Module Evaluation

The Professional Practice module was useful in experiencing the world of professional illustration through the publication of a personal newspaper, and conducting interviews with artists. As I retook this module, what I have learnt this year has further consolidated my understanding of what life is like for a professional illustrator, as well as get a taste of completing a project on my own. The newspaper project proved enjoyable when I was left to my own devices to write about a topic that I am passionate about, while work experience was successful yet had room for improvement.

During the course of the module, I noticed improvements with my ability to be independent in producing my own publication and approaching artists for interviews. By having done two years of artist interviews, I now believe that I have learnt a lot from the in-depth answers I have been given, regarding both freelance and hired illustration work. While most of the artists I talked to were based in concept art, this helped me to see what working in this field would be like, and is a career path that I would be interested in pursuing in the future.

However, I feel that the range of my initial work experience was not varied enough for me to get an array of experiences from within the illustration industry. As I changed from doing regular work experience to writing a report late in the module, I believe that I may have missed out on opportunities that I otherwise would not have approached or dedicated my time to. Although, because of this late change I was already prepared to write the report with fresh concept artist interviews, meaning that I could complete the report in an efficient and cost-effective way.

On top of this, I managed to keep on track with the work for this module and was able to meet deadlines for both the publication and report without a problem. I believe this is down to me having previous experience with Professional Practice and so knowing how the module worked and was laid out. While there was appropriate time for tutorials alongside completing the tasks, I did not attend many and this provided a reason for the late change in work experience. From this, I have learnt that it is important to meet regularly to not only discuss module progress, but also make it clear for myself what my next steps should be and how to take them.

Overall, I believe I have improved in my independence and professional skills when producing publications and conducting interviews, as well as gained a wealth of collective insight into working in the illustration industry - especially concept art. However, I feel that my work experience is still limited and I could have achieved more had I been more confident in my work and my progress in the module. With this in mind, I have learnt lessons on what to do and what not to do in being a professional illustrator.

Self-Introduction

Professional qualities I possess:-

• Good organisational skills.
• Work to the highest possible standard.
• Good time-keeping skills.
• Able to plan and execute tasks efficiently.

Personal qualities I possess:-

• Good personal hygiene.
• Focused when needed.
• Reflective.
• Unique perception of the world.

Someone else would describe me as quiet, tidy, hard-working and intelligent.

Within my work as an illustrator, my specialist skills consist of traditional drawing, painting, and digital art. 

I am passionate about storytelling, and the way a larger narrative is told, through both visual and literary medium. I enjoy becoming a part of a story's universe, and always having that universe be a part of me. I am also passionate about instrumental music, how a core melody can bring something to life and evoke an emotion within the participant that stays with them - similar to that of physical art.

Someone should hire/comission me because I have the knowledge and skills at my disposal to find a way of achieving the highest personal standard, and the motivation to get the task done.

Some unique things I can offer are my social commentary on many aspects of our culture - as an outsider looking in - as well as my willingness to explore deeper philosophical and existential questions about life.

The purpose of my imagery is to capture the detail of life, while showing my own interpretations of the world.

In one sentence, I would define my practice as detailed, heavily monochromatic and lightly experimental.

I want to illustrate characters and environments that inspire me not only from real life, but also fiction. My target audience is not defined, as people of all ages can take something away from my work.

I want to portray an adaptable style. The pros of this style are that you always have a structure to work from and a set level to work towards, in regards to referencing a similar style. However, this style has cons, in the form of artistic limitations - it may be more difficult to portray more personal thoughts/visions through an adaptable style.

      A signature style has advantages also, in that you are given freedom of interpretation, choice of colour/medium, and a visual style that is completely unique. Although, it is not without its drawbacks, such as difficulties in the development of a brand new style - all things that are new ultimately reference things that came before.

I am looking to be an illustrator part-time. Alongside a freelance illustration practice, I will be a writer for an online gaming website.

On the topic of becoming a freelance Illustrator, I will need to consider how to look after myself, how much time I will be devoting to my artwork and my writing, how to budget money, how to reach out and contact potential clients.

Work experience that I think will help me with my future plans consists of games design. This is because it will benefit both aspects of my professional future. While it will teach me what the games design industry is like, and give me a greater appreciation for games, concept art, teamwork,etc., it will also help me as a games journalist to look deeper into the true nature of game developers in today's society.