top of page
Helen Capewell
OCA Learning Log
Student Number: 522802
Degree: Illustration
Current Level: 2

Exercise 1: Getting Into ‘The Zones’



To experience the feeling of being so absorbed in the work that you find yourself in the zone, is really incredible! I find that once I am locked in, I've disconnected and escaped the world for a while; it's quiet.



● What do you feel comfortable doing?


Drawing from Life, drawing cartoons, drawing traditionally and digitally, thinking of ideas, painting with acrylic, designing, working to a brief. This list is extensive.


● What do you feel uncomfortable doing?


Quite often I have found working through this degree uncomfortable, not so much the work, though at times this has caused great stress, but generally the frustration has followed me from the beginning and I've struggled to shake it. Despite this, with thanks to the course, I have also realised the styles in illustration that I don't feel comfortable doing, most notably the Reportage Illustration. Wasting time, when thinking about it, is also something that makes me feel uncomfortable which would include doing the kind of work that I just don't want to do or enjoy doing.


● What areas would you like to develop further?


I would love spend more time working with narrative in my creative work. Since the completion of the course Graphic Fiction, completing a Graphic Novel would be an incredible goal to achieve. Narrative feels important to the works I wish to create, it seems to be at the core of most ideas that come to mind, not only in the literal term for creating stories, but also in design illustration such as in branding, marketing, and other areas. To me, narrative is a sense of purpose, it's a feeling when looking at a work, conveying deeper meaning, and offering room for various interpretations when executed thoughtfully.


I would also like to develop a consistent body of work, or style, that I feel communicates the emotions and expressions that are trapped in me. There is something to be unearthed and I want to be able to learn how to open the door.


Whilst I had always wanted to go into animation, the industry and work scared me in a way that felt like I just couldn't understand parts of the process (there seemed to be a mathematical element in working out frames per second that I just couldn't understand and still sometimes feel like I don't understand). That said I do love the use of animation in infographics, GIFs and other short content forms that are hand drawn. As part of exploring illustration within design, I would also like to incorporate elements of this style of animation. Who knows maybe I will find myself doing more ambitious animation projects as a result after all!


● What thoughts do you have about your work and where it might develop?


The best way to describe my mind, body, and creative work right now is like having too many tabs open on the internet browser, literally. It's hard to know what direction to go in as I am passionate about so many things. I've never been one to focus on one area because art is an expression that constantly moves and requires different methods to express them, however, I would like to have time on just one thing and finally finish the things I set out to do.


● Where would you like to begin?


Understanding how to help yourself is probably key here. Beginning is not always my problem, but finishing has a way of putting distance between me. Number one step is remove social media. It's the killer of creativity and a black hole for time. Start by not comparing otherwise I will miss my chance.


Not to sound negative, but I would like to just finish this degree now. I want to be in the final year so I can focus on something meaningful.


To begin with focus.


● How can you develop ways of working that allows for the new to emerge?


I'm at a shift in my creative world right now. It's a crisis that seems to have spread my ambitions a little wide. I love it, I love that I am feeling inspired with projects, but it's also having a negative effect on me when I can't do them all. I think the key here is focus on smaller goals and try finishing things. Finishing something that satisfies me, to then feel inspired for the new. Full time work also playing a part in the never ending projects which I think impacts me more than it should. Finish, breath, welcome the new.


I hate to feel like I am wasting time, and right now it is an immense feeling.


● How are you going to document and reflect on your progress?


I love the idea of documenting with video. Another idea I had but have a million excuses to not do! It would be fun to make videos of the work, making this an art piece in itself as well.

Comentários


bottom of page