Interacting with autism project

http://vimeo.com/52193530

Found this inspirational video on the effects of autism today, and felt it would be highly beneficial to me and my practice when I'm illustrating my essay piece.

Study task 4

Part 1

http://www.itsnicethat.com

I've chosen this website because I feel its been the most beneficial to me and my practice over the last few weeks. It shows whats current, and not just in illustration but in other artistic fields too. Its important to be aware of other illustrators practices, and i feel this website keeps me up to date with their work, and also whats going on in the world of illustration. I find the articles about illustration highly influential and really inspirational to read. I always feel inspired after being on this website, and it seems to spark ideas left right and centre after seeing such beautiful illustrations by such talented people. Its useful to see what other practitioners get up to, and it makes me realise that so much is possible. If I'm ever stuck for idea, i know that i can be filled with creative energy after reading a few articles or watching an animation on here. Its an online gallery that I can trust. Websites such as these are highly important, and I aspire to have my work on something like this in the future.

ON - IN - AT OR @

PRODUCT

Books
Signs
Food packaging
Tobacco pouches
Clothing
Skateboards
Wrapping paper
Cds/Vinyl
Flyers
Gig Posters

Wrapping paper

Skate board decks

Clothing

Gig posters

Food packaging

Illustrating on skateboard and longboard decks has been something I've loved doing since getting into illustration. Skateboarding is its own culture, and with it comes its own style. Designing decks is something i feel confident in doing and is something that won't ever really go out of fashion. They can be mass produced or originals, and the facts that the canvas you're working on rarely changes, its easier to get an idea of layout and composition the more you do. Adding passion to what I draw always results in a better outcome. I love to skate, i love to draw, they come hand in hand.

PUBLICATION

Comics
Children's books
Fashion Magazines
Newspapers (editorial)
Text books (twinkle)
Zines
Manuals
Encyclopedia's
Front Magazine
Graphic novels

Newspapers

Front mag

Text books (twinkl)

Fashion mag

 

Zines

Zines are a perfect way of showing people what you're all about. They're a great form of publication because they can take any form, and any topic. From music to comedy, there's a zine for everyones interests. I feel they are becoming more and more recognised as the creative industry grows. Its almost as though they're just a small sample of what the artist is really capable of, a slight insight into their mind and the way they work. Zines have an original and raw quality to them, and when you hold one in your hand you feel you have your very own piece of art. I would love to make more zines.


PLACES

Studios
Galleries
Billboards
Murals
Bookshops
Fashion/clothing shops
Exhibitions
Universities (educational sites)
Cinemas
Shop windows

Cinemas

Billboards

Murals

Shops (size?)

Shop windows

Murals make for a brighter world in my opinion. They give dark and dingy places life. I love looking for murals when I'm out and about. I also find it fascinating how illustrators can work on such a large scale. Its art for the people, and the communities, and thats why i think its great. Art is so much better when it can be shared. 

This is a mural by Jon Burgerman, and a perfect example of art being the light in a dark place.

Here's a few from around Leeds that I cant help but smile at when I walk past.

Murals are important to me and my practice, because it makes me realise that anything is possible, that limitations have the potential to be thrown out of the window. They inspire me to think bigger and better. 

@

Pinterest

Youtube

Behance

Etsy

Artists Websites 

Colossal

Google Homepage

Instagram

Tumlr and varios blogs

Illustration Websites

Pinterest

Illustration websites

Artists website

Etsy

Colossal

Colossal is one of my all time favourite websites to browse. Its a hub for creativity. Not only does it show art and illustrations, but it also shows peoples personal projects - often highly ingenious and massively inventive. It's my go to visual dictionary, and it never ceases to inspire me. I feel that this website is filtered to such a high standard, and to be featured on it would have to be an honour. It has something to offer everyone, and is mainly based on creativity and ideas. For example : 

This is completely created with a bicycle wheel. Its by an artist named Thomas Yang. Its seeing things like this that make you think outside of the box, and for me, makes me realise that when it comes to my work, restrictions are limited. Creativity is everything. 

Pinterest.

I set up a new pinterest account the other day to keep all of my work and inspirations in one place. I had a previous account where I would pin specific images in relation to the set briefs we were given, but I think its a good idea to keep all things like that together, therefore this blog will help me massively and keep my research a lot more organised. Here's a few of the boards I've created thus far.

Character design 

Sketchbook work

Print Making

Illustrators that inspire me

Things that inspire my practice

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?

Within this module I have experimented with a range of media, and gained new practical skills that have proved to be highly effective in my own practice. I feel I have refined my level of detail in each piece just from repeated drawing, as well as tried out new medias such as inks, copics, and also added to my digital skills. My knowledge in photoshop has grown, and I have been able to apply a few new techniques to my work. Working in photoshop to develop colour and to add texture is something that will be highly effective in my own practice. However on the whole I feel there are many more skills I am yet to take on board, and many avenues of experimentation I am yet to explore when it comes to media and methodologies.

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?

Creating roughs for each brief was something that proved to be very effective when it came to refining ideas and developing them into finals. Working to various scales and dimensions was also something we had to consider, varying from brief to brief. Constantly considering frame and composition and learning how to work these components into the dimensions given is definitely a useful skill to have. Another valuable part to image making I feel I have gained thus far has been adopting my own tone of voice in light of each brief.

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

My strengths within this module as a whole are producing a vast number of roughs, refining my ideas and developing them into a final piece. I feel I have produced roughs that respond well to my given briefs, and haven't been scared to explore various possible outcomes. I have also paid close attention to detail throughout, creating finals that I feel displayed the amount of time I put into each. I have shown this through my use of detailed line work, stippling and producing refined finals.

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

Areas for development include working on composition. Its something I feel I need to tackle with more confidence. I’ll address this by making more detailed roughs and layouts before starting my finals. Another area for development would be a little more experimentation when it comes to media. I feel I am far too comfortable in doing what I know and I’d like to work on this, by tackling briefs using media that I have little experience in using, and by just being more confident to try new things.

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

The intensity of each brief and the demands for workloads has definitely been an eye opening introduction to the course, and is something I feel I am getting better at as the weeks go by. Each brief for this module has been two weeks long, so understanding time scale and expectations took a little while to get used to, but by the third brief, it all came with a lot more ease. Blogging each part, from roughs, to feedback and then finals has also been a completely new thing for me. However I feel it has helped me to visualise the workload and to evaluate my work on a daily basis. This module has helped me realise the required components to each brief, and I feel has prepared me well for the year to come.

Reflective practice.

Identify 10 questions you want to answer.

What do you expect to learn from asking that question?

What will you do in order to find the answers?

1. What is available to me and my practice?
I think its important for me to take full advantages of the facilities the college has to offer. It could benefit my work and broaden my techniques and skills.
How will i go about answering this question? I will start using more college facilities and involve myself in extra curriculum activities such as life drawing.

2. How far can i push myself?
It will better my work and the standard i work to.
To do this I will apply more time to my practice, put in more effort and set myself personal goals.

3. What inspires me and my practice?
Its so important to be inspired by whats around you. Im certain it will be the stem of my best work.
Be open minded about whats around me, submerse myself in the things I love and let them provoke my work.

4. What are the available job opportunities for illustrators?
I think its a good idea to know exactly whats out there, and possibly know what career id like to approach.
I'll do this by researching, talking to more illustrators and by building my contacts in the field.

5.What is there in Leeds that i can get involved in to better my practice?
Coming from a small welsh village this is important to me because it excites me, and i think excitement sparks inspiration. It will also build my contacts and connections in Leeds.
To do this i will join various societies, go to creative events and be confident in meeting people.

6. How to be versatile and work well to set briefs?
I think its important to know how to do this because you never know what a client may ask you to draw. Editorial illustrations must be completed in short spaces of time, so to be versatile and on the ball is essential.
I will do this by putting my all into each brief i receive.

7. Can I get myself some illustration job opportunities in the next 3 years?
During the big heads interview we had with Jack Teagle and Donya Todd the other day, they advised to take on work as and when you can. To get a feel for what path of illustration we may like and to know what its like to work for clients.
I'll do this by talking to lots of people, and by getting my work out there as best I can.

8. How can I incorporate printing into my practice?
Its something i loved at college, and I think its important to bring different passions together to fuse into something beautiful.
I will hopefully be able to use the colleges print room soon, where i'll be able to learn more and develop it into my illustrations.

9. Is it possible for me to adopt an array of styles?
This would make me more employable in the future and keep my practice upbeat and fresh.
I will answer this by practising daily with different techniques and styles.

10. How to collaborate well and work with a team of artists to create completely new work.
Collaborating with other artists would be highly inspirational and really rewarding. Its also really important to know how to work in a team, and how to take on each others ideas to finish with something completely unique.
How will i do this? I live in a house of artists, and i think it would be good for us to set ourselves small collaborative briefs from time to time.

Light night.

https://plus.google.com/u/1/113139471240373340072/posts/TDaVqnoebNX?pid=6066856440097884242&oid=113139471240373340072

I made a quick video of light night. I really enjoyed it, and it really inspired me, so thought I'd share!

Study task 1

Identify 5 reasons why you chose to study illustration.

• Illustration helps me to communicate my thoughts and emotions in a visual form. When words fail me, which is often, i find it liberating to unveil my feelings through what i draw.
• Illustration can take me many places. I feel that it can open many doors and take me down many interesting avenues.
• I feel its a part of who i am, and i really want to take it to a new level, to explore what i haven't and also take what i already have to build up to the illustrator i want to be.
• Everything and anything can be illustrated, and in so many different ways. Its not something that will grow old or boring , but something that has the ability to excite me on a day to day basis.
• Because illustration makes me happy.

Identify 5 reasons why you chose this programme.

• Its a new course, fresh outlooks and concepts that seem to take you a lot deeper into the field..
• During the interview, the tutors were enthusiastic and passionate about the course which immediately inspired me.
• I feel that the course will push to the best of my ability, it seems much more dedicated and ambitious than the other places i visited.
• The facilities that Leeds college of art has to offer are impeccable. The studio space is beautiful and the place is filled with students that share the same passions and interests, which makes and creates a wonderful atmosphere. 
• There seems to be far more opportunities available from studying here. The accessibility of collaborating with other students, the links into industry, and the enthusiasm of the tutors are just a few of the reasons that contribute to me choosing this programme.

Identify 5 skills that you think are your strengths.

• Using fine liners is one of my strengths. I like to work in detail, and i feel fine liners suit this best.
• Developing work from an initial idea to something a lot more detailed. Im not afraid to take my work on a journey.
• I try to experiment with different medias. I find it keeps the flow of inspiration running, and the more i do this the better it gets.
• Commitment to my work. 
• I feel i work well both in a team and individually. 

Identify 5 things you want to improve.

• Drawing from life. I tend to sketch until i have the right line, but i would like to be more accurate.
• Organisational skills. Time management when it comes to each module.
• I would like to improve my skills on photoshop and other apple based programmes to get the finish on my work that i would like.
• My knowledge in the field of illustration. I would like to be able to recognise more artists work and generally understand more about the subject.
• My use of colour. I don't tend to to use much, but its something i would like to incorporate into my work this year.

Identify 5 images that demonstrate your interest in illustration.

Second year advice.

We had a really good opportunity to talk to the second years, get advice and generally make new friends. They gave us three helpful pieces of advice that i aim to carry with me throughout the year.

1. Blog everyday. Keep on top of it, photograph or scan work daily ready to blog.

2. Try not to be late...ever.

3. Make sure we attend COP lectures on Wednesdays, if you miss one, its really hard to catch up.