Kodama Woods Workshop

As a student ambassador I attended a workshop ran by representatives of the upcoming ThoughtBubble convention. During the session students were asked to create lanterns which somewhat related to the kodama spirits featured in Princess Mononoke. What we actually created were a hoard of popular culture icons. I contributed my own in the form of Keanu Reaves. The workshop was most enjoyable and the students were very productive, it also provoked me to consider 'illustrated lanterns' as a potential product.

We had an awesome time with @LeedsCofArt last night for our @LeedsInspired Kodama Woods workshop! pic.twitter.com/l1rh8009v1
— Thought Bubble (@ThoughtBubbleUK) October 31, 2014

PPP2: Categories of Illustration

During this session we referred to the previously created lists and sorted our examples into predefined categories. We soon discovered that many existed across multiple categories, in addition each example could be broken down into a exhaustive variations.

For example, 'magazine' may be separated in 'fashion magazine,' 'interior design magazine' and so on.

Using Pintrest I have begun to hoard many examples of three of the categories.

Follow Adam Allsuch Boardman's board Character and Narrative on Pinterest. Follow Adam Allsuch Boardman's board Publishing and Book Design on Pinterest. Follow Adam Allsuch Boardman's board Product and Packaging on Pinterest.
I have found that my investigations have prompted me to consider the context of illustration and it's varied real-world applications. I should not limit myself by imagining that illustration is simply a two dimensional medium confined to print or screen, but as a key element of products and environment.
To summarise my current findings I have created a handy issuu presentation below:

After School Club

 As part of my student ambassador duties, I have signed up for weekly sessions at the after school club. Each week we have assisted Karl and Gareth with lessons involving animation and illustration. In this session we set up time-triggered cameras to capture large collaborative drawings in order to produce a time lapse animation. 

I made the addition of my own drawings (the skull in a space suit) and helped students develop ideas, whilst attempting to dissuade them from throwing pens at each other. 

It is most convenient that the club is focussing on animation, as it has allowed me to consider low-fi methods of making pictures move for my current briefs at college.

Geo Law Exhibition

During my student ambassador duties I was able to view the Geo Law exhibition at Vernon Street.

The works consisted of roughly twenty character-based illustrations which all followed a similar formula; an anthropomorphic figure holding a staff or sword. I found these works somewhat repetitive

I found the two large murals far more interesting; each was drawn in front of an audience, and for that reason they seem far looser and variable. The use of line is highly developed and confident; the mistakes I noticed were incorporated into the design rather than ignored or erased.

Geo Law is often commissioned to create murals in dull office environments, which is the reason the established aesthetic is so pleasant and wild. So, perhaps the reason I find the murals more interesting, is because I appreciate their purpose, while the portraits seem more like a well polished series of visual developments.

PPP2: Posters and their Potential Audiences

POSTERS

TRAINS

Ben Kirchner

(this poster pertains to festival goers that travel by train)

F. Donald Blake

(targeted at day-tripping families)

Abram Games

(specifically for those who wish to travel within Britain)

RENFE Poster 1959

(specifically for German-speaking tourists who wish to visit Spain)

MUSICAL EVENTS

Jose Berrio

Status Serigraph

Dan Mumford

(this particular poster was used to attract the attention of rock enthusiasts)

Pinghua Chou

(specifically for jazz enthusiasts)

Anderson Design Group

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PPP2: Blog Groups

In this session we were arranged into new blog groups (selected somewhat randomly).

In these groups we discussed the previous task, and created an exhaustive diagram which explored the many contexts, audiences, functions and areas of illustrative practice.

Each group adorned the walls with their respective diagrams. The tutor for the session was amused by how we had created spider-diagrams and instructed us to create formal lists.

PPP2: A Summary of PPP1

What I have learned:

. Last year I learned a great deal about the process of screen printing, incorporating both digital and analogue processes.
. I have also become proficient in using my diary and calender on a much more frequent basis, which has greatly improved the way I used my time efficiently.
. I have learned to stop from simply emulating the aesthetics of artists that I am familiar with and to develop a unique and personal practice.
. I have learned a good deal more about running an outward facing blog.
. I am not limited to the use of fine-liners, in-fact I enjoy broadening my use of materials and process.

Things that I would like to know more about:

. I would like to develop my use of animation within screen-based imagery.
. I wish to continue broadening my application of media and material.
. I hope to improve my understanding of the current creative industries, and clarify a profession which would satisfy my practice appropiately.
. I would like to apply my continuing understanding of contextual studies within all areas of my practice.
. I hope to develop a more professional online presence, and engage with more external briefs and competitions.

. My current strengths:

. I use my time on projects efficiently
. I often collect large quantities of research which improves my development process.
. I strive to make resolved work as close to what I perceive as great, rather than settling for mediocre.
.  I often maintain a synthesis between digital and analogue.
. I maintain a clear and consistent documentation process.

Things which I need to improve upon:

. I must improve my consideration of material and process.
. I hope to imbue my work with a greater amount of communication, rather than settling for simple aesthetics.
. Over the summer I have used sketchbooks a lot more informally to test visual ideas, this is a process which I wish to continue and improve upon.
. I should refrain from working at home, when I have the opportunity to work after hours at college.
. I must be more critical about the work of practicing professionals rather than simply liking or disliking it.

Ian Mcque: Concept Artist (video game development)

Cory Loftis: Visual Development at Walt Disney Animation Studios

Irene Koh: Freelance illustrator


Derren Bartley: Concept Designer

Phil Noto: Comics Artist