PPP: Module Evaluation

Initially, I was rather inarticulate in regards to how I defined illustration, and what I liked about particular examples. Through this module I have learnt to apply a more analytical range of vocabulary in order to formalise the critical process. In turn, I have been able to use the same methodology in the evaluation of my own work. In addition, by visiting a wide variety of exhibitions and events I have gained a valuable first-hand perspective of how illustration exists within a public context. The frequent blog and studio based study tasks have encouraged me to regularly sample the works of more contemporary illustrators, as I learnt that the limited sample of past practitioners I had already studied did not suffice. I have greatly improved my attention to time management; this has reduced the amount of stress near deadlines and made me more satisfied with the completeness of submitted work.


The least successful elements of the module lie in overall documentation; I have neglected to evidence many of the events that I attended this year, as well as the lectures at college. A more attentive ongoing documentation would have improved my over-all understanding of illustration. In the practical brief I made several direction changes, I think this has resulted in a less informed resolution which does not entirely reflect myself as a practitioner. Further, I found that peers did not understand the purpose of the final piece, which is due to a confused development process. In addition, having studied numerous forms of context and format, I have consistently produced posters, which seems somewhat unadventurous.

I was pleased with my PPP presentation, having being despondent following my previous CoP pecha kucha. The feedback was encouraging, and I feel a lot more comfortable talking unreservedly in-front of groups again. The 'Illustrated Self' has allowed me to improve upon my synthesis between digital and analogue work, though I am still frustrated with the lengthy times required for digital colouration in contrast to relatively painless line work. I am quite satisfied by the large range of practitioners I have become familiar with, as in past I often relied on a small selection. Equally, I am far more open to processes I had not previously considered, such as vector-based work.

Throughout the year I have made some effort to engage with live briefs, however I would like to improve this to a greater extent in order to expose more of my work to the public.
I shall also be improving my final piece in time for the show by adding more interior detail and producing the image as a screen-print. I shall also attend life drawing sessions next year, as I still have persistent issues with drawing anatomy, until then I shall endeavour to produce an arbitrary number character turnarounds throughout summer. During this course I have generally produced work to appease my aesthetic standards, in future I aim to produce work with stronger opinion or a greater amount of narrative, as the content of my work has often been vague or implicit.