Sunday 26 October 2014

10 Questions

1. How do I draw digitally?

I really like the look of digital art but am lacking skills in that area, though I do keep practising with different programs and tablets. I'd really like to be able to create at least an alright piece of work through digital media.

  •  I will pick up some skills through workshops at college but I will also have to just keep practising at home and with various projects, tools etc. 



2. How do I advertise myself as an Illustrator?

Is this just a case of making a website, blog, facebook, online portfolio and networking as much as possible?


  • Research how other Illustrators advertise themselves, initially and throughout their career



3. How can I organise my time so I get everything done?

This is one of my weakest points, I always rush to get things done because I am terrible at managing my time.

  • make use of my academic diary, get some kind of time management sheet and PLAN MY DAYS.



4. Exploring more options for Illustration including 3D?

I feel like I am stuck in an 'I am good at drawing, that is what I do' mindset but I would like to explore other media such as 3D models, and papercut type things.


  • Don't hold myself back when it comes to media and don't always stick to the same things, try to experiment in every project. 


5. How do I collaborate with others, illustrators, writers, animators etc?

I would like to collaborate with others!

  • Find how other illustrators do this. There was talk of a project that involves collaboration, I believe, so get stuck in with that. Do some fun collaborations with my flat-mates, if they fancy it. 



6. How can I get better at printmaking?

I really enjoyed screen printing last year and would love to get better at it and other printmaking methods this year!

  • go to workshops and create more prints for various projects throughout the year, practise makes perfect. 


7. How can I develop a style/tone of voice that is still versatile?

I feel like I don't have a real style yet and am a little worried about a. never finding my style calling or b. falling into a set style that isn't versatile!


  • Research awesome illustrators and be inspired. Draw, draw, draw until I find my calling, if things are looking too samey - mix it up. Don't hinder yourself. 



8. How do I set up commissions including pricing and making sure I get paid?

I know sometimes freelancers get swindled when it comes to prices and getting paid, so I need to learn about pricing my work appropriately, invoicing and ways to ensure I will get paid.





9. How do I make a website?

I don't even know where to start with websites.

  • Research good website platforms (is there a project where we make websites, I don't know. The blogging will definitely help I think)




10. Working with narrative and making messages clear in my work?


  • Think about how someone who has not been thinking about/seen the prior influence to the work would see the imagery. Maybe using cliche symbolism is alright if it conveys the message more clearly. Listen to feedback!


Wednesday 1 October 2014

Study Task 1

5 Reasons for Studying Illustration
  • it's a good balance between design and non-design based art
  • I love to draw (I particularly enjoy designing characters)
  • There's a lot of room for experimentation with media, themes and everything really
  • A lot of the art I have been interested in & been influenced by is some form of illustration
  • I am interested in working with narratives &communicating through art 
5 Reasons for choosing this program
  • I had wanted to go to LCA since I was a wee babe (12). I was chuffed when LCA started their own illustration course.
  • It was highly recommended by the first lot of students
  • I know Leeds pretty okay so I can focus more on the course than trying to navigate a new place
  • Teaches professional skills that I can take out into the big wide world
  • Great facilities (print room, mac suites, equipment available) the art making possibilities are endless
5 of my Strengths
  • Drawing girls
  • Drawing spooky things 
  • eyebrows always on point 
  • Painting with watercolour 
  • I can draw bodies from life pretty well
5 Things I want to improve on
  • Digital drawing
  • Considering the context of the work (on foundation I had a lot of trouble thinking of where my images would be seen so I would like to improve on always considering the context in both mine and other peoples work)
  • Managing my time effectively
  • Finding more creative solutions to a brief/idea/problem etc
  • Not being so shy about meanings and ideas behind my work 
5 images that demonstrate my interest in illustration
John Howe

ONEQ
Pippa Toole


Phillipa Rice
Alex Pardee


Bonus image



Kristyna Baczynski