Study Task 3 - What is Illustration? Part 1

Here I used Pinterest to collect a variety of images, relating to a number of qualities that I look for in successful Illustration.

Quality/Craftsmanship

Humor

Concept

Colour

Texture

What Is Illustration?

In this seminar, we looked at Illustration as a whole, and thought about what defines a 'good illustration'/what we look for. Some elements my group came up with:

Message

Concept

Emotional Response, aka Humor

Personal Connection

Narrative

Colour/Shape

The currency of the subject matter

Some Key Points

• Image becomes an Illustration with CONTEXT
• Purposes of drawing:
  Representation
  Explanation
  Documentation
  Visualisation
  Physical Activity
• Creating meaning through visual elements is about 'Talking as clear as I can'
• When creating images, keep it simple and effective. "Don't let your cleverness get in the way of communication"

ILLUSTRATION IS A JOB!

Wacom Tablet

This image was created during my first time using a Wacom tablet. I really enjoyed using this medium as I felt that it gave me alot of freedom in terms of tools, colour palettes and textures. Obviously this image isnt perfect, but I feel that using the tablets more would really improve my drawing skill and understanding of tones/colour palettes. In the future I want to use it more in my work, as I really like the effect it creates and the general easiness aspect is also a plus. 

Study Task 2

How can I use my sketchbook effectively to aid my creative practice?

• I would really like to use my sketchbook more as a way of recording ideas/developing them, as I don't do it as much as I'd like. 
• I will use the studio practice briefs to initially start my sketchbook, and then expand on the work in my own time, to see if sketchbooks are a good tool for me to use.

How can I communicate meaning more successfully in my Illustrations?

• I feel that communicating meaning is a very important aspect of Illustrations, and that, when creating pictures, I don't focus that much on it.
• I feel I could develop my communication skills by looking at other existing illustrations that have been used commercially. 

What makes an effective Illustration?

• As an illustration student, my goal is to ultimately learn how to create effective illustration. 
• I feel that the key to successful illustration is to evaluate my work continuously, and develop my ideas based on these evaluations. 

What can I learn from professional Illustrators that will help my career?

• I would really like to listen more to what professional illustrators have to say, as I feel that they are very inspiring and could teach me about illustration as an industry.
• As well as talking to my tutors that are currently working in the industry, I would like to attend more 'Big Heads' sessions.

How can I make my work look more professional?

• I feel that my work is currently lacking in professionalism in terms of presentation and skill. 
• In order to improve my presentation skills, I will attend more Photoshop workshops, to ensure that my work is presented professionally online and when printed. I would also like to invest more in printing my outcomes.  

How can I market my work? 

• Marketing your work as an illustrator is a very key skill to have as it effects how you interact with clients.
• I would like to take part in competitions, Live briefs, and making the most of every given extra curricular opportunity. I would like to use the Internet more effectively to 'get myself out there'.

How can I take a more professional attitude towards time management?

• I feel that as a student, I need to learn to balance my social life and work schedule more effectively.
• I will commit more of my time to Studio Development sessions, during and out of college hours. 

What specialism of Illustration am I best suited for?

• I would like to find this out so that I can focus on a certain style of illustration and master it before my course has ended.
• I will use each brief effectively, as they will help me to experiment with different genres of Illustration, and then evaluate which brief I enjoyed the most and felt most passionately about. 

What are other job pathways for Illustration, apart from the obvious?

• I would really like to investigate other pathways for Illustration, as I remain slightly unsure of my ability as an Illustrator. 
• I would like to explore other platforms of Art and design in terms of communication.

How can I use printing effectively in my work?

• Throughout my artistic career, I have neglected to use printing in my work. However, I really like the aesthetic of this technique. 
• I will use it more by means of experimentation in my future briefs.

Summer Project Critique & Student Advice

After completing the summer project, 10x10x10, I took part in a peer review session with my year, and second year illustration students. I received alot of feedback, commenting on concepts; 

• Experimented with communication of simple ideas. Show and develop your ideas more. 

and visual presentation;

• Well connected visual elements, lines + dots + colour theme. 
• Too reserved.
• Shape and frame work really well. Compositional elements are effective.

I feel that these comments are very reflective of my work, and I agree completely with them. To improve in the future, I will focus on the complexity of my concepts. I will also try to experiment with medias to reflect my concept in a more thoughtful way. 

Student Advice

 ~

At the end of the critique, we had a chat with the second year students about the course, and student life in general. From doing this, I have learnt that organisation is massively important, in terms of managing your time effectively, and ensuring that blogging is up to date. 

Study Task 1

Why did you choose to study illustration?

• I have always had interest in drawing and image making throughout my life.
• I was drawn to how diverse Illustration is as a subject.
• I studied Graphic Design at A-level, and I found that I was more interested in the visual image making side.
• I want to develop my technical drawing skills.
• I feel that illustrations can be the most powerful, in terms of conveying a message.

Why did you choose to study at Leeds College Of Art?

• I was initially interested in the course, because of it's prestigious reputation, but further received alot of recommendations from previous students. 
• I feel that the intensity of the course will be very beneficial to my skills, as well as making good use of the tuition fees. 
• I was drawn to the fact that it is purely an Art based institute, and would be constantly in a creative environment.
• I think the diversity and culture of Leeds will be beneficial in influencing my work. 
• I was really impressed with the college's facilities, tutors and alumni.

What are your strengths?

• Initially, I would say that I am quite diverse as an artist, as I am interested in so many disciplines of Art, aswell as just drawing.
• I am very good at taking criticism and acting upon it.
• I am quite imaginative and hope that this comes through in my work.
• I am very experienced in photography, and Photoshop work in general, and feel that this benefits my work alot. 
• When drawing, I really like sketching with Biro and feel that I have created some very successful pieces of work using it. 

What would you like to improve?

• I feel that my observational drawing skills should be improved, as it is a very important skill to have as an illustrator.
• I would like to improve my time management skills, so that I can reach my potential.
• I would like to focus on sketchbooking in general, and learn how to keep and maintain a successful sketchbook. 
• I would like to be able to generate work alot quicker.
• I would like to develop a more professional attitude towards my course. 

Images that demonstrate your interest in illustration

Introduction to PPP

Who Am I?

• I am an Illustration Student, interested in various platforms of Art.
• I am from Warrington, located between two cultural capitals of the UK; Liverpool and Manchester.
• I am a friendly and approachable person.
• Most clothes that I own are either black, white or grey (which hopefully doesn't reflect my personality)

Why am I studying Illustration?

• To learn the ins and outs of Illustration, as an academic subject and a profession. 
• To meet guest speakers gain inspiration.
• To make connections for when I graduate.
• Meet other like minded students with the same interests.
• Develop my skills as an illustrator.

What do I want to learn?

• What is needed to start out as a professional Illustrator.
• How to make connections.
• How to publicise yourself as an artist, and your work effectively. 
• How to effectively use certain methods of art and design e.g screen print. 
• How to keep and maintain a successful sketchbook.