Reflecting and Finding.

The middle of nowhere - Alex G Griffiths

This week Ive really been trying to sum up my year on the course, and Ive been finding it really hard to reflect on everything Ive learnt. Mainly because I have learnt so very much. 

I decided to research the the types of illustration that I love, and try to understand why I love them, and what makes them work. I stumbled upon this comic by Alex Griffiths, a London based illustrator.  This is what I love. And what I wish Id done more of and studied more of this past year. 

Im proud of what Ive achieved this year, and I genuinely never thought it was possible to take in as much information in such a short period of time as I have. However I feel I need the summer to reflect on what Ive learnt and put all kinds of processes into practice. 

The course moves at such a fast pace that its hard to pin point the things Ive excelled in, the things I could push further and the processes I enjoy. 

Ive experimented enough to know what I like and what I don't like. I now feel I can accurately identify the processes that work well within my practice. I feel although exploration within these processes has enabled me to define a style, this potentially is not the style i intend to continue, but instead use as a starting point. I also feel that the style i have developed so far although may resonate with current practices, lacks authenticity for me. Working within a variety and breadth of contrasting processes is primarily what i would like to become a core part of my practice. After the big heads with Marcus Oakley the other day, its clear that there are no limitations with what I can do. I love that he puts what he loves onto all surfaces and doesn't narrow himself to one thing. I feel this year i have unintentionally restricted myself, when realistically pushing boundaries could have allowed me to strengthen my work. These are all elements which i aim to improve upon not only over the summer break but also in level 5. 

What makes this great illustration in my eyes?

He's mastered a simplistic and yet detailed style. His line work is beautiful and the way he uses his lines to create contrast in each image in such an elegant manner works so well with his style. 

This is what I love, this is what I want to achieve one day.