Visual Language End of Module Evaluation

Visual Language has been a useful module for me, this is because I got to break down and look at how I approach image making on the whole. As it lasted most of the year, I think that it indicates my strong points as well as times where I didn't think I was doing as well as I could have been. The problem I faced was making time to complete tasks; therefore I feel the pictures I made at the start were rushed. I also think that the subjects I chose to study- urban UK wildlife, were not exciting me enough. However, as I went through the year I got more confident in the work I was producing, which made me feel more comfortable about using different processes. I've also learned that if i don't like where a project is going, the direction can be changed. I found Visual Language lessons really informative; it has made me a lot more aware of how I make images, as well as introducing me to a few contemporary illustrators that I feel inspired by. The most informative part was studying composition, this is because I have realised that it's a great subtle way to improve pictures, and in the future I know I will often use the information I've learnt. In fact, it's already helped me within other modules. I believe that planning composition; media etc beforehand takes a lot of pressure off when it comes to producing an image. From this completing this module I know that I must put 100% of my effort into every project that I complete in order to make good work, instead of leaving things until the last minute because of other modules that demand work sooner.

The Illustrated Portrait and Fashion

Initial Ideas For Studio Brief 2 

Considering my year, and what I've liked and disliked  I think a natural direction to take my work in is to look at Illustration of fashion. As I enjoy making images of the human form, and wish to add something more to my portraits - it's something i'd like to focus on conceptually, and I could also experiment with making patterns, adding them to portraits. I've seen so many pretty images which I really like:
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 Kelly Smith - an Australian Illustrator working in fashion and beauty. Her profile says 
"She has worked for a number of local and international clients including: Valentino, Armani, Jenny Packham, H&M, Samantha Wills, NET-A-PORTER, and The Sunday Times STYLE.

Her work has been published in the likes of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, The Hub, Russh, Flare, NET-A-PORTER magazine, TASCHEN's 'Illustration Now! FASHION' and
most recently in her own illustrated book series with Laurence King Publishers titled 'Sticker Fashionista.'

Taking inspiration from fashion, film and fairytales, Kelly's fine detailed pencil work captures a likeness to her subjects, while watercolour and digital elements add subtle hints of colour and softness."



Jessica Rae Sommer - Paints modern stylish women. She's a fashion illustrator as well as an interior designer. She notes that each of her paintings seek to explore what is inside herself and others, and capture them in a unique and curious way, which makes it easier for people to connect with. I love the uniqueness of her work, the colours are vibrant, and the mark making is messy but effective. I think the reason why I like this work is because it isn't just capturing the image of a person, the media and application has been carefully selected to represent the individual, so that it is unique to them and represents who they are. I also love the fashion illustration element, this is another way of studying the human form in an exciting way, and a great way to show individual styles - usually used for branding and advertising - it's purpose isn't just to look pretty, but to sell.

 
Alexander Fedosov - completely different to the previous artists, but he, too predominantly paints the human form, but in his own unique way. His highly skilled digital painting features  fantasied
women - the human elements are present but are twisted into something abnormal. From these reflections,i'm trying to say that i've got to the point where i'm confident with my ability to paint a portrait, i'm now starting to look for a way for my work to stand out, mean something, and be my own. I want people to look at my paintings and see a story, something more interesting than an observational drawing.




My Work:

I've began to try to do this in my previous work throughout the year - studying figures in vogue and trying to add different elements to my portraits.

Joe Wilson

I think Joe Wilson is an impressive artist. He works with a range of international clients and his work consists in a range of contexts from advertising campaigns to Limited edition screen prints.
 I noticed his work was used in a Visual Language lesson to describe the balance of colour values. I found it informative, especially since the image is from Throne of Blood - the film by Akira Kurosawa (who i'm studying in Visual Communication/People of Note) I really like it when colour is simplified down within an image, which makes it more effective - I haven't got my head around it yet.


He also created the beautiful pattern I've been using as my phone background for quite a long time! The amount of detail that is used to create this repeat pattern makes me want to try my own.

Progression Student Ambassador Work

Since November I've been a Student Ambassador, working for the Progression department. I'd really like to work with children at some point - teaching is something i'm interested in, and would have applied for a degree involving teaching if I hadn't been more interested in developing as a professional artist first. It's the end goal for me perhaps, something that I want to eventually do.

 I started by volunteering to take part in a visit to Cathedral Academy school in Wakefield. The aim of the day was to talk to the children about illustration, showing examples of our work, and teach them some basic drawing skills. They'd been visited by a poet, and each had poems to illustrate. It was a nice experience and it was a good way of making sure that working in education still appeals to me.

I also went to City of Leeds School to speak to some year 11 students that had just been given their exam briefs. They weren't very familiar with research, so our role was to show them our sketchbooks and explain the importance of it and talk them through our processes.












I also took part in an 8 week after school workshop once a week for pupils from schools and colleges that are interested in further art education. This involved learning drawing skills, design and printing techniques, some of which I even learned myself!

The pupils were taught a printing method that is used with disperse dye, the process involves painting the design onto paper with the disperse paint, and then transferring the design onto fabric with heat. I found this really interesting and I really wanted to use this method.

above is my disperse dye test.

At the end of these workshops, I assisted with putting on a small exhibition for the children's parents.

I think that being a student ambassador not only gives me work experience, but also I improve my communication skills when talking about art, and It also should improve my ability to present my own work, as what we are doing is selling higher art education to younger children.

What I have learned so far as an illustrator

(JANUARY 2014)

Things I have learned as an illustrator:

1. Process is as (if not more) important than the final outcome - makes a large difference to the outcome 

2. Research can largely inform work, from inspiration to important facts 

3. Being critical of myself and other's work helps me to develop my practise and learn, making my work better

4. Being able to manage work load and time effectively is a large advantage 

5. Putting thought into the composition can inform many different ideas, and therefore a better outcome 

6. I don't have to do work that I feel bad about - I can change direction of my projects