I'm writing this reflections post at the end of section four, rather that at the start of it. Section three ended up being quite emotional, and I needed time to process those feelings, and how they related to my work.
Feedback
Overall, I was really surprised with the positive feedback I received for section three, especially the comments I received about how I had approached the first few exercises. My tutor thought my approaches to those exercises inventive, but for me they just seemed like logical steps in solving problems.
It's very useful for me to have that kind of feedback. For one, sometimes I think I just need someone to tell me I am doing well. On the other hand it's useful to remind myself that just because I see things one way, it doesn't mean anyone else does. If my approach to exercises can be inventive, then I wonder how I can build on that in my work?
With this task you have shown a clear design process that focuses on digital developments.
I was really pleased with the above comment, I get a distinct sense of accomplishment when I know that I am doing things a 'correct' way. I also feel guilty that I feel that way, as professionally I spend my time helping people learn how to experiment with their organisations. You would think that I would naturally have a growth mindset! This is something I want to keep working on.
One of the pieces I was particularly unhappy with was the Abstract Illustration. My tutor's feedback was really useful, and in retrospect I now feed much more positive about the exercise. I am also proud that I followed through with my intention to do some linocut printing, which was one of my intended to-do items from my section two reflections.
I really enjoyed the diagrammatic illustration exercise - I felt a bit more comfortable doing it, so it felt easier to have fun with it. I learnt a lot about layout and presenting information and instructions succinctly. I can take a lot of things from this exercise into my professional day job. I am also pleased that my analytical skills are doing well.
The Mockups Exercise
It's funny how one's perspective clouds one's judgement! For me this exercise was all about the final image (which I was particularly critical of). However, to my tutor it was more about the process I took. My tutor had some practical feedback about how I could improve the image. I have tried to take this into the next section by trying to experiment with, particularly, using texture in my work.
The first year is a great time to take visual risks and learn from happy accidents (what some might be tempted to call mistakes).
I think this is a really important message for me to absorb. Put I also need to be compassionate with myself that this won't happen overnight. I need to keep working on it. I also think I need to be reminded! This process is not about the success, it's about how much I can learn. I really don't know why this is so hard for me to take in.
The Assignment
I am pleased that my digital skills worked well for my assignment, but they also tend to be a bit of a fallback process. I think this is because given a specific rendering approach I can pull off a pretty good final result. I realised at the end of the last section that I needed to explore more with techniques that don't rely on line art. Based on the Giants poster, one area that I thought I could focus on was exploring the use of vector artwork.
I enjoyed coming up with the play on words, and this approach is something I think I should keep at the back of my mind going into section five. I was particularly pelased with how I managed to get the effect of the crowd's heads with a minimal amount of strokes. I would like to practice my ability to effectively use dynamic lighting techniques. I have a book on noir comics that might be useful for some self-directed study but I wonder what other resources are available for me to improve my skills here?
I also need to curb my tendency to rush to immediately using digital. I need to work on how to push through and persevere when the process gets difficult. This might also help me keep my approach loose and energetic. I feel a contradiction between my obsession with things being 'right', 'correct' or 'perfect' and what feels like my more natural tendency to be impatient, quick and loose.
The main thing I want to do in section four is push through my fear of really using my sketch books. I think the key to that might be more about letting go than forcing my way. I don't want to take on too much in that case.
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