Where am I now? by Megan Swan

Where am I now?

A visual evaluation

by Megan Swan

Research Skills Research has become a crucial element in developing my skills as an Illustrator. It has formed the basis for every project and helped keep me going throughout.

For example, Primary research: In OUIL405 Studio Brief 2 I went on independent field trips to Kirkstall Abbey and Sheffield. I collected ephemera, took photos and interviewed a member of staff and spoke to the public.

I found this hugely useful and set me up for a solid, valid project and it definitely paid off. I also drew from observation and reference which played a key part in improving my drawing skills. I interacted with my surroundings, such as for ‘A Day In Leeds’ me and my group created paper boats and raced them down the river - when we needed to generate ideas for our One Week Book this experience started us off. Engaging with the environment is crucial, I have discovered.

Secondary research: I took advantage of libraries, newspapers and the internet. I have learnt that only using internet research sets you up for a fall and a project that doesn’t go deep enough. Digging around in libraries has dug up some wonders and I’ve learnt this is a good tactic.

Victorian Photographs for OUIL405

Drawing from reference & observation at Kirkstall

Ephemera from Kirkstall for OUIL405

Making paper boats for OUIL405

Image making Screenprinting was an entirely new field for me and I loved every second of utilising this resource for OUIL403. I feel that I can use this technique again in the future so I am glad to know the logistics, but I do need practice.

Before my first semester I had poor knowledge of artwork created/edited digitally. Thankfully I’ve learnt and comprehended how Adobe Photoshop and InDesign work. I am sure that this fresh understanding of digital programmes will definitely carry me forward in my degree and I already feel much more capable than before.

Visual Language (OUIL404) has helped me in a vastly different way. It has loosened me up in my creative practice and I feel much more relaxed and less pressured to have everything perfect whilst creating images. I think I’ve experienced this transformative moment with the ‘shape’, ‘texture’ and ‘collage’ based briefs. Using shape and texture rather than line took the pressure off and the results were positive.

Collage poster for Visual Language

Using InDesign to layout my picture book (OUIL405)

Texture/shape self-portrait

First Photoshop workshop, editing my reference drawing

Personal Management Skills The workload thus far has been intense and at times hard to handle, however with a proactive, positive mindset and a supportive group of peers I have successfully persevered. Therefore I can say with confidence that I have learnt ways to cope with a big workload and multiple briefs. For example, list-making has been a godsend. I make a To-Do list at least once a day and it aids me in reconfiguring what needs doing and which one needs it done first. It helps me to prioritize, stay organised and manage my time effectively.

Time management is extremely important and I’ve definitely learnt from my mistakes in this regard. Such as with Context of Practice; I should have gradually written my 3000 essay but instead I left it to the last 2 weeks before I had to hand it in. This was irresponsible and with hindsight I would do things differently. On the other hand, I submitted the essay in time and I am still fairly pleased with the turnout.

Study Skills Using studio space effectively is something I have learnt to be vital, though it doesn’t seem obvious. Without knowing I have found myself cooped up on a busy table covered in clutter.

However when I notice, (or somebody notices for me), I remove myself from that situation and find more space to make images in. This has been demonstrated as an effective way to work in OUIL403.

I created lots of rough ideas and concepts before going to make the final . This meant that I had a solid foundation to work upon and I was able to choose the best elements from lots of different initial concepts to take forward for my final.

Final book cover redesign for OUIL403

I find that frequent breaks during periods of work mean that I can concentrate better and get work done quicker. Breaking my day into chunks means I can set tasks to be done by a certain time. I find I work better under time-pressure so having the clock ticking means I use time wisely.

Blogging my progress and reflection has really aided my development because it forces me to look back on and evaluate my work and where I’ m taking it. I’ve found it ingrains self-reflection into me which means I’ m constantly looking for areas of improvement - good practice.

Developing ideas

Working on roughs

Things I’ve opened my eyes to One of the many reasons that I was excited to begin my first semester at LCA was the links to professional practitioners within the creative industry. ‘Big Heads’ has acted as an amazing, fascinating eye-opener for me. Each live Skype call with a different designer/illustrator teaches me more and more. Also, it shocks and astounds me how down to earth these big and famous designers are. They are relatable which does wonders for the confidence I hold over my own practice.

For example Kyle Webster, whom is known for his custom Photoshop brushes, spoke with us nearer the beginning of the semester. I took a lot of points of wisdom from him.... Including advice relating to professionalism, portfolio building and contracts/rights. I’d be the first to admit that I am not very knowledgeable in this area and Kyle really highlighted this for me. It’s definitely something I need to work on within Personal & Professional Practice. Another point that Kyle brought up was colour theory. He said that if he were able to tell him past his past self something, it would be to pay more attention to colour in school and college. I’d never really considered just crucial it is to have a full understanding of colours and how it affects things. Looking at Kyle’s piece of work ‘Earnest’ it becomes evident that he’s now got a full comprehension of colour - within this image the colours all cooperate and work together to give the feel of a certain calmness, a warmth and a safety. As well as ‘Big Heads’ I’ve been doing independent artistic research, I believe learning about context is key for comprehension, Kyle Webster validates this.

Communicating messages through visual imagery has been tricky with a lack of text but I am very proud of myself for taking it on and completing the related, difficult briefs.

Earnest by Kyle Webster http://www.kyletwebster.com/

Personal Development Throughout the first semester, more so nearer the end, I struggled with adapting to my new lifestyle - leaving home which is 260 miles away. Therefore, in terms of personal development, I have grown a lot. I’ve become more independent, self-sufficient and responsible. I’m learning to focus on myself now that I’m out of the family home, which is a big change - but a positive one nonetheless.

When I was struggling I plucked up the courage to head for Student Support. I am glad that I reached out for some help to handle my problems. I began to see one of the Universities counsellors, she taught me some strategies to help me handle stress and anxiety-inducing situations. I was also able to offload some of my other worries which were bringing me down. I felt I needed support because it was affecting my mood, friendships and motivation to draw. I didn’t want this to be my experience of uni.

However, now I am feeling a lot more positive and trying not to let things get me down - such as comparing my work to my peers, the workload and finances. One thing that gave me a boost was having my book cover redesign chosen for the library. It was a complete and utter shock because I had convinced myself that mine was awful in comparison to the others. Yet my design was chosen. I need to learn to have some confidence in myself and my work because confidence is important.

I have grown up quite abruptly over the first semester, but it has brought me to where I am today. I am feeling happy and content, so I don’t think I would go back to change what happened. Hopefully from now on I will grow into my practice and into myself.

My book sleeve design on the book in LCA Library

Professional Practice One of the most unique and appealing aspects of Leeds College of Art is the fact it is a University dedicated to the creatives. This is marvelous for everyone here because we are surrounded by like-minded individuals. It means that I am constantly learning from and being inspired by my peers. Not only that but we can cooperate and help each other when we’re stuck in ruts.

For example, in the group crits I can see my work from another perspective and with a fresh pair of eyes. The process of reflecting on my own work in the presence of my peers really aids me in seeing the strong aspects and then the areas which require more work.

Running a blog and posting to it frequently has initiated a surge of self-contemplation and it makes me regard myself as a professional, or an aspiring one at least. However, my blog has been lacking in some respects. I would rather I posted to it more regularly and with a more concise and evaluative message.

Another substantial component to first semester was Context of Practice (OUIL401). This module has opened my eyes to the wider world and issues that surround and engulf us. I feel my practice has been furthered by becoming mindful of society and culture. For example, COP has lead me to investigate the principles of gender. It has made me aware of theories that suggest gender is a social construct. It has fascinated me and taken me into a world where I didn’t think art would take me, but I am glad for it and will mean I am communicating stronger messages in my images.

Example of practical work for Context of Practice

Types of Illustration Visual Language (OUIL402) has suggested to me that Illustration could be anything. I always find that I’m questioning if what I am doing is illustration or not. Then I reaffirm that Illustration can be anything at all. Personally, I believe that Illustration is an image that conveys a message that was premeditated by the designer.

An image does what a piece of text cannot. It communicates almost instantly and most times without our conscious awareness. Colour, shape, texture, line quality, tone, composition and character are just some of the elements. For example, I photographed myself with a ‘mutation’ and submitted it as a piece of illustration. It was gladly accepted.

My ‘yoga mutation’ for Visual Language

I have grasped this with Visual Language and also within Visual Skills (OUIL403) - ‘A day in the life’ was an editorial illustration based brief - with no text. This terrified me initially but as I tackled it, I realised it was easier than I thought. It just takes a solid understanding.

1 of 3 final pieces for OUIL403 Studio Brief 2

The purpose of Illustration Communication. My view is that Illustrators are responsible for projecting, encouraging, supporting and informing a wider audience of an intended and premeditated message.

For example Olivier Kugler, who is a popular contemporary illustrator, says ‘I love to draw on location or from my own reference photographs’ (Kugler, http://www.olivierkugler.com/). This means that he is wellinformed and can convey hidden messages or underlying issues. He is a king of colour and composition, instantly drawing the viewer in.

During first semester I’ve become more mindful of myself and how I feel about my own Illustrations and images. I think it is vital that you enjoy your own practice. It should be enjoyed by the artist as well as the target audience. Because if the creator doesn’t enjoy and appreciate the art, nobody will. Passion shines out of a page. The viewer will notice if somebody has worked all night over an image, played with it and redrawn it a thousand times to just get it right. Taking this into account I aim to enjoy my practice. It should not be a chore for me, it is what I adore. Thus, I shall work and work at it.

Olivier Kugler

The contexts in which you see Illustration Personally I see Illustration everywhere. To be more specific I would say in the media. But in this modern era, the media engulfs us and make up most of our lives. I discovered this whilst conducting research for Context of Practice - the New York Times found that in 2007 the average person is exposed to over 7,000 ads per day.

This was almost a decade ago, so it doesn’t bare thinking about how many ads we see per day in 2016!

This frightens and astonishes me simultaneously. It interests me because it just goes to show how vast the umbrella is that the media holds above our heads, controlling what they want us to see and what they don’t.

I find that Illustration itself is always in a context that is intended to be informative. May it be a poster for a gig or a video for a fashion campaign. Both of these would be informing us of something. Good illustration is planned to evoke an emotion, have personality and to be instantaneous. I’ve learnt this over the course of my first semester and I’m surprised and pleased with how fast I am picking these little tit-bits of advice up, and how much enjoyment I’m taking from it! I think that I had psyched myself up to be completely out of my depth on this degree course… But here I am, loving every problem that needs to be solved.

Calexico concert poster

Noma Bar for VW