End of Module Student Evaluation

BA(hons) Illustration

Module Code: OUIL402 Personal & Professional Practice

Name: Diandra Wardhana

Student ID: dw262485

Please identify where the evidence for each of the learning outcomes is within your submission and how well you feel you have met the learning outcomes. Please also grade yourself in relation to the learning outcomes using terms:

> poor, satisfactory, good, very good, excellent (Note- This is so that the team have an understanding of how well you feel you have done. It is not an indication of the actual grade you may receive)

Learning Outcome	Evidenced where? Blog, Sketchbook, Roughs Final Illustrations, development sheets etc.  (No more than 75 words)	Your grade Using words: > poor, satisfactory, good, very good, excellent
4A3 Demonstrate an awareness of appropriate areas of practice within the creative industries and cultural environment.	Blog	Good
4B2 Analyse, evaluate and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses as learners.	Blog	Good
4C2 Develop a body of work in response to a defined brief that effectively demonstrates an awareness of their own practice in relation to others.	Blog, Sketchbook, Roughs	Good
4D2 Use appropriate communication skills to record and present their emerging practice.	Blog	Good

Evaluation (See guidance below for more information)

You are required to write a 500 word evaluation of this module.

I think that this has been the most genuine and personal module throughout the course. Not only do I begin to realize my interests, but also how I approach creates images, my perception towards my surroundings, professionalism and how they all ultimately interlink with my practice. Contextual research has been a significant factor in this module as I get to see practitioners and how they create images. Through research and creating, I learnt that there is no fixed or ‘right’ way of creating illustrations. There are also several components to consider, such as visually communicating ideas, process, problem solving, composition and more. Though what is effective as well is to be observant of my surroundings and to not enclose myself in a box. This module made me reflect upon myself as well as the community, society as well as other areas of interest such as music, photography, film and books. Actually, I think that this course as a whole urges me to make mistakes and explore various things, which is good. Self-questioning and being critical of my own practice went quite well. It is not to an extent of beating myself up, but to know my strengths, limits and interests that helped build my practice. Discussions with peers are also beneficial as it is difficult to pin point the things I lack through my own eyes. Sometimes having new opinions based from someone else is essential. In addition to looking at other illustrators, I have also been looking at a lot of books, exhibitions, graphic designers and film-based practitioners. That has been very helpful. For instance, through film I particularly pay attention to the cinematography, composition and how to visually communicate certain moods. I also particularly enjoyed looking at exhibitions as they often showcase various artists and often there is this authenticity as well as level of work that sometimes can’t be found through art blogs or journals. At this point, I don’t think that I have a fixed way of image making and I am still trying to figure what works best. Though due to my curiosity and interest on simplicity, meaning and the community, I find that I quite like working with shapes, colors and research. The presentation in particular was very beneficial as it rounds up my rather messy, adventurous year as a person and a practitioner. In a way, it helped me understand myself as someone who is a workaholic and that I am quite methodological in the way I work or respond to briefs. I think that solving design problems are good, but I feel that the rigorous work ethic (that I may have personally put myself in) did not allow me to immerse in image making, self-reflection and actually creating images that I enjoy. I would like to still continue to explore and experiment. I feel that I shouldn’t completely bind myself to my current interests and comfort. Perhaps there are other ways of image making that I have yet to discover? I feel that I should try more observational drawings and digital work as I didn’t try as much this year. Though it seems that I have focused more on what I want my work to communicate and meaning. In this case, I would like to create work that are speculative, responds to the world and perhaps as simple as inspiring the audience.

Final Presentation: Creative Strategy 1

SUMMARY

1: Introduction

2-5: Illustration and what it generally means to me before starting the course. Briefly talks about my background knowledge (as someone who used to do fine art etc).

6-9: How this course had changed my mindset towards illustration and image making. Talks about how I define image making and why. As well as how I feel my practice has been (or the lack of personal investment, crafting, tone of voice)

10-12: Influences from other practitioners. How these has informed how I view image making.

13-15: My interests and it's connection to my emerging practice, as well as how it built my practice (throughout the year).

16: Professionalism, commissions and how it has shaped me as a student and practitioner.

17-23: My manifesto. Things I plan to (not) do throughout summer and next year.

24: Final page (thoughts on second year)

CREATIVE STRATEGY 1 - diandra manifesto 2017

mood

Here is a list of things I DON'T want to do

- BE CLOSE MINDED. I realized that I have mainly been working with analog-based media. I feel like should change it up a bit and try more digital work, as well as crafting, perhaps balance it out. I think photography or film would be interesting as well, as I actually really enjoy working with those. 

- STAY IN THE SAFE ZONE. Don't stay in a box. think that I have been lingering a lot in my comfort zone. I should perhaps take more risks and challenge myself. Explore! Try new things! Learn new things!
- OVERWORK. due to external work and studentship, I should know by now my strengths and weaknesses, the things I enjoy and things I'd rather be without. I shouldn't push myself too hard nor stop giving myself motivation. Basically, I shouldn't do things that I don't like or particularly don't care.

- LIMITING MYSELF. I don't want to be stuck in a single path. Despite focusing on my interests, I want to broaden my practice from a certain angle. Let's go with themes: discussions, audience, narrative, society. 

- CREATE SURFACE LEVEL WORK. Not that it's a bad thing. But I would like to create work that resonates with the audience or a response to the world, issues that perhaps could be more effectively conveyed through illustration? 

- BE TOO SERIOUS. Balance is the best. I feel that I may have been to rigorous and did not have much time to just enjoy image making. I mean, I am in a degree where I am doing what I love!

CREATIVE STRATEGY 1 - progress

• I realized that I really enjoy making simple gifs and thought of incorporating them into the presentation. The stillness of the subject with the subtle movements adds variety to the illustration. The movement also emphasizes the tone of the illustration?

• I also thought that it might help illustrate my points, as sometimes it's difficult to explain through words (and a little bit of humor could do no harm) 

• I have also roughly sorted out the things I'd like to say into several parts parts: Illustration before taking the course and after it, image-making, influences/inspiration and the future. 

Close to falling off into an endless cliff called overworking.

• Creating this presentation has helped link the things I learned throughout the year. Initially I felt disconnected between PPP and the rest of the module, however it made more sense as I began to see links between my practice and other disciplines. 

• It had also made me think about my engagement with my own work. Sometimes I tend to not really care and times where I really enjoyed certain projects. Though, those works that I enjoy usually left me thinking: hey, this is what I would like to do more of. But why aren't I doing more of this?

• Perhaps I was too fixated on solving the briefs, that I may have been lost in doing work that isn't 'me'.

MINIMALISM!

• This was something I watched recently, assuming that it would be about minimalism in art. Though there was more to minimalism than just clean, cut things. 

• One thing that caught my attention was when they talked about the philosophy of minimalism, being: having less (anything) = less stress, less possessions, less distractions more meaningful relationships, time  

A Netflix documentary by Matt D'Avella

• I thought that it was an interesting view on minimalism. Though I feel that it is true, especially in this current day and age, where we are constantly bombarded by information from the media, society. Hence it leads to pressure, stress, overworking etc. I would say that this documentary had changed the way I think. That minimalism or simplicity isn't purely just aesthetics, clarity and such. 

• And thinking back to my own practice, I think that simplicity serves as an effective way of visually communicating an idea. For instance, it's an interesting way of juxtaposing a content heavy illustration with simple imagery, so it isn't overwhelming. Though the only challenge is what part of that information is to be illustrated. 

Ben Wiseman - Untitled

Davide Bonazzi - implementing tracking system in
Asian countries.
Client: UN's Universal Postal Union magazine. 

• I often see these in editorial illustrations. Perhaps it is easy to 'read' and the use of colors, simple shapes latch on people's minds quicker?

ILLUSTRATED SELF - Final

• I personally think that this is the most honest project I've done. Particularly in terms of the content and image-making. Perhaps this brief focuses on myself as a student/practitioner, hence it is quite personal (a reflection of my thoughts). 

• There was this feeling of satisfaction when I completed the poster. Since I got to create something that I enjoyed, I realized that there were some briefs in which I did not personally enjoy hence some of my work hadn't been sincere. It actually felt nice being able to create work that I enjoy doing! 

• I also realized that I am quite controlling in terms of image making and solely fixated on answering the briefs, to some extent restricting my interests/creativity. In which I began to notice when I worked on this poster. Generally I am satisfied with poster, though I wish that I explored more lino printing and digital analog, since they might suit the minimal aesthetics better. 

Make your own meaning of success!

• I felt that this was something I had thought a lot about towards the end of the first year. It also reminded me of the Act of Kindness brief, in which I wanted to share the idea of societal pressures, mental health, happiness vs. success. 

• But also my way of image-making had changed in a way that I now pay more attention to roughs, experimentation/repetition, the composition, colors, shapes, how much detail or information are needed to effectively communicate the idea.

ILLUSTRATED SELF - update!

make others happy? to inspire? wow,
sounds so cheesy. 

Stairway to Heaven -more like stairway to
blood, sweat and living the hermit life
in the studio.

• At this point, it's roughly done. Answering my previous post as to what success and illustration means to me, I may have a conclusion to it (so far). 

• I personally think that success is defined by giving your utmost, which comes alongside the learning curve and growth (the best reward!). Ultimately, it's for my own satisfaction and record. 

• In a way, it's more of competing with myself more than anything else -to see myself develop. As for the illustration part, for now, I suppose it's just to be able to create illustrations that can inspire others (I might be wishing to much). 

• Through my eyes, the poster communicates these themes, though I personally think that some aspects may seem vague or ambiguous. I might need to work on that somehow..perhaps add text?

ILLUSTRATED SELF - More development

I am not sure how I feel about this

tried a bit of lino printing

• I initially wanted to create the poster purely with lino print. However looking over it again, there were two things that made me hesitate: 1. the organic outcome didn't suit the atmosphere/aesthetic I am going for. 2. The design I wanted to go with didn't suit the media (either it's too detailed or didn't come out clear) 

more shape driven stuff. I actually
prefer the clarity of this image, as it is easy on 
the eyes. 

Tried out a bit of observational drawing.
Emphasize on TRIED.

my buddy since the observational
 drawing task for OUIL404! 

• I wanted to try more observational drawing-based illustrations. I personally think that this is something that I don't do often (up to this day, still unsure why). Though it think that it's an effective method of simplifying. Instead of drawing a representational version of it, i would take out some elements and reduce it further to shapes. Though what I particularly enjoy is when the image could still be defined even though it's simply shapes. 

• I personally think that it's effective in terms of communicating meaning/idea to some extent. For instance, my poster in particular consists of various elements hence it would be easier to comprehend through simple shapes and composition. Thus it wouldn't be too overwhelming, visually. 

Tried to do a make a short comic, hence the panels
and poorly made storyboards

• For this particular poster, I wanted it to revolve around a few thoughts I had in mind lately: what is success? why do I enjoy creating illustrations?

• Don't be trapped in someone else's dreams - this was something my sister said to me recently. The statement true, to a certain extent. I don't particularly follow someone else's dreams, but it's more to the fact that I don't listen to myself (not enough), but to others most of the time.

• Particularly when it comes to professionalism (commissions) and my practice, I feel quite restricted, constrained by doing as told and not 100% of my own tone of voice. I suppose it became a habit when working with briefs as I am too fixated on solving them that I lose the idea of simply creating images that I genuinely like. (sounded sadder than I thought)

FILM...what? 

Teaser: https://www.instagram.com/p/BTlQs5Eg-S1bwB2vUnxX9W0r_PUZkF-HlfJLKA0/?taken-by=diandraamani

https://www.instagram.com/ppileeds/

• This is one of my several commissions for the Indonesian society. Editing films and taking photographs are something I actually enjoy doing if I have spare time. Though creating this teaser was quite interesting as I also had to document it. 

• I suppose aside from creating illustrations, I find combining short clips and music intriguing. It's almost like creating some sort of story or narrative. I think that the same goes for photography. It's a quick way to capture moments, though it's that idea of capturing stories, scenes.

Gen'ichiro Abe (Shaft animation studios)

• I've also been inspired by animations and music videos. Though I began to realize that I mainly look for composition, narrative and play in colors from films, music videos. Aside from the beautiful cinematography, I enjoy the ambiguity, motifs and symbols/metaphors in films or animations. It's that idea of speculating that interests me in particular, in a way it feeds my curiosity. 

Stromae - Papaoutai/Tous Les Mêmes



Zico - She's a baby, Art Director: MU:E

• Despite the frustrations of having to balance external work and coursework, it was an interesting experience. As it isn't easy to create films and there were a few things to consider, such as storyboarding, what kind of aesthetics and composition. 

• However, be it film, photography or illustration, elements for creating visuals (image-making/moving picture-making?) are essential. For instance, I think that creating 'good' composition is a skill, something that could only get better through constantly creating and experience. 

Currently some of my favorite music videos. This is particular
has a more vintage, retro vibe. Reminded me of the
all time classic -Hairspray!

Combined still images (the magazine text) and
film (movement of the singers). Clever!
Similar to gifs, but it's a video!

Other sources: 

Lumpens film studio - (http://lumpens.com/)

ILLUSTRATED SELF - Tutorials + Progress 

(messy/chaotic) notes

• I think that I've narrowed down my points. There were a lot to consider, though what I would like to further focus now is to create a list of things that I would do over the summer and next year.

• I feel that I need to talk more about image-making itself, what it is, how it has shaped my own practice? At this point, I do think that I have a particular way of working and certain interests, though my only fear is that I would be trapped in that mindset. 

• To experiment and explore ways of image-making would be something I continue through next year!

Need to think through the little elements.
These elements would represent things that
has influenced my practice.

rough & tests

• At this stage, the intention of the poster is still undefined. I feel that instead of dwelling in thinking of several ideas, I should focus on one point. I was thinking of communicating my overwhelming year (which are filled with coursework, visual communication, commissions, societies etc)

INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK - Kim Daehyun

Evocative! Surreal! Minimal! (I really like that). 
Daehyun Kim - Korean illustrator

• I recently found out about his work. In spite of the simplicity and the recurring characters, it doesn't bore me (?) the ambiguity and narrative behind each individual illustrations are very intriguing. 

• The cleanliness and clarity of the illustration is pleasing to look at, but the vagueness of it somehow urges me to think about what the it is all about.

날마다 타인 (stacks of you) 29.7 x 42 cm, Pigment liner and marker on a paper
(2013)

둥둥, 내사랑 (OO, my love?) 29.7 x 42 cm, Pigment liner and marker on paper

(2009)

http://www.moonassi.com/

• Seeing his illustrations as well as based on my own interpretations, he discusses a lot about the idea of 'self', finding oneself, societal issues and identity. From what I know of Korean culture, due to their collective nature (especially the younger generation) they face identity crisis. From what I see, I feel that the symbolic imagery he uses seem to convey that. 

• Then again, these kind of evocative, ambiguous illustrations are very open to discussion and interpretation. I assume that other audiences would view this differently. 

• Though this is something that I enjoy about speculative works that they are filled with narrative, discussions and simply makes the audience feel something (be it anger, indifference or happiness). I feel that his work is something I hope to be able to communicate as well through my own practice. 

CREATIVE STRATEGY 1 - plans. plans. plans.

A bit of storyboarding

• there are a few things that I'd like to re-evaluate: the content, link between my interests and practice (the correlation), focus more on my practice.

• I feel that I have yet to nail down the points as to what supports my practice, the foundation of my work. I feel that this is something I still need to think about. I also need to focus more on what I should do  and improvements instead of just mentioning the struggles. 

• In terms of the presentation itself, I have a gist on how it would look like. As most of the slides will be filled with images, would a little text help? Just hope it wouldn't be too wordy. 

ILLUSTRATED SELF - hmm...

Some sketches

lost? (I am actually kind of lost right now)

• I would honestly say that the 'illustrated self' and the presentation briefs are quite difficult. I suppose it's more towards challenging than difficult? It's the self-evaluation and critical reflection that I found quite troublesome, especially when I have to make an artwork out of it.  

• It's the idea of looking inward and asking myself questions such as whys and hows. And this particular task can't exactly be solved through research. 

What do you want your work to say? How does it function? How does it communicate?

How do you want to situate yourself as an artist?

• I feel that questions such as those are quite difficult to answer. I am honestly still searching for those answer. Perhaps I find it quite difficult as I have never really thought about it in depth. Though my interests, background and so on informs my practice, but it's that link between the two that I haven't really thought much about.

• As for the illustrated self brief, I may have found a method in which I enjoy: shapes and collaging. I am leaning more towards using shapes, colours and simplicity. I realised that I like work that is easy on the eyes and is straightforward.

• I still need to focus on the intent of the poster as right I am just exploring the materials and method. I might as well try digital media, perhaps it would suit the aesthetics better?

• I also tried a bit of sketching and a more figurative approach, though somehow I am not too keen about it. I feel that there is something lacking from it? Though perhaps it could be more refined and crafted, then maybe it would be better. Although the use of solid shapes and colours seem to be more engaging and visually stimulating. 

Did more shape/collage driven work

Simplicity? I thought that this might be something
I would incorporate as it is something I find recurring
in my practice.