This blogpost is a collection of learning logs that I believe represent the journey that I have taken through the Key Steps in Illustration course module. Each of these have a link in the title of the section that will navigate you to the full learning log for each of the selected pieces.

The learning outcomes are also referenced next to each of the articles to showcase which learning outcome was achieved in certain parts in my opinion.

• LO1 develop methods to creatively respond to briefs as an illustrator
• LO2 demonstrate your use of visual research to explore and generate ideas
• LO3 use a range of drawing, mark-making and image-making skills to develop your illustration practice
• LO4 demonstrate a critical and contextual understanding of illustration and reflect on your own learning

Exercise: Using Reference (LO2)

In this exercise I conducted thorough visual research to come to an outcome that I think shows this well.  I enjoyed this exercise for the research and I think this shows in the final image. 

This is a good example of how I used visual research to aid my workflow as an illustrator.

Assignment Two: Point of Sale Display (LO1, LO2, LO4)

I think this assignment is one of my strongest ones from the entire module. I think the final pieces are something that I am really proud of. I believe this shows well learning outcome 1, 2 and 4. I think I managed to create 2 illustrations that answer the brief really well and they are visually pleasing. My tutor has highlighted that I haven’t dome any primary research for this exercise, which in retrospect would have helped with describing the fruit and vegetables shown in my illustrations.  

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Exercise: Giving Instructions (LO1, LO2, LO3)

I think this exercise was a pivotal point in my development as an illustrator. I think I set myself a real challenge by setting a brief to create a comic panel to tackle the issue of the tea making. I think the blog shows how I have woven together previous learning and created a piece that used a mix of traditional and digital mediums. I enjoyed working with the textures that I created on paper and manipulated them digitally to create the final piece. 

Exercise: Making a mock–up (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4)

I believe this exercise showcases all four of the learning outcomes at once. The piece I created was for an audiobook as if it was released as a traditional paper based book. I started the process with some secondary visual research on space related art (LO2) to inform the initial idealisation process (LO1), used some traditional painting techniques (LO3) and then combined this with a digital illustration and used the artwork to create a mockup (LO4) to show how the end product would look.

Assignment 3: A poster (LO1, LO2, LO4)

This assignment was quite successful in tying all the elements learnt thus far into one product. I have conducted some thorough research into the band and their visual identity, concert posters in general and then answered the brief based on this research. I developed the idea through several stages of word and visual brainstorming to come to a solution. I think the final image has a dark humour which works well for this particular band. I have also presented my ideas as posters on the street in a mockup to show how they would work in practice. 

Exercise: Identifying Tools and Materials (LO2, LO3)

In this exercise, we were asked to research a range of illustrators and analyse them. I went through a lot of different artists’ work and analysed these to see what I like. I think this exercise was excellent to teach me that I should be looking at other artists and what they produce to inform my own work. I feel like this exercise unlocked something in my brain and was a definite turning point in my development. I then went ahead and produced 2 very different versions of the same idea. I think this really cemented the point that the materials and approach chosen is super important when it comes to visual communications. 

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Exercise: Museum Posters (LO1, LO2, LO4)

In this exercise we were asked to create a series of museum posters for an exhibition for different age groups. I have done some thorough research on the different intended audiences and analysed how the poster would look for my chosen museum. At the time I was not able to go to the museum due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but I managed to find some interesting exhibits online to use as the inspiration for this exercise. I have done some research on what V&A posters normally look like and I think I managed to create an effective poster for this.

Exercise Children’s Book Cover (LO1, LO2, LO4)

I think yet again I shown quite good research and idea generation in this exercise. I gone back to this and acted on some feedback from my tutor regarding the final piece, and I think the result is much better. I am pretty proud of this as an idea and I think the final image is something you could see on the cover of a children’s book.  

Exercise: A tattoo (LO1, LO2, LO4) 

In this exercise we were asked to research the art of tattooing and on the back of this research create an original piece for mother’s day. I think the piece I created is inspired by the research and  it is quite intricate. I managed to pull together many different ideas and create something that I am proud of. 

I think this exercise shows how I was thinking about the context of the illustration really well. I did consider the fact that the illustration would be worn on someone’s skin for the rest of their life and hence went with some tried and tested elements that are less likely to go out of fashion quickly and become a burden to bear on one’s skin. 

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Assignment Four: Magazine Illustration (LO1, LO4)

I think this assignment shows well my ability to use the methodology I have developed through this course and apply it to virtually any project. Quite a simple idea but U think I have managed to create an interesting illustration not deviating much from the original brief. I think the mockups show that I am able to present my work in a good light too.   

Exercise: Travel Guides (LO1, LO2, LO4)

This exercise was really good to get all of the pieces learnt up to this point into a series of cohesive products. I think this exercise shows my ability to research and create a methodology that works for a particular assignment and carry through with it despite any hurdles. 

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Exercise: Packaging (LO1, LO2, LO4)

I think this exercise shows well how I can research, develop and execute ideas. I have looked at the context in which the final product would need to stand on its own and created the designs considering sustainability issues which are very important. I think the development of the idea shows how I carefully considered each element when creating the designs for the packaging.