End of Module Self Evaluation

1.      Which practical skills and methodologies have you developed within this module and how effectively do you think you are employing them within your own practice?

In my first module, I feel that I have been very experimental with media and how I apply it to my work.  In each studio brief I have taken a different approach to each, trying out collage, digital and use of analogue media. As a starting out illustrator, I feel that I am currently unsure of my preferred type of media, and which would be used most effectively to convey my ‘tone of voice’. I think that the visual language module is really helping me to try out new Medias, in terms of line and shape. I found that the focus on shape has influenced my practice as well, which encouraged me to use Collage in Studio Brief 3. Reflecting on my use of collage, I felt that it was quite difficult to create a perfectly clean cut image, especially where gluing was involved. I intend to focus on my levels of craftsmanship when pursuing a collage route in the future. Overall, I feel that I chose a selection of appropriate medias for each brief, and used them somewhat successfully.

2.      Which principles/theories of image making have you found most valuable during this module and how effectively do you think you are employing these within your own practice?

When starting the course, I encountered many theories of image making that were quite new to me. Firstly, the use of scamps and roughs to get an idea down, even if they are the most obvious of ideas, I found really useful in terms of developing. I have really tried to engage with scamps to effectively aid my final outcome, trying out different compositions and colour schemes. I have also learnt a lot about the presentation of my work, in terms of DPI’s and ensuring images are cut out for group critiques. Before my course, I was unaware of DPI’s and how to alter the quality of a print, which will influence my professional practice in the future.

3.      What strengths can you identify within your submission and how have you capitalised on these?

One of the main strengths in my submission is my ability to use perspective effectively in my images, especially in my editorial work. I worked really hard to achieve a believable angle in my work, which in the end I was quite proud of. I would also like to comment on my use of composition, as I feel that I always focus on the design aspect of my images a lot, and my compositions are always well thought out. As a previous graphic design student, I feel that this aspect is very important in creating a successful image, which is another reason I feel I should focus on the presentation of my work a lot more.

4.      What areas for further development can you identify within your submission and how will you address these in the future?

One of my main concerns in my work is my attention to detail, and my ability to sometimes take shortcuts, which often make my work look slightly messy and unrefined. For example, my submission for the Editorial brief, I feel that I created a successful set of images, yet my use of digital media to add colour was not pursued effectively and looked messy, which was evident in my peer feedback. I also felt that attention to detail was not shown in the studio brief 3 outcomes I created, and care was not completely taken when gluing and cutting. In future projects, I would really like to knuckle down on this aspect and take a more professional attitude towards my work and Illustration as a whole.

5.      In what way has this module introduced you to the BA (Hons) Illustration programme? 

Since starting the course, I have developed an understanding of the course structure, and what is expected of me as a student at Leeds College of Art. At first I found the course quite overwhelming with the work load, but have quickly adapted, however I still feel that my time management skills need improving if I am to succeed on this course. Aswell as introducing me to the programme, I feel that I have been introduced to Illustration as a whole, looking at ways to define good illustration. 

Studio Brief 3: Play, Play, Play - Final Outcomes & Feedback

For my final outcomes, I chose to work in collage which I found quite challenging, but rewarding in the end. I feel that the use of collage in my work demonstrates a large amount of craft, which is something I always aim for in my work. I found it quite difficult to create well presented collages, due to the nature of gluing and sticking down, which is something i really need to improve on. 

'Set On Fire' - Image as Type

To create this image, I invested a lot of time and craft into it to it, cutting out each individual match and match head to ensure that a consistent colour scheme is achieved. I was really proud of this image, as I feel that it is quite innovative and something completely new to me. I did however find it quite tedious to create, which may have caused me to make shortcuts, effecting the overall quality of the piece.

'Movie Set' - Image and Type

I did not feel that this image is as effective as my others in terms of visual quality. Although a clear meaning is generated, I feel that the craft and general neatness of the piece is not consistent. I also feel that the idea is perhaps too obvious. I found it really difficult to cut out type, which I feel creates a rushed effect, and effects the overall quality of the piece. 

'Set Up' - Image only

I feel that this particular image works quite effectively because of the use of signs and symbols, such as the police badge, which help to generate meaning instantly, and in this case create a sense of character. I also focused on the idea of being caught red handed to further generate meaning. I really tried to use simple shapes and negative space to create the image, and convey the concept of being 'set up'. To me I feel it is conveyed really well, however to someone else I'm not sure that it would be so clear. 

I also took part in a Peer review session based on my final outcomes; 

Overall I agreed with the majority of my feedback. One of the main comments was about presentation, and taking care when gluing and cutting. I was quite pleased that most of my images were understood, although 'Set Up' generated slight confusion. I feel this may be because the concept was slightly too developed, and in briefs like this, simpler ones would work more effectively to convey meaning. I was really happy with my feedback however, and was greatful that my peers recognised the amount of time and effort put into each piece.

Studio Brief 3: Play, Play, Play - Idea Development

After the review session, I developed my ideas generating alot more imagery for various other meanings. I feel that these images were alot more successful and show a full development of my ideas. I tried out a variety of compositions and different variations of a certain image. 

I really liked the idea of character development in some of my roughs, as it is something that I have never really included in my work. However, in this case, I felt that the use of characters would effect the visual consistency of my images as a set.

After creating a large variety of roughs, I felt that these 3 images would be most effective in terms of communicating, and interesting subject matter. I have chosen to use a limited colour scheme to ensure that my images are easily identifiable as a set and are visually consistent.

After experimenting with Shape in the Visual Language sessions, I have felt really inspired recently to use collage alot more in my work, and feel that it would work effectively in these images. I really like the way that using shape creates quite a simplistic effect, which i feel would be appropriate for instantly communicating a certain message.

Studio Brief 3: Play, Play, Play - Initial Ideas

For this project, my given word was SET. I started off thinking of all the possible meanings of the word, trying to avoid obvious and cliche ideas. For the brief, I had to create 3 posters, each communicating a different meaning of the word 'set'. 

This was an initial sheet to get my ideas down, covering some basic imagery that conveyed my given word. I then started to develop my concepts slightly, focusing on meanings such as 'set out' and 'set up'. Once again, I really struggled with generating ideas that were interesting and unconventional. however, while creating the roughs, I felt that there was a strong sense of narrative being developed throughout.

Based on my initial ideas, I took part in a peer review session; 

From the review, I received alot of helpful feedback in terms of moving my project forward. I found it really useful to see if people understood my concepts, especially in the 'Image only'. Some feedback I received was that my ideas communicated my meaning once it had been explained. However, I feel that to make a successful illustration it should be self explanatory which is something I tried to work on after this.

Studio Brief 2: A Day In The Life - Outcomes

Initially I created drawings based on my roughs using fineliner, and pencil to add textural details. I felt these drawings were quite successful because of their consistent visual style. I also felt that I delt with anatomy quite well, which led to effective development of character. 

These were my final outcomes for the editorial project:

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

For these outcomes, I tried a digital approach for the first time. I feel that it worked quite well for my concept, and felt that it gave my images a slick and professional look. One thing I would comment on though is the neatness of the colouring, as in some places it looks slightly messy. I also found it quite difficult only using 2 colours, as in some places I felt that it was hard to create contrast. 
    In terms of composition, I felt that I delt with it quite effectively, especially in fig 1 and fig 2. Fig 3 however is still successful to some extent, but I feel that the composition is slightly lacking, in terms of drawing your attention to the important aspect of the image, which is the umbrella. 

Some main points from my feedback that I agree with:

• My presentation at the critique, as my images were not cut out. I feel that in future I need to take a more professional attitude towards critiques and ensure that my work is displayed. 
• The compositional elements of fig 3 are used poorly to focus the attention on the main aspect of the story. When creating the piece I did feel that this was the case, however I felt it was difficult to maintain visual consistency. I feel that the image would be improved by better choice of colour on different aspects of the image. 
• I have also learnt about DPI's, which was something else I needed to work on when presenting my work.