General Progress Surgery [1]

The tutorial was a chance to run my plans past a tutor, to ensure that the quantity of my work was not too little or large a task. Matt suggested that the work seemed like a lot, but was certain I'd be able to pull it off. He was pleased with the progression I had made with my sketchbooks and suggested I continue pushing  for the hand-drawn aesthetic rather than the clinical digital-centric work I had produced a lot during level 5.

PPP3: Chat with Tom Eglington

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been working with artist and author Tom Eglington as part of the progression workshop. I took the opportunity to ask him a series of questions via email.

I have  had similar conversations with Tom in person, but I sent the emails in order to secure something for documentation purposes.

What are your opinions in regards to fan art?

1. As far as fan art is concerned, I guess it depends on the artist and the context. I think the attitude has changed over time as fan art has become more sophisticated. There are some very good artists being creative with it, and the whole thing has moved on from simple copies of popular characters. As a general rule I do always like to see original ideas and artwork, but realistically people are more inclined to buy work that involves the imagery and iconography of pop culture so a lot of artists use this as a way to get their work noticed. It does attract a bigger audience, particularly online, and that can then introduce people to other aspects of that artists output that is more personal and original. There are also some great, inventive approaches to stuff. A recent trend to create prints of re-imagined film posters has produced some fantastic work, and although it wouldn't be the first thing I would classify as fan art, it really is, just dressed up in different clothes. 

Do you use business cards or some other form of promotional ephemera as well as your online presence?

2. I occasionally use business cards but my self promotion is my weakest skill. To be honest, as far as work is concerned, I find networking hugely important, as well as targeting particular people/businesses for work. Knowing what an organisation is looking for is very important. Although I have handed out business cards, I never seemed to have gotten much work out of this, but it is a useful way to share contact details with strangers.

Would you suggest that you have an advantage as an artist and a writer, as opposed to specialising in one particular discipline?

3. I guess being a writer and artist has it's advantages. If one thing goes wrong with one discipline, I can switch to the other! The worry is that it is also dividing my energies, especially when I have lots of work on at once. However, I have found that it helps to have income from different areas so that if one line of work dries up, you can still pay your bills. I would say that is useful advice if you're either an artist or writer. You have to be spinning plates if you want to survive. 

Tom is a pretty charismatic chap, it's easy to see why he might find it easier to network in person or directly through social media applications like Twitter, as opposed to handing out business cards. Fan art is a bit of a heated topic, so I like to take the opportunity to ask practitioners about the subject, Tom mentioned that fan art acts as a lure for viewers, although is generally not considered as valuable as an original idea. This is something that I have come to appreciate, that creating fan art appeals to the id of the creator and viewer. It is a quick reference to a recognisable design or concept and appeals to nostalgia and fanatical emotions. 

PPP3: Creative Strategy Presentation [Encore]

Although I have not formally presented the .pdf, the imagery describes my current intentions in the PPP module during this year.

Firstly, the presentation covers the finalised business card and promotional packs that I produced during level 5, and the intention to produce more refined versions.
The presentation also explains my current collaborations with artists, and my ongoing engagement with conventions and fairs. There is some mention of the artists I intend to contact throughout the year, or vaguely emulate in terms of career path.
I have also considered the potential to take my teaching forward somewhat, which would involve an MA, or perhaps pursuing my interests in working as part of a studio or development team.

PPP3: Museum Commission

Some time ago the senior designer of Redman Design contacted me having seen my illustration Facebook page, as they were interested in the potential for future commissions.
Redman Design specialise in producing large-scale informative pieces for museums, which is certainly something I am interested in.

More recently they got back to me, with a specific brief in mind.
They have asked me to produce two pieces of large scale art work (measuring several metres in diametre) based on the World Wars. I have replied showing me enthusiasm for the project, and sent examples of work that matched the aesthetic they desire.

I am very pleased to be involved in such a project, as I generally enjoy producing work with a technical and informative tone.

PPP3: Student Ambassador: Thought Bubble

Similarly to last year, the progression team is collaborating with Thought Bubble to produce artworks for the festival. The artist and author Tom Eglington has been commissioned to produce eight large photo-opportunity booths based on comics.

We took two of the booths to the Trinity shopping centre, and I helped maintain it for about five hours.

The eight booths will eventually appear at the Thought Bubble in November

A few weeks before the beginning of term I helped him paint one of the booth designs, as well as assisting with a project to produce booth props with the Extended Diploma students.

In the progression after school club, we are also producing props for members of the public, and I thought it would be fun to make some of my own.

I will cut the designs out during the session next week.