEN THE DEADLINE IS.
6.How would you grade yourself on the following areas:
(please indicate using an ‘x’)
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6.How would you grade
yourself on the following areas:
(please indicate using an
‘x’)
5= excellent, 4 = very good,
3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = poor
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1
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2
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3
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4
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5
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Attendance
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X
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Punctuality
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X
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Motivation
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X
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Commitment
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X
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Quantity of work produced
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X
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Quality of work produced
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X
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Contribution to the group
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X
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The evaluation of your work
is an important part of the assessment criteria and represents a percentage
of the overall grade. It is essential that you give yourself enough time to
complete your written evaluation fully and with appropriate depth and level
of self-reflection. If you have any questions relating to the self-evaluation
process speak to a member of staff as soon as possible.
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