As instructed in the feedback form, here are my reflections on the feedback I received.
I have to admit that I waited with baited breathe for this first ever feedback from my tutor. I am really happy to report that it was both positive and constructive and I am quite inspired to do and learn more!
I have been encouraged to keep experimenting with medium that I am not familiar with. I would like to continue to experiment with watercolours and ink knowing I am still at the beginning but I am unsure of where to go next. As I explore more illustrators that I like, I hope to get inspiration from them and to be able to try out some of their styles which helps me get a grasp of my own skills and interests.
I was pleasantly surprised to hear that I already have a lovely fluid style coming out in my work – this is because I know that I find it hard to become looser and more free flowing with sketching. However, thinking back, I also realise that the exercises and keeping sketchbooks have helped me start to move past that. I believe that the suggested practice of quick timed sketches of still life settings is an excellent idea that will really help me achieve this. I am therefore going to try to do this at least once a day during week days and then focus on the necessary research for whatever exercise I am currently on – leaving the longer hours of the weekend for me do the illustration part.
I also have to admit that I do find it hard to find time every day to do a little though I have gotten better in 2020. I have set up my dining room as a workshop that can easily get cleared away when guests come and can be closed off when its just me around so the ease of just popping into my chair or picking up from where I left off is helpful. I also have reflected a lot on how best to make sure that I make sure it doesn’t become a chore, yet I can dedicate time and energy and learn and make the most of it. I am therefore trying to make sure I keep a balance and am not too hard on myself for the days I can’t get any work done. Also, based on the tips provided in the feedback, I have also started a little planning diary so I can plan things for each day and if I get more done, then its a bonus! I will keep this up till the feedback from Assignment two then reassess and take it from there. The new colleagues at work coming on board might also take the pressure off at work..or at least here’s hoping 🙂
I have also been asked to craft more the finished result of my illustrations. I completely agree and get this – while I claim to be a perfectionist, once I have an idea I like, I definitely don’t explore it enough to be able to tweak and refine etc. This is probably due to a time issue and the also not being used to working in such a manner given how fast paced my current job is. All of that said, I will definitely take more time to do this and potentially ask for more critical eyes from friends and family to help me build this skill and my ability to question and assess my own work.
I need to cite references better. I do this so much at work that I think that all the writing and analysis comes a little bit of a chore to me but I fully understand the importance of this and while I usually bank everything in my Pinterest account, I will make sure to include these better in my logs.
These are my main thoughts for now, I reserve the right to add more as things come to mind while I embark on my next exercises and assignment. Till the next blog!
Jo's Illustration Learning Blog 