final 5

As part of my Design Process brief, I have to highlight 5 of my posts that I feel best represent me and my reflection upon and analysis of my creative process. These are:

[note: these are hyperlinks, so just click the titles to take you to the appropriate post; these will open in a new window]

'first steps'
'diary entries (49 project)'
'phew'
'working in my sketchbook'
'design process conclusion'

design process conclusion

I think this whole process of taking notes on my design process has really helped me understand and develop (for the better) my skills on improving the way I work. For example, I'd never really thought twice of the things I do naturally or subconsciously, and putting them into a blog like this allows me to break it down and analyse what I do well and where I don't do as good.

I've recognised that I take quite a lot of notes and make myself 'to-do' lists, these help me greatly, even to how my desk is presented or the amount of work, paper and images on the desk. I've discovered I work best with a lot of inspiration around me; with regards to my very first post where I said I can be quite spontaneous, I now realise that in order for me to think of something quickly I have to have time to think or to analyse, or to research what I'm doing or am expected to do.

I've also realised that I do work hard, especially when I enjoy projects. And from now on I'm going to try an make every project, a project I like. I'm going to work at my own pace, in my own messy style, creating my own sketchbook technique of my own and not stemming from what other people are doing. Tutorials have taught me that everyone works differently, and I should work in a way that suits me, and not what others are doing. I've learnt that I should keep everything I produce and put it in for assessment as it often shows where I have worked, failed but moved on a progressed from that.

This blog also gave me time to think of other issues and factors that can affect my work, one of them being my personal life. In one of my posts I said I found it hard to concentrate because at that time I was arguing with my girlfriend over being stressed out. I think that I have to make sure I get my priorities right in the future with regards to the amount of workload I have and the amount of time I have free. I can prevent this by making daily to do lists and sticking to them, or even to the extent where I turn of my phone when I feel stressed, and take frequent breaks. I think it's important to have an equal balance of 'work and play'.

I now approach projects with an open frame of mind, and I find it helps me greatly if I jot notes all over the brief (I found with projects like 'Colour', that when I made notes separately from the brief that I deviated from what the brief was asking me to do), and not on separate pages. I also have learnt that all these projects will benefit me and now go in with a good frame of mind instead of "this is a waste of time" idea.

I think keeping this blog has allowed me to develop some corrective action with regards to my design process, which if I stick to will allow me to work efficiently and to a high standard. This is only my first year of properly focusing on design and I understand I still have a lot to learn and gain from my own working technique and so I do intend to keep this blog after this assessment to allow me to further continue and understand how I work in order for me, to eventually, master a technique that full suits me.

i work by notes

D.I.S.C.O.

/Vous n'êtes jamais seuls
/Vous savez ce qu'il faut faire
/Ne laissez pas tomber votre nation
//La disco a besoin de vous!

Wow, last night was amazing!


SUPERMAX PRESENTS: A HISTORY OF D.I.S.C.O.


I don't think I'll mention what some people were saying 'D.I.S.C.O.' means...


but seriously, what a party! This was the responsibility of Lisa Rosebud (Ringrose), the Stylist who got us 'dressing' experience at the Scottish Style Award's catwalk, (who I can only ever say wonderful things about!) and who also put me onto the Guest list. 


The night was packed to the very brim with these incredibly stylish and 'designer' people (even some Model's from the Style Award were there), the room was small with balloons covering every inch of the ceiling, red lights and signs saying 'X-Rated Disco'. (that sounds really explicit)


I'm basically writing about it now because of the experience, it was something completely different and I guess the atmosphere and life style can act an an inspiration to some (for example, DSquared's SS12 collection was inspired by party holidays and serious sunburning), even the artwork on the wall to the people there... I think this is the first ever time I've seen a person in real life wearing the Burberry Prorsum iconic studded leather jacket and other designers clothes in action!


I completely now understand the importance of creating an atmosphere or even an 'edge' [with clothing], and create a persona. Just being there showed a whole different world and bring everything into reality. I suppose it's all about picking your target customer and who they should be. The music they played was even quite iconic with some X-tra beat and vibe.


I feel I'm sort of rambling here, It's just very hard to put it into words and the world that I want to be part of, I've never experienced anything like this and thought I should document some sort of explanation for the influence I feel it's had on me. I guess this was my first 'taste' of the intensity of the somewhat Style world and helps me understand the character and aura clothes can create.

pugh

My last week consisted of pretending to be rich enough to get into places, mastering how to take a picture without the art gallery guards hearing the *click* or seeing me.

 I didn't go to London, but I did go round Glasgow and Edinburgh; it's actually amazing what is on our front door step! We spend a good lot of our day 'researching' in Harvey Nicols - which I wanted nearly everything and I had the Gareth Pugh eyelashes brought out for me to see (and feel...). It gave me such an amazing feeling of knowing I'm doing the right thing with my life!I want to be in this industry!


I also got a little bit overexcited by studded Christian Louboutin hi-top's for guys and had a sudden urge to buy a McQueen blackberry case...

We also went round a lot of galleries and vintage shops, It would never match up to London, obviously, but we did our best! A lot of them, I suppose, weren't my taste of clothes or materials, but it's all research, isn't it?

I also think it's very important to not ignore Fine Art(ists) as a source of inspiration, paintings and drawings can en-capture a universe that isn't always immediately available, or possible, to designers; not to mention the possibilities paintings from artists like Dali offer in terms of influence over design. I always love sitting down and looking at paintings.

I nearly forgot; We also sat in St. Giles Cathedral, naturally religion has always held a very prestigious and prominent position in all forms of art and design. I suppose we were just there for the experience, though I did quickly sketch small pieces of the incredibly detailed sculptures. Coincidentally when we were in a choir was performing and - WOW, the aura it created and the feeling it gave, I actually think I had goosebumps at one point. I could almost say that I would want a collection to make the viewer feel empowered, enlightened or even disgusted. Definitely an influential visit!

I stayed the week in Edinburgh, and went out to a club called 'Lulus', a small and almost expensive looking club. It was strange, everyone seemed dressed very formal... especially considering the dancefloor was an amazing 80s light up square floor! It was an experience I suppose, it was almost something from the Great Gatsby.

I'm currently reading 'The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" (with the help of a dictionary). I should also say that when I went into Waterstones to look at the Fashion books I ended up looking at 'The Fashion Universe of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Street to the Stars' an AMAZING editiorial/coffee book, not to mention heavy and extremely well presented! I only had a flick through in Waterstones and what I was was I-N-S-P-I-R-A-T-I-O-N-A-L. ...I bought it... £65, but worth every penny. It's being delivered this week! I'm so excited! People think McQueen's 'Savage Beauty' is amazing? Think twice.

working in my sketchbook

I think its a good exercise to show my design process by means of, before and after (the selection process will occur between, in producing a final outcome).

BEFORE

.

..and this is my final designs, on a somewhat less crowded and finalised page. It's nice to compare how I work. I understand that I work best working in my messy way, and thing picking from the mess the select designs/work to submit. Originally with this project I was trying to work very clean and neat, probably from influences of the people around me, but it really wasn't working out, I couldn't think. 

I guess this style of working (i.e. Rough > Final) helps me explore and not be afraid to mess up, it allows me to fully explore and expand on what I've done without the pressure of it being good. I then select the designs for my final 'collection' and present them neater.

Displaying my sketchbook like this shows me how I actually can develop from a selection of work, onto a final presented one.

AFTER

phew

This is my blank canvas. A some what crowded,
but slightly inspiring desktop - and a blank page

What a rollercoaster of a week!

I don't think I've ever put as much effort, thought or dedication into anything for such a pre-longed period of time. It all paid off, and makes me feel quite rewarded.

Today was our hand in date for the 'TEXT' project - I finally managed to make all my designs and successfully blow one up to real-life, wearable size! It's been a week of up and down emotions; I have been so stressed - I'm not actually sure if this helps me or not. I think it might, I work hard; I stay up late and work because I don't have a choice. I even enjoyed doing the project, however I really could have planned it out at the start! I had no rhythm or flow with the work, I could have easily developed a whole better sketchbook if I just had the air to breathe at the start.

I think that with this project I really found an interest, compared to previously, the '49' project. I really enjoyed it, and I think this helped and motivated me a lot more, even to be in the studio until 11pm and not mind! I've discovered it's really important to try and find a sense of enjoyment in a project.

I didn't have much room to think last week and this week, it's been because I've basically been fighting with my girlfriend. I think it was worth actually putting this on the blog because I think personal matters are a major contributor to how well, how willing and how efficient you are with a project. I found it hard to think, especially when I was angry; it does have an impact on everything!

I've learnt a lot of things from this project;
One. That I shouldn't bring my girlfriend up when I know I have a lot of work, it will only lead to stress for the both of us and creates a condition that I should not be working in!
Two. Make a 'to do' list, supposedly all successful people make one... even if they don't - it helped! It's great to time manage
Three. Stop! Have a think before I even begin a sketchbook. Write down what I propose to do with the project, where I want it to go/take me and the outcome I want to achieve.

After our group tutorials (which were actually a lot of fun, and went well) and seeing other peoples work I learnt that;

- Stop trying to be professional (in a sketchbook)! Everyone has a sketchbook and works in different ways! I tried to work professionally (i.e. Clean and tidy) and left out a lot of things that would have worked well and showed development. This isn't me. I am a messy worker, but I have a good outcome (when I work the way I really want to) - Leave the professional look to the very end when I'm presenting final ideas!

- Keep EVERYTHING. No matter how good, no matter how bad, keep it, put it in a developmental sketchbook. It shows your skill when it comes to selecting the best and you also get accounted for work that you originally wouldn't have got the marks for!

- And finally, do A LOT of research! I looked through a lot of books and magazines but never actually photocopied them - Photocopy them, keep them for reference and to show you've done work! A broad amount of physical research will get you further than keeping it all in your head!

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the project and would love to re-do it! I really would! Maybe with a bit more time though! I think my working has also changed compared to previous topics, I've been too busy trying to be like other people and forgotten how I really work. I've now went back and edited, and reinserted parts into my sketchbook; I'm working my own way now and I think, personally, it's right for me. I've also discovered that I work best with a full area around me (covered with things I like or are inspired by), however I've now learnt that when I'm starting find it hard to think, to take things down and replace them with something else, or leave the area clean.

designer in the making

yesterday was such a crappy day! I don't know. I just couldn't work, I had such a block, it wasn't even fun. I couldn't think of a design, and then I tried to do what I'm use to by working 2D and jotting my designs down but the whole time "work 3D first" was going round my head. I tried. I failed.

I couldn't work 2D because I just didn't like the 'girl' I was drawing my designs on, and I don't want to just steal someone else's from the fashion sketchbooks. I went home in the end, watched hours of Alexander McQueen catwalks and eventually by 12pm that night, I had 'my own girl'.

Today we had our tutor come round one by one to see our work, I didn't seem to get in trouble for having nothing done - some people have 15 designs done! I have none. I don't think she felt overly impressed and I felt really bad. It's not like I wasn't trying, because believe me I really was! I just couldn't get any designs out of my head, I don't know why, and I don't want to give a bad impression! I really sat all night rubbing and re-drawing the 'girl', I'm really not a slacker! :-(

Now I've got my girl designed I've been working away! I love it! Just it's a bit tedious working with paper (not like I've much experience either with fabric, but it's much harder with paper). I did buy some, so I'll try it.

I guess my 'block' was down to some bad start in the day or not feeling inspired.

I went out tonight for Jane's birthday though! The restaurant was amazing, the food was amazing! I had a really good time and it's really put me in a happy mood to work, so I'm back now and I've got my sketchbook open. I'm determined to get all my designing done by Monday to start on my actual real mannequin!

The napkin was so inspiring I just had to take it from the restaurant (it's the image at the top!)

A B C D E F G

I'm LOVING this project! (So far), I feel quite confident with it, however hopefully that won't change if I see someone else's. I'm still so excited for this!

TEXT

I really can't explain how excited I am for this project! 'TEXT', we get to do design! Proper design! I'm actually going to work SO hard on this project to be fully proud of the work I'm going to do!

I haven't yet felt fully proud for my work in the previous project, but I AM DETERMINED!
I've spent all day and have nearly completed my alphabet already! (the first part). I can't wait to get stuck in - plus, I've new art equipment to use! BRING IT ON.

P.S. The mouth is the letter 'M'

first steps

This is what my thought process looks like. Lots of thinking, but only one or a couple of thoughts are unravelled into something. It's a messy thought process and can be quite spontaneous. The best ideas come at night and I just wake up and maybe note them on whatever's around me (shown by the bigger scribbles with no arms, or ideas [yet to be planned]). This flight reciept was the closest to me, I'm not going to lie for a blog, I make notes on whatever is around me, this is my first step for starting something new.

There can be points where I need to feel quite inspired, these are shown where there is one idea/thing and then it arms out into another, newer idea or thing with different arms (the very top scribbles).

diary entries (49 project)

28/11/11

We got a new project today, '49'. Even reading the learning outcomes, I still find it half a waste of time and don't see much relevance of it and 'Fashion'. Though, I had and am willing to give it a chance. However, I've already got bored of it, and it was only briefed to us today!
This demotivates me and I don't enjoy it.
I'll try again tomorrow.

29/11/11

What another 'no progress day'. I did not do much work at all! I spent too long chatting rather than working. Sometimes I think I can't work in a room filled with people, it's far too easy for me to get distracted! But that is to say, I am still feeling bored of this project. I actually had more fun turning one of my paper 'pieces' into a Christmas tree and hanging it fro the roof - I'll eventually regret not trying to force myself to work.

I'm finding the whole studio doesn't like this project. I think I heard one of the staff describe it as a 'love/hate' project. I'm going to make myself a 'to-do' list and brainstorm for next studio day. Finger crossed I find enjoyment in this!

2 weeks, 5 days remaining! :-(

There is an element of enjoyment and pride needed in work to succeed!

01/12/11

Things are looking up! I've gave myself an element of a 'concept' for this project and now I'm really getting somewhere! I was super productive today! It's because I've found an interest in it now. I'm going to try and find an interest each day. I really work well when I enjoy it, so now I'll try find something I enjoy everyday to help me.

2/12/11

I've still got my 'theme' (if you'd call it that), but as the day went on I'm running out of ideas and 3D objects - just because they have to 'evolve'. I'm working at a steady pace which is good. I think though, I need to take a few breaks in the day, I didn't even stop for lunch but I think this is the reason why I'm running out of ideas. Note to self: Take more breaks!

5/12/11

It's snowing! It's SO hard to write, my hands are so cold! I'm in a brilliant mood - a good thing to keep me working - if I worked - if I wasn't distracted - STAY FOCUSED!

6/12/11

Okay, the novelty has worn off. Well, the snow was washed away too. I did work and I'm happy with my outcomes, however, I just don't have any interest. I cleared my wall of images to allow me to think clear for next day, it was just so frustrating! I felt like I'm in a factory just firing one out after another, with no time to think! I'm ready to start newer ones tomorrow and will do some thinking tonight; once I loose interest I stop working.

8/12/11

GSA was called off today due to the severe wind, and all my stuff is in the studio! I'm going to take today to do some more research.

9/12/11

Wow! Stressful! Even with all this research I have no ideas. I spend too long thinking it will work out than rather doing the job in hand. I stayed late too - so unproductive! I think I need a break. Or to put these away for a fresh start. Sometimes I think too much about what I'm doing.

10/12/11

It's a Saturday night and I'm working in the studio. I put everything away and started a blank 21x21cm sheet. The ideas are coming to me! I'm taking my time and doing things I like!

12/12/11

Tutorial's are today! It was fine. I found it so inspiring to see what other people have done. It's almost gave me a lot to think about and a lot of motivation, also new techniques.

It's nice to get feedback, especially from people who mean it! I'd rather someone well me my work looked like crap than lie and say it was 'OK'. I think I can successfully dismiss opinions myself judging by how they say it. It's nice to see what everyone else is doing and I get inspired - not copy of course - do it differently, or better. I've realised I could do more experimenting particularly with the printing facilities available. 

CONCLUSION

From reading through my diary entries I think I can easily sum up some corrective action from my observations;

I think it's important for me not to become ignorant; I understand now why they 49 project was given to us, and I should not have dismissed it because it wasn't related to fashion. It it wasn't necessary, then these projects wouldn't be given to us.

I don't work well when I'm not interested, but, let's face it, there will always be a project somewhere along the line that I don't particularly like. I think if I want to score a good grade that I should try and get an interest in it perhaps by looking at it in a different way, like giving it a concept as above. And also don't over think, take it by its stride and one at a time. The best things aren't always complicated, this involves taking breaks.

I do however think that I am a hard worker, and have shown in this project that I'm not willing to just give up. I do fight for it when it doesn't work and use the corrective action subconsciously to make the project in hand work to my ability. I also believe that I have the talent to do well, I just need to pick up the courage to be a bit more adventurous and come out of my comfort zones at times, perhaps by not being so ignorant towards things that aren't fashion related.

In order to succeed in future projects I will take note of the 'corrective action' I've shown here, and try execute it much earlier if I feel the need. I'll also try not to over think, but I will keep my determination to do well.