OUIL403 self evaluation

1.  Which practical skills and methodologies have you developed within this module and how effectively do you think you are employing them within your own practice?

I have begun to develop an understanding (however low-level) of digital drawing, and tools such as Photoshop and Wacom tablets. I wanted to experiment with media as much as possible in this module, and was adamant not to use the same media more than once for any brief, and so I pushed myself to produce my final solutions ‘A Day in the Life’ digitally; the quality of the results is questionable, but I am glad I tried to employ a new skill in my practise. I also feel that my understandings of both line quality and use of positive and negative space have developed significantly over the course of this module, and it conjunction with ‘Visual Language’. If my drawing skills have improved, it’s simply because I now employ them constantly by drawing constantly.

2. Which principles/ theories of image making have you found most valuable during this module and how effectively do you think you are employing these within your own practice?

I don’t know whether it can be described as a theory of image making, but I have found my ability to be objective and self-critical absolutely invaluable during this module. During the very early crit sessions I recognised the fact that there can always be room for improvement, and I learned very quickly not to be precious about my work, and if I thought that something could be done to a higher standard, to not fret over starting again.

3. What strengths can you identify within your submission and how have you capitalised on these?

In both my finished works for ‘Initially’ and ‘Play play play’ I feel that there is a certain level of craftsmanship in the pieces. I certainly put a lot of time and effort into the creation of that work, trying to ensure it was of a good quality.

4. What areas for further development can you identify within your submission and how will you address these in the future?

I recognise the fact that I need to be more exploratory and exhaustive in the initial design and development processes when answering briefs. I have a tendency to have an idea almost instantly, and then latch firmly onto it, whereas I should be just drawing, drawing, drawing and constantly trying to find different ways to approach tasks.

5. In what way has this module introduced you to the Ba (Hons) Illustration programme? This module has certainly shown me that this degree programme is intense. However, I also feel as though I’m starting to get the hang of the mechanics of the programme, and getting an idea of how to handle the ebb and flow of the workload. This module (and the last few weeks in particular) have shown me that, on this programme, you have to take charge of your own priorities, and really drive your own work forward.