For me, Responsive
was by far the most challenging module on this course yet. Not only because of
the numerous deadlines and specifications to constantly be checking, but
because it also had the added element of working within a group in response to
a brief.
I learnt
many valuable lessons from our time collaborating, especially since I was in
such a large group, working along side two fellow illustrators and one
animator. During the Pitcha Pitcha, I was really hoping to work with a graphic
designer, however it became apparent that each one of our team members had a
certain skill set and worked in an alternative manner, and I would say that the
skills of a graphic designer were definitely present.
It was
great to work with others and to combine our styles, and it left us with an
outcome that couldn’t have been achieved alone. Ideas and opinions were highly
important when starting, and then developing these into imagery and finals was
a really interesting experience. Although I worked with two other illustrators,
we each had a completely individual style and approach, which was then brought
to life by our animator. It was a great process to be a part of, and its made
me realise that I can work well in a group, and I can communicate well with
others.
The
importance of communication is now something I value greatly when working
within a group. The team I was in communicated on a daily basis in order to get
things done. Looking back, however, communication isn’t the only important
element, but also voicing my own opinions. At times, when working on the
Shutterstock brief, I didn’t feel as involved as I would have liked, but I was
too scared to speak up until it became a little too much, and when I finally
did, all of my problems were resolved. Self confidence and a voice are two
great key skills I have taken away from our collaboration.
My
individual briefs taught me completely different things about myself and my
practice which I will value as an illustrator for the rest of my life.
Illustration
Friday was a great warm up for me when starting the module, and taught me how
to create work at a faster pace, with a brief a week being a quick turn around.
I did a few of these just to get the feel for how live competitions work,
however other than creating work to a deadline, it didn’t teach me much because
the interpretation to the words was so open for exploration, and there weren’t any
specifications other than to post your response to the word on the page. Which
is why I stopped and started to tackle briefs with a little more body to them.
The Leeds
College of Art Christmas card brief had a few specifications to meet as well as
a close deadline, which is why I went on to undertake this brief next. I forced
myself out of my comfort zone as best I could during this module, because I
know I am capable, I just have a tendency to tell myself I can’t do certain
things. That’s why, I chose to work a little more digitally for this particular
brief. I was pleased with the outcome of my digitally coloured Christmas card,
and in completing it, gained a little more confidence to work digitally more
often. I know myself, and I’m starting to know where my passion within my
practice lies, but its still a good idea for me to gain these skills while I
have all of the facilities right in front of me.
Completing
all of the Secret 7’s was by far the most enjoyable part of this module for me.
It gave me free reign to explore numerous media and methods within my practice,
while still working to certain size specifications and deadlines. It was during
the period of completing each one of these that I learnt how important time
management is. Not just working to a deadline, but to my own personal schedule.
If a vinyl cover took me a little longer than intended, I would have to rethink
the next, whether it be to simplify it in order to finish, or to swap my work
load around. Understanding my own time and my capabilities within an allotted period
was a lesson that will be beneficial to my practice in the future.
Using
different methods to create images took me back to my first year visual
language module, and has reaffirmed my love for using a variety of styles
within my work. It also gave me the opportunity to see where my strengths lie,
and where improvements need to be made within my work.
Getting a
design in to this years Secret 7 was a really important achievement for me. It
boosted my self belief and self confidence, which at times I lack greatly.
I took on
board what worked well for me in Secret 7, and went on to work with more shape completing
the Feathr wallpaper brief. Shape is definitely something I want to keep
pushing forward in my practice, and explore its possibilities.
Overall,
this module has been extremely challenging, but has pushed my creative practice
in ways that I didn’t think possible. Collaborating with others was, at times,
extremely difficult, but has left me with the confidence to voice my opinions, understanding
the importance of communicating and generally how to work professionally along
side my peers. My individual practice has come along way, throwing me out of my
comfort zone has definitely benefitted my practice in ways that I will value
from now on.
