Print- The initial steps

   To start the project the tutors incorporated a team building activity (Chinese whispers) in which our brief was introduced. We were then encouraged to go to the library in order to independently explore the theme, 'data'. We could gather statistical data that included numbers,graphs,charts, bar and colour codes, and written analysis. But how could I use this data creatively?  
   At first I wasn't very inspired by the data that I had gathered as in my mind I see numbers and charts as boring pieces of information that cant be represented in a aesthetically and creative medium. I therefore decided to find data that I could relate to; for example, see a motif within the image. I also found coloured images as I thought it would inspire and encourage me to respond to the visual research collected.

 

When I first saw this image, I instantly thought of ladders. This helped with my drawing development as I didn't just think of statistics. One of the first activities was to create 3-4 rules to use when drawing. Mine were: draw with something unusual, use my left hand and three up and four across. This went against everything I would usually do, therefore created different responses. I then moved on to work in my sketchbook. I started working from the pie charts I had collected.

 














I found a book full of different types of graphs, statistics and images. This book appealed to me more than any other I had looked at as it included colour. As daft as it may sound, I was drawn to this as it made it nicer to look at! The book not only included pie charts from which I responded to but diagram of chains of molecules. I started to draw them, however I found my images just looked quite boring. I therefore decided to take shapes from the drawings and create motifs.

I really liked the motifs I developed, however I knew I couldn't just explore one thing so I moved on to explore more ideas. I came across a graph. It wasn't a really inspirational graph, nevertheless the colour caught my eye. I then started taking aspects of the image to create different motifs.

After working with circles, I decided to work on graph paper as I wanted some interesting outcomes. I found it quite good working on the paper as I had never done it before and it meant that every shape was pretty accurate. Once getting the designs I started working into them with watercolour. It had a completely different effect; it looked soft and textured instead of a block line/colour.

 

I liked the shapes created when the lines overlapped. It looked busy and geometrical, so I thought I could focus on those shapes and see what they could create.

 

Even though I was enjoying the work I was doing, I still wanted to explore more of the theme. I was interested in the idea of looking at data collected from movement. This would mean that more fluid and smooth shapes would be created.

 I found this image on the internet of bouree steps. This is how they used to record steps for ballet. I thought the shapes were really interesting as it was nothing I had seen before. The motifs included both straight and fluid lines. I started to copy these motifs to see how they were done and how I could interpret them.

 

 

Evaluation of Origins Unit

    I think I have developed my work quite well within this project; you can see my journey from the start through to the end. From my research I worked with the ideas behind the images or source, developing motifs and experimenting with different designs. Nevertheless, I think I could have collected more of a variety of research, for example, looking more at designers work. Even though I did a bit of this, collecting more of this research could have inspired me even more, therefore producing more work and designs.

   I found it relatively easy to edit and select ideas to develop my work further. It was a natural process as I just went with what I preferred and what I thought would look good on garments. Once these ideas were chosen I developed motifs, always thinking about colours and pattern placements.

 

I also found my research from the shop report really useful. I could look at the work of other designers and see how they had used their patterns and placed them on the garments. Peter Pilotto’s work was very inspiring; he used bold, all-over digital prints on a lot of his collection, adding metallic textured panels. Every detail was perfect and even though you would think that floral, feather prints placed on padded jackets with metallic detail would be far too overpowering, it wasn’t. It made me realise that there are no restrictions. This project has forced the fact there is no point in being precious. If you think too much about what you’re doing and worry about your work no being perfect, then you’re just limiting yourself to how much work you produce. The amount of work doesn’t always matter, however, the less initial work you have means less development.

   I have always been good with time management and making sure I am organised. My organisational skills haven’t let me down during this project; nevertheless, I think I need to focus more on time management. I should work more in the studio as this will help me produce more work and I will get more inspiration from the people and things around me. If I come back to this specialism, I would really like to work on my fashion illustrations. Initially, I found it difficult to get my style, but with more work I feel I could really get into it. 

 

 I am happy with the work I have produced within TD4F, yet I know I could have done better overall. At the start of the project I wasn’t very inspired and I think this let me down as it took me a while to get into the project and start producing work that drove me to do more. Eventually I found what really interested me and from then on I enjoyed doing my work and I think I produced a lot of good ideas. Next time I need to just get stuck in and if I hit a block and don’t feel inspired, I need to do something about it. Every artist gets stuck but I need to learn to not hold back and go for it!