FMP Module Evaluation

Final major project has really been a learning curve for me and I feel that for the most part, I have gained a lot from it. This is through new skills I have acquired, going the highs and lows of each brief and further specialism into illustration. I believe I have got a clearer idea of what it is I want to do and how I want to further my practice. Illustration has always been a focus in my practice and my initial specialism, however after using it predominantly throughout the whole of the final major project, I have now identified it as my overall focus.

As usual I don’t feel like the module started smoothly. I was unsure if the briefs I had selected would be appropriate for the module and if they would help me gain a clearer understanding of where it is I might sit within the industry. I feel that the beginning part of the module got neglected somewhat due to last minute dissertation stress and therefore I didn’t get off to the start or pace I’d have liked. I found that once the pace and level of standard had dropped, it was very hard to get back. This then resulted in added stress, lack of motivation and last minute rush.

Confidence was partly an issue throughout all the briefs. Having the confidence to be bold and make more out of my illustrations wasn’t something that came easy to me. Nor did extending the briefs and exploiting them as much as I possibly could. I either found myself having a complete block at times or getting too carried away and not knowing when to bring things to a close.

Looking back I feel that the briefs I did select were appropriate and have helped me greatly get an idea of contexts that my illustrations might sit. They have allowed me to understand different print application processes, such as the ones I used in the Hovis brief when applied to material as well as paper based media.

Throughout FMP my illustration skills have come on no end. I have realized that a lot of my interest in illustration simply lies in just the process of producing the illustration and taking it to screen. Once I have the illustration I want I then transform it into a vector so that it is infinitely scalable and I am free to apply it to any context I desire. Although the complexity of the illustrations I produce are not overly complicated, I feel I have now a better practice when it comes to making vector illustrations.

My commitment and motivation to the course and my own practice has shown a noticeable difference between now and second year. I feel I am now working at a higher level of professionalism and I am starting to like some of the work I produce.

Out of all the briefs I feel that the Hovis brief is my strongest. It has allowed me to explore the process of application and learn the different opportunities print has to offer. I was able to use heat transfer prints, print digitally onto material, screen print and laser print. It showed me that I am able to apply my designs to not just poster or an ‘A format print!’

I have also gained a basic understanding of InDesign, which is something I have wanted to grasp throughout the course. I produced all of my presentation boards using this software and I have also begun to produce my portfolio using it too. I felt that my biggest accomplishment was being able to produce my design context product using it. This was a big step for me and was very fruitful for getting to grips with it a bit more.