Evaluation
My time on BA (Hons) Illustration has been a fairly challenging one. I've learnt an awful lot, as I came to realise during an interview day, when I was working as an ambassador, showing perspective students around and telling them exactly what I've got out of this course. I outlined a story with the main points being that this programme has allowed me to change so much as a person, let alone as a practitioner.
As well as coming to know a lot about how illustration works within the creative industry, I have realised a few things about myself. I know now that I am always determined to work as hard as I can, pushing myself to get the most out of whatever I take on. With this knowledge, I am more confident with my abilities, and I believe that I can get to where I want to be, as long as I work hard. When the course first began, I felt as if I'd never be able to complete it. It was so challenging! More so than anything I've ever done, and it was a shock. Everyone was so clever, and talented and seemed really comfortable, whereas I had no idea what I was doing. From this point on is when I really started to change, and I felt better in myself for doing so. I feel empowered by the fact that I've been successful on this course, and enlightened because I know that I have a range of developed skills and attributes; strong academic capabilities as well as artistic skills.
I've been encouraged to think analytically and critically about my practice and the world around me, which helps me to position myself as a creative. The past year has propelled me forward into exploring options beyond Leeds College of Art. Research for Personal and Professional Practice has been helpful in this aspect. Through attending Be Your Own Boss in the summer, as well as Career Track Tuesdays, Start Up Wednesdays and the Association of Illustrators lecture, I now know the main aspects of practicing as a freelance illustrator.
I feel well prepared to leave Leeds College of Art, knowing that I have more than a qualification; I have a better understanding of society, of myself and the things I can do. Verbal and written communication skills, software skills, teamwork/ collaboration, and time management are a small selection of what I've improved on, I can take these skills and apply them to anything that I find myself doing.
I realise that this experience was so valuable, and I don't want to stop pushing myself and trying new things. This is why I'm currently researching creative job roles. I have contacted design studios and practitioners as part of PPP, and I intend to keep doing so, as it provides me with insight into how the industry works, what is expected of me and what I still have to develop. I'll keep going until I have a job that I'm happy with. It seems like it would be most advantageous for me if I got an internship at a design studio, which would be the start of my next learning curve. I say this because I think that design is where my work is heading. I have moved away from fine art/ portrait work, and started thinking about the applications of my drawings, where they can go and what they could do. I began to realise in second year, once I'd stopped panicking about everything, that I prefer to give my work more of a purpose, I feel more job satisfaction when I sell work as a product. This is why at one point this year, I tried to make portraits and got pretty stressed about it - I didn't understand at the time that I feel most happy with my work when it makes sense - when it isn't just a pretty drawing - when it is informed by research, shows a thinking process, has an application.
Hearing illustrators talking about their practice through programmes such as big heads and visiting speakers has helped me to understand that it is very hard when being freelance to know where the next pay cheque is coming from. This is why I'd like to try and get a job whilst I find my feet and get a place to live etc. I also want to work around people rather than on my own; I have learned that I feel a lot less motivated working at home than when I'm in the studio. Collaboration with Sophie to form Pink Cat Club this year has been another way that I have found this out.
I don't want to lose the momentum that the course has given me, I plan to go as far as I can possibly go. I'm excited to apply the new me to a 'real life' job.
