Leeds College of Art End of Year Show - Art Market

   I sold out everything that I put into the art market that had my 'celebrity cats' on - I sold 11 prints, and many keyrings and badges. It all added up to £125 - I couldn't believe I'd made that amount from what was essentially some sheets of card and plastic. I didn't even bring that much to sell, most of it had sold out, so I wish I'd brought more!
This made me realise that this kind of work is more beneficial to me; I not only enjoyed creating my cats, but I think that they have the potential to become more popular. 

   My initial ideas for context of practice included researching authenticity of celebrity, celebrity worship, media Influences on body image / attitudes on identity, and the consumption of the celebrity image. This is because I have addressed them all in previous work; they interest me greatly. The only reason they didn't feel like the perfect subject/ I couldn't pick a direction is because It doesn't directly fit with my practical work. The celebrity cat idea has been the most compelling project I have done so far - I felt like the time we had on the project was way too short and I really want to continue it.

Inspiring Artists - Mr Bingo

Mr Bingo 

   Mr Bingo still inspires me, ever since his visit in first year. During his visit, he told us about many aspects of his career. He's a great business man, which is something I'd love to be good at one day!  

   Not only does he illustrate for companies, but he sells work that is commercial. He knows what sells, and what is popular. He has a good understanding of current popular culture and uses this to his advantage in order to get noticed. Many of his illustrations feature elements of popular culture, for example, celebrities and recognisable people, as well as funny animals. This tone of voice is something that I'd like to work on this year.

Painting for Northampton Cadet Training Centre

  Over the summer I was invited to paint a wall mural for an army cadet training centre in Northampton. I got this through links to North Warwickshire and Hinkley College. A teacher there had been approached by the army general, they were going to ask the students if anyone could do it. I have done wall murals before in art foundation - which was in the Nuneaton news. Because of this, a family friend suggested to the teacher that I should do it because I have this experience. From this point, I spoke to the colleges PR manager.

 I took the paid opportunity, because I'd have time to do other projects, as the year at college had finished. I thought it would be handy to get some experience working for a client.

 Once it was agreed upon I arranged to complete the painting, it took 3 visits, one of which was to see the wall and prepare my materials accordingly. 

 After this, the final two days consisted of 8 hours work. I used oils for the sky of the image, and black acrylic for the shadows because it was cheaper. I had to use oils for the sky so that I could blend colours together more effectively. It was not necessary to use oil paint for the black part.