3 Words - WEEK 2

I was advised to do more research of my chosen words, in order for me to experiment thoroughly with my ideas. I needed to focus on one idea of my research and extract it as much as possible before moving on to another idea. I struggled to do this, but later on found out how to overcome this by refusing to think of design ideas, as this hindered the research and experimentation stage. I also realised that i was taking the spider/arachnophobia idea to literally and needed to abstract the idea by taking elements of spiders which people fear.

The critique also helped me to understand that i need to do so much more experimentation before i even consider design ideas. I found myself using knit in my sketchbook, which dominated it. This was because they were the only samples included in my sktchbook, which led people to believe i was interested in knit over design, which is not the case. I need to also consider how much knit samples i put into my book, to avoid giving the impression i want to be a knit student. Although i enjoy using elements of knit I want to express my interest in designing, therefore i will increase the number of silhouette sketches in my sketchbooks in the future.

In order to improve and complete this project, I aim to look more closely at the way phobias effect people, rather than look at the surface meaning of arachnophobia and aichmophobia. I want to relate my research to how phobias effect the body before considering specific fears such as ones mentioned previously. I want to make it obvious that i am decorating a fear with the use of Nick Knight's 'Flora' photography, as it will help incorporate the word 'decorate'. I believe my initial research must be open for me to target specific parts - i can then isolate these ideas in order to develop them as much as possible.

3 Words - WEEK 1

This week was slow, because the project was so free. My initial words were: Nick Knight, grotesque and decorate. I liked the contrast between the words grotesque and decorate and wanted to work closely with them. I struggled a little to include Nick Knight into the project because he has photographed many different things that were hard to categorize as his specific style. I found his book 'Flora' which inspired one of my words, decorate.

During my research stage, I decided to change the word 'grotesque' to 'phobia', because i thought grotesque was too vague. I initially looked at common phobias i knew of such as arachnophobia, acrophobia and achluophobia. I then specified my phobia research on arachnophobia and linked it to aichmophobia because spider legs remind me of needles. I linked this research to Nick Knight's 'Flora' work and chose plants that were spiky or seemed to have sharp edges. I found it difficult to merge the ideas together, rather than experimenting with each of my chosen words separately.

In an effort to apply the word decorate, i decided to experiment with the effect of Nick Knights photography used in 'Flora'. I edited pictures of roses i took to make the colours more vivid and the darker shades velvety. I wasn't sure where to take this idea, and used parts of the image i edited, and images from 'Flora' in order to connect them to spider legs and needles. For example, i took images of rose thorns to relate it to needles. I also experimented with the the way sharp objects effect skin - for instance indentation and protuberance.

Collaboration Project (Industry) - WEEK 2

This week, my group concentrated on finalising everything. On Monday, we brought all our deigns together from the previous week to create the final collection. We drew up our initial final ideas on an A1 board and agreed that one person finalises the final illustrations to keep the designs looking unified. I think this worked well because we incorporated everyone ideas into the final designs and our team kept on top of their deadlines in order for this process to run smoothly.

After, myself and the design team finalised the designs by drawing the flats of each outfit. This was time consuming, but made the presentation look professional and helped me to visualise how they would actually be made.

In the time we had left, I attempted to present the concept of one of out ideas by making a prototype. I used acetate sheets for most of the layering, which we thought was befitting because Comme des Garçons sometimes use unconventional materials. I intended to show the prototype, although we were unsure to present it because it wasn't presented digitally. I would have done this differently by organising the prototype to be show digitally

Collaboration Project (Industry) - WEEK 1

Starting a collaborative project made me feel skeptical of what was to come within the following weeks, due to being such a big group. However I was surprised to find, despite our group being one of the biggest, we were a very  successful team. We were designing and advertising a collection for Comme des Garçons.

After we organised our roles, we created a mind map using the quote we chose. I think working in a group really helped us to project our ideas further and create an innovative concept. This was because we were able to discuss freely and no one was left out. Everyone had very good ideas, but we were comfortable with each other to dismiss any ideas that we thought weren't going to work well. Ideas that didn't work well, or want to take forward was religion. This was because we felt it was a common concept to use and did not reflect the style of Comme des Garçons.

Eventually we came to our final muse, which was an onion, because we were playing around with the word 'layers'. Myself and the group really liked the idea because onions fit into the style of Comme des Garçons. This included the shape, because I thought it resembled the 'Lumps and Bumps' collection Rei Kawakubo produced. In addition onions were appropriately linked to the part of the quote: '...real conditions of their lives and their relations with their fellow men'. We thought men layer their true feelings with hardened emotions, which was why I thought onions contrast this idea because they can make you cry.

After out mind map, we created a concept board using images from books, containing close ups of onions and abstract pictures which resembled specific parts, and surface design techniques, lighting and mood.

As a designer, myself and my team studied actual onions, sketching and photocopying parts to create silhouettes for our initial designs. Photocopying certain parts of the onion skin was beneficial because I was able to experiment with different shapes. I think working with a main and strong physical muse made it easier for me to home in specific shapes and expand on experimentation. I would have liked to experiment with the shape more if we had more time on the project, although working in a group meant we concluded with enough experimentation and development.

Despite being a designer, I developed a couple of knit ideas which mimicked the shape of onion cells and onion roots. I enjoyed using knit in the designs because it tied into the layering idea, especially as the designs were intended to show was underneath. In general, I like using knit because it is an interesting way to create textured patterns, although I want to concentrate on silhouettes as I want to go into fashion design. I want to collaborate silhuette design with knit when practical, because i don't want to specifically design knit in the future.

Identity & Self - WEEK 7 - Film/Illustration/Pattern cutting

This week felt crammed but each day was helpful in their own way. On the first day, I gathered a crude concept board of images (mainly from work in my sketchbook) in order to create initial ideas.

I wanted to use the idea from accessories (the rib cage structure) to symbolise the exterior persona people see me as (as this would be the most eye catching piece of the garment). In addition I would create an undergarment that people would see secondly (which would symbolise the mischievous/corrupt/disturbing deeper persona). I decided not to do the rib cage because it may be too accessory orientated and I would be able to have enough time to do it well.

I thought the day where we were doing film was useful, but for people who take to the promotion side. I wanted to make a film for my final piece but I didn't have enough time. When I have time I will edit the clips I took whilst taking shots of the final product. 

Identity & Self - WEEK 6 - Accessories

I think I achieved a decent amount of development for this week. Looking back at all the weeks, I see that my weakness is my development. I will have to ask for a bit of guidance in order to resolve this problem, but I believe some if it is due to me being too precise with presentation. 

I was pleased with the final outcome, despite that I simplified my original design. When I spoke to Carol, she said the shoes with the rib cage structure would be too much, which I agreed to, bit thought I could use this idea for the final outcome of the project.

In my mind had a clear idea what I wanted to make the shoe out of, but it would be too difficult to make with the time I had and wouldn't support the body weight of the wearer. I wanted to use the 3D printer but it was too short notice. In future I would like to used the 3D printer because I like to add intricate details.

Instead of using wire as the main skeleton of the shoe, I used and exciting shoe which was much more practical (even though it's intent was not to be practical). Carol suggested that I use the whole shoe but cut down to be more open - (I only wanted to use the heel, sole and platform). If I had more time, I would have 3D printed part of the shoe, such as the open wire sides. I was planning to paint the shoes black, but after placing the black knit on, I would look more effective to paint it white. This development complimented the contrast theme. Another Carol suggested was to just have the knit wrapped round, instead of adding more parts. Se said that the knit resembled the original shape I took from my special object, although I didn't think it was obvious enough, therefore I adapted the design to have spine on the back of the heel which was made from clay. This was to apply the shape I developed from my special object. Instead of clay, I would have to used a sturdier material using the 3D printer because the clay parts kept on falling off. This made the shoes impractical.

Identity & Self - WEEK 5 - Knit

I enjoyed this week because I like using knitted fabrics and we were able to experiment with different techniques.

This was the first time I had used a kitting machine and was a very different method to hand knitting, dispite some aspects being somewhat familiar. 

I liked the fact that there were different techniques to try, but I felt like the lessons could be geared towards making a collection that was specific to out identities. I felt like the lessons weren't challenging me to use them specifically to our brief. I was glad the machine that I used worked correctly, as I learned that they could be stubborn and temperamental. 

My favourite techniques used were the honeycomb, ladder and the 3D knit. These had the most interesting texture, plus the ladder and honeycomb had a spiderweb aspect to it, which assists my theme. I took an interest to the the 3D knit because I tried to replicate it in a previous project where I looked at Japanese designers such as Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo. I would have liked to experiment with this type of knit and work it into my theme.

If I have time I will develop a knit collection that is relation to this project.

Identity & Self - WEEK 4 - Digital print

I found this week the hardest to get right because I thought the prints that I Inuvialuktun produced were innovative and 'funky'. Despite this, I was told the prints were too grid-like in order to have a professional feel to them.

Even though I had a comfortable understanding of Photoshop, I was glad Dan showed all skills at the same pace. In addition I learned some skills from the tutorials, such as using the clipping mask layer and creating half drop patterns.

When I was able to create a few of my own designs, they were very similar to each other and had lacked individuality. I wanted to create a pattern that was my own signature using the images I had.

I applied these to the designs I drew for the design development week.

I think that the colour scheme didn't help make the pattern seem like part of a collection. This was because I used both monochrome and bold colours. Furthermore the patterns themselves created a 'grid-like' pattern due to the way photoshop formatted the original photo scans that I worked from. Instead of using the corrupt patterns, I souls have taken elements of them using the magic wand took and then manipulating those selections. This would have prevented the grid look.

If I have more time I would continue the the monochrome theme to create a high contrast look. I will also use the theme of corruption/misinterpretation

I was able to have enough time to create another collection of digital prints. I created the uniform black and white theme by using the threshold tool in Photoshop. This also allowed to give a high contrast look which I was looking for. I think this print was much better because the original images of the photos could be seen, in addition they looked more artistic and flowed much better as prints (unlike the repetitive blocky patterns)

Identity & Self - WEEK 3 - Design Development

I was pleased how this week turned out because I was able to see how my designs develops throughout the week.

I needed to improve how quickly I produced initial designs, as people were drawing a lot more on the same space of time I had. This was probably because I wasn't letting my creativity flow and thought about the following designs too much.

I liked using the jagged line I used to contrast it against the roundness of the yin yang symbol.

When I presented my collection of casual clothes, I was adviced to give my models faces and hair to give the collection attitude. In addition, I felt I toned down my designs because I tried to make the collection wearable and commercial. Because of this, I decided to make another collection of more couture clothes. I also drew a page of colour swatches, poses, make up and hairstyles to inspire the couture collection.

Tate Modern Review: Annette Messeger

Annette Massager's Homemaker's exhibition, curated by Ann Caxon and Valentina Ravaglia located in room eight, shows how women have been oppressed in a patriarchal world. The exhibition contained other artists such as Tracy Emin, Rosemarie Trockle, Margaret Harrison - all of which displayed work through art textiles. The use of this media shows how the role of women were pushed into this type of career from the second World War and the 60's. It personally felt like the use of textiles was overpowering and seemed as if female artists at this time of gender inequality, expressed only their oppression through this type of media. Tracy Emin's, Hate and Power Can be a Terrible Thing (2004), shows how women in 1963 have become more open psychology - This is shown by the aggressive language used in the textile installation: Phrases such as 'Rot in hell'. This felt like it was an outburst of feelings from the pressure of patriarchal society.

Looking at the other artists work, I can see why the pieces of artwork have put into an exhibition. They compliment the style of art textiles as they each tell a story, with one exception: the dark wall hanging piece was too dark and the detail was drowned out by the background colour. Despite this, this piece complemented the surrounding artwork because it had as somber and off key style. On this note, the experience whist being in the room, was comforting because of the use of soft textures used, but the illustrations and messages conveyed, created a haunting feel to it. This is because as a whole, the feelings portrayed were negative - this contrasted with some of the colorful and bright colors which represent represent happiness. There was a harrowing emotion felt due to the immediate interpretation having a dissimilar connotation to the meaning that lay beneath.

Identity & Self - WEEK 2 - Trend and Styling

This weeks assignments have allowed me to focus on how trends greatly impact the work and world around us.

The trend research helped to inspire the make up and styling of my photoshoots, however I only used trends that were in relation to my photoshoot concept. For example I used monochrome shades, white and black, to exaggerate the two sides of my personality. In addition I took other photos where I am wearing a black blazer with oriental style and embroidery - a style seen in some high street shops. I decided not to use colours, despite pastel colours such as rose pink were on trend, because I felt this would portray a different message, rather than focusing on contrast. During the trend research presentation, I found that the group I worked in were excellent at collecting relevant research, although I believe my personal improvement would be to work on my presenting skills. For instance to make the presentation have a clearer message by using bigger pictures and eliminating images that weren't particularly strong.

I enjoyed taking and producing the photos that were presented at the end of the week. I found it quite difficult trying to convey my personality into them without being un original or clichè. Initially I wanted to portray my dark insecure side and contrast it against my outgoing side, which almost acts as a shell. I decided I didn't want to go through with this idea because I thought the outcome would look uninteresting. Despite this, I still wanted to play around with the contrast idea and link it to the black and white monochrome trend. My new concept idea was to show my obscene side that is blurted out unexpectedly even though my friends see me as innocent. I showed this by using objects that were seen as 'bad' or deviant to exaggerate this concept. I also wanted to show how I want to keep in touch with my childish side because I feel I have lost out or grown up too quickly. I showed this by using objects associated with pureness and children. I was able to show this through styling (white and black outfits). With the black outfit, I tried to use the oriental theme/trend River Island used.

After taking the photos, I edited the photos with the black outfit with high saturation to make me look out of place. I used this same concept with the photos where I'm wearing white (saturation of colour to almost monochrome and contrast was turned high) to give the photo a grungy look. In the end, I thought the photos wearing white were the lost effecting ones and decided not to show the black outfit photos. This was because they presented a stronger message.

These photos reflected the concept images I found in a book on japanese goth, because the images were cute, with a disturbing quality to them which I thought worked for my concept. It shows how my 'innocent' persona can be seen as disturbing when I say or do something unexpected.

If I had more time, I would produce a short film because I think it would be interesting to experiment with to create certain effects. I will continue this concept throught my work because I think it works quite well, although I will adapt it to specific tasks.

Identity & Self - WEEK 1 - Research Development

The tasks this week were really useful - the questions I answered about myself allowed me to identify who I am as a unique person, and how I'm similar to other people as well.

I enjoyed this activity and thought it was beneficial because it's inspired me to delve deeper into my personality as well as understanding what makes me an individual.

Later on in the week, I became more inspired by what i had collected about myself. for instance, using my physicality was a good starting point because they were easy to abstract. In terms of development, I used Photoshop to edit, repeat, rearrange, etc. the images to create different designs. 

On the first day found that I needed to think about the second task more carefully, because I felt that my memories I placed on the table had become mere objects. This was due to the fact they weren't in a surrounding that was memorable to me. Although, talking about my memories made me feel like I was reliving the memories again.

I drew/painted my images by using the emotions and feelings I felt through reminiscing. This is what makes my memories unique to me, because anybody could look at my memorable objects, but wouldn't be able to interpret them the same way I would.

Collecting certain images and objects helped with developing colour swatches. Using my mind map to obtain abstract words, has shown me who I am despite how others perceive me. Its almost like I have 2 personalities, or layers to my personality, which are expressed in certain situations and environments. The mind map has also shown me that I am quite a contradicting character. I would like to use opposites in my work to show this type of characteristic.

Mind map:
resulting in abstract emotions

Physicality

The most successful image in my sketchbook today is the painting of the pink novelty whistle, because I enjoyed experiencing it again by creating it through another form of media. I enjoyed using colours freely in order to make the memory seem more abstract.

Pink Novelty Whistle

As an improvement, I felt like I needed to experiment with with my memories further, but wasn't sure how to do this - I'd like to see if any feedback would help with this.

I think I need to be more hands on and impulsive, rather than thinking about the task for too long - otherwise I won't get anything done. I might do this by developing simple aspects of my research rather than think how this is going to become a garment or textile without developing it.

I want to experiment with dreams, because they are unique to me and my lifestyle, therefore I will start a dream journal and the descriptions to create abstract artwork. In addition, I will concentrate on using different media to create interesting designs and textures.