This module was much more self-directed and independently
driven than previous modules, it gave me the freedom to select and conduct
briefs that are relevant to my practice. Whilst I did try to make the most of
course-directed briefs in other modules and solve the problem of these not
necessarily suiting my practice, I appreciated choosing more specific
challenges in this module. For example, my interest in model-making and 3D
illustration is quite niche so I chose briefs I knew could fit my practice (LAIKA
Challenge and ADQ Submissions) and wrote my own briefs to suit my process (Classic
Stories). This freedom also allowed me to explore and research themes I am
passionate about, such as storytelling and world-building.
It was refreshing to see so many different directions in the
mega crits with all of my peers pursuing their individual interests. Being able
to choose the briefs we undertook meant that the images made were fuelled by unique
objectives rather than just to fulfil the learning outcomes. The work I have
produced in this module will fill the majority of my professional portfolio
because they are briefs I am enthusiastic about and would be happy to talk
about to clients.
I have definitely built on my confidence levels since first
year. I attended every tutorial and tried to get the most out of these by
preparing pitches and questions to get the feedback I needed from my peers and
tutors. I took on board feedback I was given, making the necessary amendments
and learned not to take constructive criticism to heart. As we all were doing
completely different briefs, I didn’t catch myself worrying about what anyone
else was doing or how I compared at all. I have overcome a lot of the anxiety I
suffer with and I have changed my perspective from viewing myself as a student
to considering myself as an
artist, which will be
important in beginning my career. I am no longer terrified to work without direction
from my tutors because this module has shown me that I am capable and can make
decisions myself.
In working more independently this year, I made decisions about
how I could best use my time. I organised my time efficiently and made action
plans to keep my projects running on track. I didn’t use the studios at college
as much as I could have because my work was mostly 3D and required a larger
amount of space than was available in the studio. Working from home also
provided me with more time to work because I wasn’t spending as many hours
commuting. I didn’t use my blog as much to reflect on my progress as I have in
previous years but I spent more time in this module making than writing which I
think is evident in the quantity of work I have produced.
I have learned new skills in this module, such as creating
atmospheric lighting and giving the illusion of depth in a miniature scene. I
do still have a lot more to learn (for example, about making industry standard
armatures) but I hope to always be learning and improving, not just in my time
as a student but in my career beyond.
Collaborating with an animator, Stacy Straub, gave me valuable insight into the roles involved in stop-motion and how I could fit into this industry. I learned a lot from working with Stacy and we formed a productive working relationship. I also collaborated with event organiser Gaynor Gray for the Fairytale Hunt. Collaborating gave
me a great experience of working professionally, communicating and organising
projects collectively. I would have liked to collaborate more in this module as
I can see that this would have pushed my work even further. I am excited by the
prospects of working as part of a team to share skills and knowledge and I am
sure I will collaborate again in the future, especially with animators.
I much prefer longer projects so this module has been the
most rewarding as I had the time to fully dedicate myself to projects. I put a
lot of effort into Whistle-Stop Thistle, my biggest project yet, and was
pleased to finish the course with a fully-realised children’s book. Whistle-Stop
Thistle is a project I will be taking forwards and developing further. This has
become a world I believe in and want to continue expanding. I achieved everything
I set out to in my statement of intent and I am really proud of the work I have
produced in this module.
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