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Visual Communications

In this 1 day project we were set to create a series of images around the theme of numbers.
We looked at typography and enhanced our observational drawing skills by exploring the different numbers on credit cards, bar codes and product packaging etc. 
I found it really interesting to discover all the different ways you can write/draw/read one number and it still be recognisable as that number. 
We also experimented with a lot of different media and grounds and scales.

This was my favourite double spread in my sketchbook from the day. I think the colour palette, mix of different scale numbers and the composition as a whole is effective and work really well together. 

COLLECT & CREATE

Visual Communication

For this one day project we were set the task to go around the college collecting inspiration from anything we could find including over heard conversations, the architecture, interiors and people watching. We had to explore our environment through quick observational drawings then develop these sketches into a series of images. 

This was a successful short project as it helped me to loosen up my creative style and to produce quick outcomes from my ideas whereas normally I take a lot of time over 1 idea and find myself being less productive as the process takes longer. 

We explored a variety of different processes including bypass printing, using found images, observational drawings and collage.

COLOUR & SHAPE

Visual Communication 

In this 1 week project we were set a brief to develop a series of different techniques and approaches to presenting an idea, focussing on colour and shape in a chosen theme such as 'snack time'. 

The week started off with a lot of observational drawings, focussing on people and objects related to snack time. I recently got braces and thought it would make a humorous set of images to use them as inspiration for the project. I decided to focus on this idea more and more as the week progressed because there were a lot of interesting shapes and colours I could manipulate into unique outcomes. I also did a lot of drawings while people watching in cafe environments like Costa Coffee and the train station in Chesterfield and Leeds. 
Some of the techniques I focussed on this week were cut paper drawings, bi-pass printing and collage and we also experimented with making colour swatches.   
I always find projects like this challenging at the start because I like having a definite idea I can work with. I also find it hard not to scrap pieces of work I'm not 100% happy with but I've stuck with it and I think the end products were effective. 

3 Drawings A Day

For the last 3 months I have been completing an ongoing project brief of doing at least 3 observational drawings a day. 

This exercise has greatly improved my observational drawing skills, making me more accurate and confident with the marks I make on the paper. 

We have been encouraged to explore a range of drawing techniques including blind drawing, continuous line drawings and overlapping multiple drawings on one page as well as experimenting with different scales, compositions, media and grounds.

One thing I learnt from this exercise was that doing little and often everyday can gradually but surely produce a mass of potential inspiration and ideas for future projects but the key is to keep on top of the simple task and not get lazy. 

I will definitely keep it up in the future!