End of Module Evaluation

Applied illustration has been one of my favourite yet challenging modules of the year. Throughout which, I have learnt a lot about myself and where i would like to develop my practice. The freedom of the module allowed me to really reflect on my own personal interests and having the opportunity to develop these areas of focus and consider how my illustrations will be applied, was both exciting and daunting.
Although the freedom was great , i think to begin with i felt a pressure and need to come up with a perfect idea, and it took me a long time to settle on one subject and area of focus. I think delayed the progression of my project. Comparing this to other modules where we are given a brief, i feel it took me longer to get stuck into the workload. In reflecting on this now, i realise that this is something to really consider moving into next year; i need to get used to making more independently informed decisions, and creating my own brief in a restricted time limit. All our modules in level 6 will be more self directed and i need to have the confidence and urgency to focus down on an idea, without jumping from one to another for too long.

With this module being a long duration, i was really excited to start as i feel that i work best over longer periods of time. Like in 504, It gave me the opportunity to get really involved in the research side of things - perhaps even more so. I have developed such an interest in greek mythology the subject has really cemented my curiosity in exploring narrative illustration, as well as products. I feel that my passion for the subject has been reflected in my final pieces, with these being probably my favourite and most successful illustrations that i have produced all year, in terms of both media and composition.

My project proposal definitely should have been completed at an earlier stage, so as to not get too lost in research. Although this has been a positive aspect of the module, i also feel that my visual journal suffered because of time spent on this, and i did not create as many exhaustive compositions as i should have. Although i am pleased with my final compositions, it is always beneficial to spend time developing and refining compositions to a good standard, and for this project i felt rushed.

At the start of the project I aimed to create a series of lino cuts which unfortunately, i didn't have time to create. I was disappointed, however, the short time that i had to actually produce my finals forced me to refine and develop my digital skills. I had to be resourceful and efficient with my time in order to get the work done.

Throughout the year i have focused a lot on texture, particularly mono print, and have developed a visual style that has a similar feel to my lino prints from 504, but through digital means. However, i don't feel i really pushed this process to its full potential until this project. in the past, I have found photoshop to be tedious and sometimes frustrating, but in creating these finals have become much more confident in the process and feel i can continue to images like this. I have been able to bring knew qualities to my images that i haven't done before; I love the detail and variety of textures and depth that i brought to my images compared to previous work. While i still felt it was in keeping with my ‘lino cut’ aesthetic.

Although i would love to continue with my interest in traditional print making methods, I am happy to continue digitally, as i thoroughly enjoyed this process! I think using the combination of hand drawn line, wacom tablet and hand made textures creates a good balance for me - its not a too overpoweringly digital process!

The research i carried out has heavily informed my practice - the outcome of the module, both visually and contextually, as well as forming new interests along the way. I developed a real interest in products, and had a lot of fun applying my illustrations into different contexts. Narrative of the greek legends was a driving force behind my project, but i also are increasingly interested in how far i could push narrative - that it could be adapted to different merchandise or even jewellery.

I am really quite annoyed that i didn't get to explore this further. I think that this interest perhaps peaked too late on the module, and I found that i had lots of research but not enough translating of my own designs. Practically, i only got to create some simple roughs depicting how some of my characters could be adapted for 3D. It would have been really beneficial if i had actually produced one, or at least created a more detailed plan.

Towards the second half of the year other modules such as responsive and Cop really seemed to take priority, and i felt there were many times when this module suffered because of this. 

The long duration could be deceiving, I think that because it was much more self directed, and everyone was doing completely different things, i was less aware of what stage i should be at with my work. I should have kept a more structured and organised plan of my time for this module; its something i really regret not doing more of. For me moving forward, its all about balancing my time. I am not a lazy person, i work hard. But i find that i do not prioritise correctly and my mind wonders and can loose focus easily. I really need to stick to plans that i make! i find i work the most efficiently when i have planned out my working day - almost hour by hour creating mini deadlines for myself!

Moving forward into level 6, i feel that my final pieces for the project really sum up the direction i am heading in with my work. Visually, i think they are the most progressive and successful pieces i have produced all year. I feel proud of them which is unusual for me! I know that i want to continue to explore texture and lino, but i think its important to find a balance, between hand made processes and digital. Although i love the visual aesthetic of these pieces i want to develop a more consistent approach to the production of final artwork - wether that be digital or hand made.

I know that i would like to build upon my interest in product and 3D. Apart from mock ups, this isn't heavily reflected in my practical responses, but i think my interest is very present through research. I aim to continue to explore this over summer, through work experience and the Alchemy jewellery, and self initiated study. Once again, on going reflection and lack of organisation let me down at the end of this module, and i didn’t reach my full potential. I have found its been like a domino effect for me this year, with one module overlapping into the next, and i am so determined next year to keep on top of things from an early stage, and to stick to a stricter timetable.

Project Report

Design Boards

Final Project Proposal

Adapting my designs - for 3D

After gathering some really interesting primary research on the process of jewellery making / modelling process i wanted to take some of my characters from my final designs and adapt to become 3D. / jewellery
Its something that i really wished to develop further within the project but unfortunately just haven't had the time to explore this as much as i would have liked. Its something that i perhaps realised i wanted to look into too late within the project and would have benefitted me more approaching this from the beginning. However my initial interest won't stop here, and i think that gathering this research will be highly useful for future briefs. Its something that i wish to explore further into the summer.
Although these sketches are just initial roughs, I have felt really inspired and come up with a lot of concepts and different ways of interpreting and adapting my character designs. In understanding more about the process through research, i also feel more confident that my sketched designs could be made into metal models with the right direction.
- i am unqualified to do so - and doing this myself is perhaps something that will never happen! never the less, considering how a design of mine could be taken and made into a product by someone else is a possibility to consider. - and is something that could be very possible in the industry.
- Perhaps my main contribution in doing something like this would be to come up with the design - the initial rough and in creating the components on illustrator?
- However i am still very interested in the hands on process.
- An initial model i started creating.
- cyribys - / kraken wrapped around a glass bottle. - continuing with the sea theme. - ornament.

- I think if i want to look at 3 D there is still the option of me creating pieces by hand - not detail jewellery - but clay models of my designs instead. - such as candle holder, etc - through oven drying clay.
- this is something that i found really fun, and it is accessible to me. - its ideal for me to explore over the summer. - Developing my skills when working in 3D.

- I think creating and adapting illustration into 3D products and jewellery is quite unique, and would open up a who new audience for my work. Jewellery and products are not something that will suit every subject i explore, but is especially relevant and relatable to mythology and ancient themes which i want to continue to push in my work. - greek inspired jewellery and products are very popular and in demand as seen through research.

Here are some examples proposing how i could take some of my characters and adapt them into 3D products.
- 3D - mugs
- ornaments - candle holder
- Jewellery
Madusas head - bowl? - jewellery holder?
patterns printed onto a bowl.

- initial attempt at creating a polymer clay version of my 'Charybdis' - surrounding a glass bottle. - unfinished but i enjoyed re creating the charter and adapting into a 3D design.

Primary Research - The alchemy jewellery.

During the process of creating my final images, I am considering how i could take these characters and adapt them into 3D and jewellery product design. I realise that with the time left the project there won't be as much time to explore this process as i would have liked, but as mentioned in earlier research, its something that i am interested in understanding. 

At this point, its really about proposing an idea, and in order to consider my work in this 3D form i need to understand more about the process and how this would be possible. 

Questions i asked: 

How do you create a 3D version from a sketch? 

do you need to draw various angles? 

on what software do you use?

what materials?

what machinery?

I have spoken to my uncle and have been lucky enough to get a first hand insight into the process. Its been really interesting learning about how a sketch - an initial idea can be transformed from paper into a solid puta piece of jewellery. Adapting my work to 3D is something that i feel i would perhaps like to incorporate into my practice in the future and this has been a really nice starting point. 

From what i have discovered today, i hope to take characters i have created through my visual journal and propose some jewellery and product ideas.

- Looking into the future of my practice, i don't believe that creating jewellery and products will be appropriate for everything that i make, but it is something i would like to try, and i feel that it is especially fitting when exploring historical subjects such as greek mythology for which i have developed a great interest in, and is a topic i do wish to explore further.

The process:

Mock Up designs

Here is a selection of the rest of my mock up designs. Initially i didn't want to go over board on mock ups just for the sake of it! But as the project has developed, i have really begun to see a strong link developing in my practice between narrative and product, the two gelled together quite well,and applying my designs to a variety of products seemed like a justified and appropriate conclusion to the project.
Narrative has been the driving force to this brief, and greek mythology is a subject that I have become really emersed and interested in exploring. It is also a theme that i have pushed out of the confides of book illustration and it has been a natural progression into product and merchandise.
This is something that i didn't initially consider when approaching greek mythology, but i have found that the audience is so broad, that its a subject that will appeal to adults and a younger audience too.

- its a subject that can be a bit over welming though for younger audience - a lot of writing. more visual and interactive. - to peak interest
- mugs
- posters
- t - shirts
- totebags

these things will also appeal to older - already interested - quite a niche market but dedicated and demand. for greek themes.
can also be more sophisticated.
- wall
- cushion
- plates
- mugs

Mock up - Book Design.

I feel that my designs could also be suitable to adapt into a book cover. Creating a book depicting the odyssey is something that I initially considered making at the start of the project, - almost like a visual journey of the odyssey, and i do think that would have been nice to make if i had priorities my time better. However, as mentioned in my updated project proposal, i think that it would be appropriate to create a small book or zine, evolving around each event within the odyssey. 
- 10 zines would be ideal as this could represent the 10 year journey of the odyssey.
- Although i haven't created 10 images, i think each of my three final examples would make an effective front cover.
- The above example - 'Scylla' would be evolved around this sea monster, and the dramatic event that unfold within this section of the odyssey. The Text would be a summery of the story , so it is readable and appealing and engaging for a younger audience. As well as being easy to transport. 

Final Poster Designs.

Mocking up my designs has been a really enjoyable process! Here is my series of three prints mocked up into square frames as poster designs. Although i had some initial plans for the images to be book covers I felt that it naturally progressed more into poster designs, to be enjoyed by people who know and love The odyssey, as well as appealing to and enticing people who have perhaps not read the book.  Overall i am pleased with my designs and i feel they make for an interesting and striking series of prints. It isn't unusual for some well loved book covers to be adapted and distributed as poster prints, and i think that this is something that can help promote a book as well as interest an audience.

'The Sirens'

'The Charybdis' 

'The Scylla'

Greek mythology is a theme that can be appreciated and loved by such a wide audience, the subject can capture the imagination of many, which is why i think there would be a demand for my poster designs. - As i have said previously, i have tried to create artwork that i feel will also appeal to both and old and young audience - so wether these would be bought by adults who know and love the ancient tales, or enjoyed by young individuals who are drawn in by the .....events and are developing an interest in mythology? - my posters are creating an initial intreats perhaps.


I have also considered adding type to the images, so they could also be considered more as poster designs and not just prints. Including text is something that i wish i had considered more during the designing process, as i think it would be good to communicate what each image is representing more clearly. Particularly for people who are not familiar with the stories. 

I don't think the text is the most successful it could have been. I didn't design the images with text in mind, and so i don't feel that the writing fits together with the illustrations.
I have considered other ways of adding the text however. Perhaps the writing doesnt need to fit within the illustration? i have adapted my designs to fit within a 6by4 frame and include the text surrounding the image.

Poster Type test.

- Downloaded some 'greek mythology inspired fonts that i think could be incorporated into my poster designs. - and potentially used throughout the merchandise...

- I like the sophisticated and delicacy of the first design, but perhaps its too difficult to read??

- Think the second also works quite well, - perhaps the bold line aesthetic will work well with the lino cut style of my design? 

- test with my finished work - see which stands out and compliments the imagery.

Final Three Prints

Final three images - 30 by 30 

In arranging my final images as a set, I am pleased to see that they work as a series.

I am glad that I chose the three compositions that i did: i feel with each one featuring the ship, it clearly shows the running theme of the Odysseys journey throughout each print.

I like each piece for different reasons, but in viewing them together i see where perhaps the visual aesthetic of the imagery differs. In my 'Charybdis' piece (last) the lines i have used to represent the sea and main body of the monster are quite thick, and i feel that they represent the lino aesthetic that i was aiming to create by hand. Comparing this to the 'Sirens' piece, i can see where my lines have become thinner and focused more on detail in areas, which perhaps looses this feel slightly - especially for the underwater scene. 

-Although i have actually really enjoyed the digital process of combining the textures and line drawing, i think that in the future i need to be more considerate of line quality. I think its about me finding the balance between digital and hand made processes also. - The use of lino cut to create detail would have maybe given the final images more of a consistent and organic visual quality.

- In future, I would be interested in perhaps creating a lino cut print of detail, and then digitally editing this with textures.

(Images may look blurry until you view full screen)

Final Process - 'The Sirens'

Final Process - 'The Scylla'

Final Process - 'The Charybdis'

Texture experimentation

- water colour
- dry brush
- monoprints.

Approaching the texture to include in my final artwork wasn't too challenging. I have approached mono print a number of times previously now, and i am always really pleased with the way these textures turn out!
I went to the print room and created a number of simple background textures varying in gradient and quality of line. - all in black ink.
Once in photoshop these textures can be manipulated - i can colourise them, and cut them up and layer as i would like to.

I have also created a number of watercolour textures that may also be an effective addition of texture for my final prints. Sometimes i like to layer the water colour on top of monoprints for extra detail - changing the opacity to do so.

Final Compositional Development

Final Compositions

From all my roughs these are the three compositions that i am going to push forward. 
Approaching the visual aspect of the final pieces, i know that i want to continue to push a similar aesthetic to my lino and mono prints from 504. This is something that I have pushed quite heavily through the rest of the year, but i am continuing to refine and develop this visually through digital means, and not limiting to the hand made process.
I would have liked to create the detail in lino but i have realised with the time available it would be impossible to create a substantial resolution to the brief. I need to be efficient with my time and remember that the project is a lot more about proposing an idea than actually making it. I don't want to sacrifice my ideas and concepts due to the lino process, so i have decided to create the detail through block ink which will be scanned in and edited with the mono printed textures - and potentially watercolour textures that i have created. I will experiment with this in processing my final designs.


I had used greek art as inspiration for my sketchbook and the style in which i drew some of the characters, and i think that the ancient artwork has an aesthetic that is very similar to the lino cut style created in my previous work. - I am going to continue this aesthetic for these final pieces - using bold block lines to depict the detail which i think is a good visual interpretation to represent the the greek mythology theme.

Although i am quite pleased with how the ink has come out, i have realised that its very difficult to create the exact same effect as lino cut. Its a lot more organic and i find that a lot of interesting details and mark making can occur through cutting lino that can't be drawn. which is something to bar in mind for the future.

Refining my compositions for final:

Sirens:

Scylla:

Charybdis:

Sketchbook work - two

- Compositional development - Deciding on my final direction.

Having narrowed down the focus of my project, and written a rough, but structured project proposal, i feel more in control and certain of where my project is heading. Although i had many interests and possible ideas to explore within greek mythology, I feel more settled and focused now i have just chosen a specific series of events to depict! I have chosen the story of The odyssey and am enjoying visually exploring/depicting the characters and events within.
When creating my own interpretations of the characters and events, i want them to be unique and personal, however, it is also important that they are well informed. I have done a lot of research into each stage of the odyssey and the events that unfold. When focusing on sketching each character or scene and am continuously being informed by and referring back to the quotes and descriptions i have gathered in the 'further research - the odyssey' blog post.

examples ?!

I have found that i am mostly drawn to the monsters of the odyssey, and less to do with drawing the people. I just feel that my images are more successful, and compositions are more creative when focused around the mythical creatures. I think its the creative freedom these characters allow - they don't have to look a certain way, I can use the text to inform my interpretations of the beasts, but its altogether quite open. I am enjoying this opportunity to  develop my own characters. Events / monsters that i am interested in depicting include:
- The cyclops
- The scylla
- Sirens
- Charybdis
- Minator
- 

 Unfortunately i haven't really explored much media experimentation within my visual journal, but i am heavily inspired by all the artists research i have collected and as i have previously said i know that i am interested in pushing the visual aesthetic of lino and mono print explored previously throughout the year. - wether that be through lino or digital.
At this stage i thought it be wise to just go straight into creating my compositions however instead of spending time on media exploration! Once i have some compositions i would like to push, it will then be about refining my practical process and making decisions about the visual aesthetic of my work. For the moment i am really focused on pushing my characters / monsters and depicting the scenes i have chosen from the odyssey.

UPDATE:
Within the odyssey however i am still unsure on exactly what i am creating. what i had decided to focus on in my proposal is still quite vague.
- i suggested depicting events from each section to form a book but there is no time.
- i need to limit down my ideas and create a solid proposal that i can follow from now on!!!

PROPOSAl - rough:

- I am going to to create a series of 3 prints, with each one depicting an important and catastrophic event from the historical greek tale of The Odyssey.

The prints will additionally be adapted to becoming a zine/book cover and poster design.
Aimed at a wide audience from young children to adults, I will also propose a range of merchandise and products, - a collection of which will have something to appeal to all ages.

(- decided i want to explore 3D - even just proposing, - so will reduce amount of imagery i create.
- i will Choose three characters - monsters - they will be the focus - successful and drawn to them and know this now from reviewing my sketches.)

Compositional exploration:

- These are rough roughs! but the drawings make sense to me - just coming up with a basic composition - focusing on shape and balance. - don't want to over complicate with detail at this point!
- things to consider,
- need to visually link
- need to work as a series
- same angle? / viewpoint?
- same - proportion to the frame - 'zoomed in'

I have reviewed my roughs, and the three characters that i feel have the most potential to be pushed forward are:
'The Sirens'
'The Scylla'
'The Charybdis'
- These have been the characters and events that i have enjoyed drawing and developing most recently. When viewing my roughs, I also feel that these three would visually, work the most successfully as a set. in my roughs i have featured the Boat in each of these scenes and i think that this is a nice linking feature between each image - the series depicting the continuous journey through each image.

summery of all images - development and compositional roughs:

Further research. - The Odyssey

- After researching further into 'The Odyssey' i feel that this could also be a really interesting area of within greek history to focus my project around. 

- A problem with my initial ideas of creating illustrations depicting a variety of gods or monsters, or even telling well known stories perhaps is that the scope is still so broad. - perhaps I need to focus down the subject even more.

- If choosing the odyssey I could create a series of book or prints depicting Odyssey's 10 year journey back to his beloved family. Along the way he encounters so many 'gods and monsters' - exciting and interesting events unfold. 

- Perhaps then my response would be more cohesive and less 'random'? - even in the world of greek myths /legends there are so many subjects that the choice is endless! i feel that i need to narrow down some sort of theme further within this.

Aims/ideas

- Consider books 3-5. arguably the most entertaining and eventful section within The Odyssey. Draw and create in response to researched characters and scenes.

- I like the idea of forming a cohesive set of prints - published within a book telling the story of the odyssey's journey. 

- Perhaps also considering how i could piece all these scenes together for an alternative display? - could all the sections make up the body or face of the odyssey himself?! - to create a huge wall print or wallpaper design? 
- Could the ideas be to overdone? - need to look at existing interpretations of the story.
- for an easier understanding //summery of the story reference: http://www.greeka.com/ionian/ithaca/ithaca-myths/odysseus.htm
other references;
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/odyssey/section1.rhtml
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/o/the-odyssey/poem-summary
http://blog.oup.com/2014/07/scenes-from-the-odyssey-in-ancient-art/
http://www.ancient-literature.com/greece_aristophanes_birds.html
https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3356006

Greek Inspired Products

'Lacrimosa design' - their new creative pursuit is - KYANOS - designing and decorating products, accessories and useful items for the whole family inspired by Greek Mythology. Products are printed on fabric with high resistance indelible colours  All products are made in Greece, with emphasis on particularity and quality.

The inspiration for KYANOS series originates from their love for Greece, it’s history and ancient greek culture. The designs and patterns are inspired from designs from geometric or archaic period of the Macedonian kingdom and other eras, customized in earthy or intense shadings. Representations of mythological and historical figures are combined with line drawings, creating an integrated range of products.

The name cyanos is derived from the ancient greek word κυανός (pronounced=kianos), meaning “dark blue”, formerly known as “cyan blue”. The greek poet Homer (author of Iliad and Odyssey, who lived during the 8th century B.C.) was the first to use the word “cyanos”. Ιn ancient times, “cyanos” was used to describe the blue reflections created when the sun light illuminated on dark-pencil grey metal alloy. We also find it in word ku-wa-no, in a Linear-B sign in Pylos, Greece. It is the bluish-grayish color, also found in nature, in birds feathers of flowers."

KYANOS collection is ideal for:
– Museum shops
– Multi-purpose venues for art and culture
– Hotel shops
- Shops for tourists
– Travel agencies
– Clubs and cultural institutions
– Business gifts

Greek Art/Products

Since looking at the alchemy, i have been inspired to consider developing my project into product designs. I decided to look specifically at existing ancient greek artwork and objects. I found they created such beautiful and intricate pieces of jewellery, bowls, vases, with many being inspired by their gods, or legends.
A collection of some truly stunning examples;

- Iv'e found these to be really inspiring. I am beginning to see how my illustrations could be adapted in a variety of ways. - wether that with it being printed onto a surface. - bowl/vase or material. Or actually carving out a 3D design?
- Next - need to luck at methods of production (other than information from my uncle) - methods that i can attempt by hand? - polymer clay for example.

- Comparing this collection to some stunning contemporary jewellery examples. These pieces are all inspired by the ancient greeks, yet with a modern twist. Through research i have found theres still such a market that this jewellery and products will appeal to. 
- is this just a 'fashion trend' at the moment? will it last? - if I adapted my illustrations to such products how long would they be desirable/ an audience. These are questions I need to look further into. But it seems that Greek inspired patterns, prints, furniture, and jewellery has been relevant for quite some time.

Research - The Alchemy

Considering how my illustrations could be applied to other forms;

- I have been really interested in products and packaging and seeing how illustrations can be adapted to fit a wide range of products.

- I am lucky enough to have an uncle that works for The Alchamy engalnd. - creating 3d - jewellery products in metal/ that evolve around a gothic theme.

- Some really interesting and inspiring adaptations, that uniquely incorporate illustrative themes into their designs.

- I am already beginnng to see how some of my designs could perhaps be adapted to become a product/piece of jewellery. and the potential for a market. - need to look further into my audience and where my products will sit. - especially if adapted across a wide range of mediums.

- I hope to get the chance to speak to my uncle about the entire designing and making process and get a better insight into how these products are produced. - i may be able to create my own versions? 

Greek Myths - Lesley Barnes

- Exploring existing artwork. These illustrations by Lesley barns captured my attention! They're really playful and striking interpretations of greek mythology. The artwork has a modern feel, but I like the way her drawings are created with a homage to the ancient greek style. They're bright and bold, and i also love the subtle use of texture to bring depth to the images.