Summative Position Statement

From last year to now, I think I have come an extremely long way, both in my professional practice and in myself. Firstly, I always lacked confidence in my practice, which had a negative impact on the rest of my professionalism, and my ambitions.

This year I have pushed myself to improve as an illustrator, by spending as much time as possible in the studio. By doing this and continuously reflecting on my practice, I have come to realise the context of my work and what I am trying to achieve with it.

I have always wanted to make a difference with the work I produce, a positive social change, as I believe that creativity has the ability to touch and improve the lives of others. Understanding that I wanted to work with people, for people, to shine a light onto important issues, helped me to align my practice with documentary and reportage illustration.

I now feel inspired and equipped to pursue a future that focuses on this.

Firstly, I would like to build on my documentary portfolio. This summer I would like to take the time to experience the things I want to document. I have applied to work in Greece this summer, offering to use my degree to help in any creative way possible, with a not for profit organisation that work to improve the refugee crisis. I would then like to come back, document my experience, in order to make more people aware of the situation, and to celebrate the great work people are doing out there.

If I was to get the creative in residence opportunity, I could work on this documentary series with all of the resources and facilities readily available to me. This would enhance my portfolio and give me the time to build some confidence in documenting real world issues.

I would also like to intern with a design agency for a few months, in order to gain some professional experience in the industry. I am applying to do this abroad, as again I want this to be an experience that builds me as a person and a creative.

I would like to have as many experiences in life as possible, and I would like to experience all of the things I document.

I would like to travel with my practice, communicate stories and happenings from all over the world, to inform and educate and evoke change.