Getting started on a new module. Even though I have increased my confidence by completing Key Steps in Illustration, I still found myself with a sense of trepidation. I have a new tutor, a different focus and given that sketchbooks (and my relationship to them) was an area that needed a lot of growth the previous module, I think that I will be pushing myself outside of my comfort zone a lot during this module.
I before starting this research task I completed some of the ideas in the coursework folder. I started by coming up with some lists and ideas around the subject of "Everyday" as suggested in the text. I created little sections in my sketchbook, and leaned into my sketchnoting habits from work. I know the lists that I made are by no means exhaustive, but I appreciate doing it, and getting my head into thinking about the subject ahead of the research task. I will be coming back to this page for ideas and inspiration in the future, no doubt.
I appreciated that the prompts actually allowed, and seemed (to me at least) to encourage some abstract or lateral interpretations of the keyword. I think there is some fertile ground in allowing my mind to think differently and more subjectively about the briefs.
I also tackled the questions posed in the coursebook:
Do you feel anxious about starting your sketchbook?
"I have mixed emotions really, I'm currently writing this answer in a sketchbook that's 50% complete. I have spent the day looking at other people's sketchbooks in recommended (and other) books. I'm fulled with both excitement and feeling daunted by what's to come.
"I'm anxious about setting my own agenda, I think I'm going to find that hard. A lot of my progress with sketchbooks so far has been using them in a methodical way to help my process and evolve ideas for coursework. I'm afraid that without that direction I won't know what to do."
Are you worried that you will have to show you work to your tutor and you don't think it is 'good enough'?
"In my last module I started with just one sketchbook, and by the end I used three different sizes, depending on what I was doing. I showed everything in my submissions. This book [I am writing in] is the 'creative one'. I used to be conscious about what is good enough, but I hope I've gotten over that (it still happens for my other pieces though). I do want my sketchbooks to meet (and surpass) expectations, though)."
Are you concerned that you haven't used a sketchbook ever, or for a while?
"I feel fortunate to have been supported by my tutor during my last module, so I am using sketchbooks even more than when I did my GCSE Art & Design. I am concerned that I haven't developed a daily sketchbook habit yet, but that's one of my ambitions for this module."
Are you confused because you don't know the 'right' way to do a sketchbook?
"Yes. There are so many variations out there that I have seen online and in books. It feels like so much pressure. I have no idea what 'mine' looks like. I also feel... (it's hard to describe the feeling) ... guilty? Guilty that I don;t have a voracious appetite to always be in my sketchbooks. Guilty that I don't spend enough time thinking out things and experimenting. Most of all, a sense of guilt about potential stuff I want to put to paper. I don't know what it says about me, and I am worried what others might think of me. Almost like I feel ashamed in advance."
The Research Task.
I watched Emma's sketchbook tour video, and made sketchnotes as I watched it (a good few times, I'll admit!). You can see my thoughts below:
You can see that I had some useful take-aways, and I am going to see how I can implement some of those thoughts soon.
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