- It's okay to get things wrong - This time last year I was so scared of making any mistakes, so scared of my work being 'wrong' in any way. I think I was so overwhelmed by the standard of the work around me when I first arrived, that I felt I couldn't get things wrong for fear of not making the cut, getting left behind. I now realize that the best work often comes from the most mistakes, the most attempts, the most refinements. This is still something I struggle with sometimes, and I still find it disheartening when things go wrong, but I'm now far most accepting of process, as opposed to just finished product.
- An individual tone of voice is something that can only develop over time - Again, when I first started on the course, a constant source of frustration was that I felt my work didn't have a specific style, as if someone couldn't pick it out as mine in a line up. I actually think that I've made huge progression with this, and that the work I produce now does have qualities that make it distinctly mine, however this is something that only started happening when I stopped searching for a 'style'. It can't be forced, it just happens as a result of constant drawing and trying and learning.
- Do not fear that which you do not know yet - I started to really utilize digital process in my work toward the end of last year, which was something I was always hesitant about. I've learned that using digital techniques and process to refine work doesn't mean the work has to look flat and 'digital'.
- Keep your curiosity sacred - The way to produce the best work is to imbue it with what you learn from remaining engaged with the surrounding world.
- A work/life balance is important, too much of either will result in a crash-and-burn - this is something I learned the hard way, but it was an invaluable lesson. Hard work is mandatory in this field and on this course, but it is still okay to leave your work-thoughts in the studio at the end of the day. Trying to do too much will result in wearing yourself out, and losing all sense of organisation and perspective. Stressing too much will always come back to bite you.
Things I want to know more about:
- Different analogue forms of image making, especially printing - Although I can know use digital process in my work fairly competently, I'm still most fond of analogue processes, and would like to find ways other than just drawing or painting on paper to expand my analogue practice. I'm currently taking evening classes in ceramics and really enjoying it, and I hope this is something I can build upon in future.
- Digital processes - That said, I would like to continue to better my digital skills, as I realize they are really a mandatory in today's industry.
- What space there is for the things I'm interested in within today's creative industries - a realization that I came to toward the end of last year is that I don't want to try and be a full-time jobbing illustrator. Of course I love illustration, and very interested in the place of illustration as a whole within the arts scene, but need to continue looking for exactly what it is I want to do, whether that's looking into arts publishing, curation, agency work, more academic work etc.
- Post-degree education - Pretty keen on doing an MA after I graduate, must start looking into this seriously over the course of this year.
- How to promote myself - I realize that in this industry, self-promotion is very important. As I've never done it, I hope to learn from future PPP sessions how best to present myself and my practice to the world.
My strengths:
- Producing emotionally resonate, sensitive work - The work I have the most success with is the work where I embrace sensitivity, be it in drawing or content, or both. I feel that I now know my own working style well enough to know what is and isn't 'me', and know how to capitalize on that. I shyed away from sensitivity a bit last year, now I'm determined to embrace it. Play to your strengths.
- Writing - This strength can be capitalized upon in a couple of ways. I've started to include more writing and strory telling in my practice recently which I hope to continue with, especially now Teresa has joined the course. I can also use my writing in COP and in my blogging.
- Research - There were a few projects last year that were turning points in how I approach and enjoy research, especially Persons of Note and COP. I've learned that, especially if you are especially interested in a certain subject, there are no limits to how far you can push your research, and how creative you can be with it. As long as you are organised, and disciplined with how you filter and use your research, it can only help inform work.
- A willingness to work - If I really believe in something that I'm doing, I have no problems in working as hard as I need to in order to realize it. Even if that means some late nights in the studio, or working on Sunday's, I know when I have to push a little bit harder to make something happen, and I'm willing to do that. I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be, or if I didn't believe in the value of hard work.
- An interest in the world - Having plenty of interests outside the studio helps bring new and fresh perspectives to my work, fuels me with inspiration, and stops me getting too bogged down in the ins and outs of studio work. Having other things to think about is a very valuable asset, and helps separate work and life.
My weaknesses:
- Comparing myself and my work to others - This is stupid and counterproductive, but I'm still guilty of it, although I'm really, really trying to beat this.
- Producing finished pieces of work - As last year progressed, and I grew more comfortable with digital process, I slipped into the habit of piecing together finished work from touched up sketches, and I'm going to stop that this year. It's so much more satisfying to have finished finished pieces of artwork.
- Staying in my comfort zone - As much as I believe in playing to your strengths, I need to push myself to expand my practice, and step away from the pencil from time to time. Whether this means drawing with other media, such as coloured pencils or thick graphite sticks, using cut paper and craft, or print making, I'm determined to be more hands-on with my approach to work this year.
- Time management - I'm gradually getting better at this, but still have a long way to go. Still find myself getting too hung up on small things that should NOT take up a lot of time. Need to learn when to let things go.
- Worrying too much.
Practitioners that demonstrate my interest in illustration:
- Sylvie Ringer
- Alice and Martin Provensen
- Kaye Blegvad
- William Grill
- Laura Carlin
Websites that demonstrate my areas of interest within the creative industries:
- http://flyingeyebooks.com/
- http://www.itsnicethat.com/
- http://www.heartagency.com/
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