I have evaluated the whole of Unit Two against the seven criteria I know I will be assessed on.

Evaluation

Context

I feel as though I’ve tried hard to ensure there was context to Unit Two. Throughout Utensia, I was finding examples of contemporary artists and taking note of where their work sits in the professional field. When I took inspiration from them and made my own work, you could tell that my work would sit in a similar context to, say, Samuel Shumway. His papercraft sculptures work on their own as illustrations and have helped him establish an identity in the industry.

My futures project also referenced context with illustrators like Jonny Hannah. His early work in illustration has led to him creating a book which he’s become well known for. My Spaceoline brand packaging is very similar in tone to his illustrations, and would establish my “look” to potential clients or commissioners.

Research

My research has come in two forms: researching artists’ visual styles and taking reference for my own work, and research into the actual content of the project to get ideas for my illustrations.

An example of the former is my research into Bruno Mangyoku and Toma Vagner’s illustrations. Of my two Spaceoline final designs, the wraparound pot’s colour scheme was directly taken from one of Mangyoku’s illustrations, and the pill box from one of Vagner’s.

An example of the latter is my research from Futures into body modification, e.g. the A.Human fashion show and research into bioluminescent animals for potential aesthetic future surgeries. There is also research into Asimov’s science fiction worlds via reading some of his fiction and then research into the ingredients of pills (paracetamol, opioids, etc) in designing an illustrative “ingredients” sheet.

Development of Creative Practice

There is evidence of experimentation with media throughout my sketchbooks, and notably in my Utensia media worksheet and my Futures initial ideas sheet. There is examples of collage, acrylic, watercolour, collage, buttons, wires etc. and 3D work.

In using my command of watercolour and control over the media, I feel I have created a polished final work in making the two Spaceoline packaging designs.

Problem Solving

One example of a problem I have had to solve was in creating the Utensia oven. The paper I had chosen to use was too flimsy to maintain structural integrity, especially because I had made it wet once with watercolour and warped it slightly.

I solved this problem by reinforcing each panel with dry, sturdier paperstock. This allowed the thin, elegant visual design I’d hoped for (rather than having used bulky cardboard) while still creating a sturdy final outcome.

Another example of a problem was in colouring the black space between designs on the Spaceoline pill box. The watercolour bled into the coloured designs and was ugly, which I hadn’t seen in retrospect because my practice had all been with lighter colours and painting the outlines before coloured work.

I solved this problem on the go by outlining the words in black fineliner, which bled far less seriously, before going on to paint the rest of the design. This created a barrier between the colours that reduced the bleeding considerably.

Planning, Progress and Production

I have had the chance to create aims and act against them continuously through the project: both Utensia and Futures. This can be seen in weekly numbered blog posts. At the end of each week, I take a step back and create aims for the following week. I also reflect critically on whether I have achieved what I hoped to in the past week. This process has allowed me to stay on top of my work and have something concrete to work towards rather than becoming confused or off-track.

Evaluation and Reflection

In consistent blog posts, I have reflected critically on my own work both positively and negatively. I use a list of questions given to me in Unit 1 to ensure I evaluate effectively. I’m also evaluating right now!

Communicating and Presenting a Creative Practice

I started my work in a sketchbook because the idea of working on A1 sheets made me feel a little ill at the beginning of Futures. However, having the choice suddenly made me realise the value of working on A1 sheets. I just had to come to that conclusion myself!

Since that point, I have presented my work for Futures across multiple platforms. Written research and scratchy ideas are in my sketchbook because I have that to hand most often. Visual development was more successful on A1 worksheets, so I have three sheets of picture reference, drawn images and experimentation that an audience can see a clear line of thought between. My blog has been useful for critical reflection and more in-depth research, e.g. documenting relevant illustrators and documenting the basis of my sci-fi ideas.

Retrospectively, what would I have done differently to improve?

In an ideal world, I would have created another A1 sheet for Futures with more research and initial ideas. There’s easily enough work to fill a sheet in my sketchbook, but my tendency to work small and feel daunted by such a big sheet held me back this time from creating a more completed and professional piece of work.

Now I’ve had the chance to try out so much experimentation in units 1 and 2, I’m getting a better feeling for what I actually enjoy creating. In the Final Major, I feel excited about it because wherever it takes me I can still put my own happy spin on it and enjoy creating the work.