Tutorial With Matt

Todays tutorial with Matt was a huge reality check for me. In a nutshell he made me realise that I am making work that I think that I need to do, rather than work that I am interested in and passionate about. 

Areas we discussed and advice given:

• Health editorial ONE A WEEK project that I have started on; a little underwhelming. Doesn't show my ability to work well within layers and different qualities of line. Maybe put this project to rest. Editorial is extremely specific and condensed and maybe a bit restrictive in terms of the way that I work.
• The production process of my line drawings is one of my strongest areas. This showed in my cardigans and building portraits.
• Why aren't I fully resolving briefs? "Its like you're a chef and boiling eggs but not making a meal".
• I need to make work that I can take ownership of and that I believe in, and need to find the confidence and perseverance to do this.
• What is interesting to me? What do I care about?
• Opportunities will arise if I am determined and actively look for them
• We discussed my COP project. How does illustration relate to that?
• COLLABORATIVE children's book. Is this something that I am really passionate about?
• Find what feels good
• In terms of PORTFOLIO: FMP needs to be one big thing that represents me and what I am interested in. FINISHED IMAGES resolved from a range of briefs.
• With being an illustrator, you never really reach an ultimate end-goal. It's a life long, continuous practice.
• ENJOY IT

I've realised that all I have been doing is worrying about what I am going to be and should be doing 'ultimately' within my illustrative practice. My worries and lack of confidence in my ability have been crushing me ever since I have been on this course because I have this idea in my head that I need to come out of college with so many labels of merit that could get me a job. SO I NEED TO STOP WORRYING AND START DOING WHAT I LOVE DOING AND AM GOOD AT!!!!!

Plan of Action:

• Get a camera, go around Leeds and take loads of photos of interesting buildings
• Instead of health editorial a week, do a building a week
• Draw more from observation and for pleasure
• Don't be afraid of working large scale
• STOP LEAVING DRAWINGS AND BRIEFS UNRESOLVED
• Stop worrying...(if only)