Visual Journalist Research and Second Crit

Over the winter break I continued my research by taking on board the advice I was given in the crit at the end of term; to create the story of the willow pattern and possibly 'put my own spin on it'. I didn't think this was possible from my research done in Whitby and in York because I didn't pay enough attention to specific elements within the story that I need to focus on now, for example buildings, bridges, foliage etc. 

I payed visits to Harrogate, and Austria where I took photographs and carried out some observational drawings.

Second Crit

Problem Analysis

This morning we had a group crit with Ailsa Johnson, a third year Illustration student from Edinburgh and we discussed our progress so far.

At the moment I feel like my ideas for my willow pattern book are at very loose ends, and the whole thing is a bit up in the air without a sense of direction. I presented the research I had done over Christmas; Ailsa and the rest of my group members suggested that I reconsider creating a standard saddle stitch book as opposed to a consatina style book. I did have the idea in mind that I would create a double sided consatina book, with individual images on one side explaining the story in a chronological order, and then one large image on the other side also to do with the story. However a double sided consatina book wouldn't be a feasible option due to complications in the production process which may jeopardise the finished product.

Problem Solving

I was encouraged to test different media out and experiment in photoshop which I was prepared to have a go at, although I was still left a bit unsure when choosing which reference to go by in terms of 'putting my own spin' on the book. I was advised to take a walk around Leeds and photograph elements and people based on the story but then I feel like I am taking a step back, which is difficult considering the time restriction. So I feel like my best option would be to go back to basics and base the theme of drawing around those on the original willow pattern plate, and adapt the visual elements in to ways in which I can portray the story accurately.