Within this module I was required to create five sketchbooks on different briefs within five weeks. My sketchbook work before this module was quite weak as I am a perfectionist and I didn’t like to work in a medium without the option of deleting and rearranging. Before this module I undertook a SWOT analysis, which allowed me to outline my goals from the module.
I wanted to experiment with my sketchbooks and create something quite different to what I am used to. Using means such as collage and illustration, alongside researching via different mediums such as books and magazines has aided me to generate a good body of work.
Before this module, I relied heavily on the likes of Pinterest to research and find inspiration upon. During this module, I explored different websites such as Behance, Designspiration, ThisIsCollate and CargoCollective which enhanced the inspiration and influence I was finding. I want to continue this throughout the year.
Rewriting the briefs and highlighting aspects which appear predominant and dynamic allowed me to really focus on certain features which in turn aided my work tremendously: this is something I have really lacked within my workings out. I often push the brief aside when I believe I have an understanding, but I have found in this module that revisiting the brief allows you to consider new aspects, refocus your attitude and reevaluate what you are trying to achieve. This is something I will continue to do in projects ahead.
One area I found difficult was time management. In previous projects I have found my time management to be quite variable, working well for some briefs and finding difficulty with others. With this brief, I found myself working too heavily on one project and uninterested in another. Within the industry I will be given briefs I may not enjoy, but I will need to focus on each fairly. This was a great learning curve for me and I believe I have a greater understanding on the balance I will need to create a consistent body of work.
I am happy with the body of work I produced. Scrapping my perfectionism, I allowed my workings out to be created on paper and I feel my work has enhanced due to this. Allowing myself to scribble a consciousness of thoughts as and when they happen, rather than annotating after allowed my ideas to be generated then and there and was beneficial to my work.
