Study Task 2 (Reflective Practice: 10 Questions)

1. How much should I be blogging? 
To find out the answer to this question I will look at other peoples blogs and compare what I have been thinking is enough to what they think is enough. If they are blogging substantially more than me, then I know I need to do more. On the flipside, if I am doing a lot more, I may need to reconsider where I should be using my time; maybe more on other projects.

2. How much preparatory work should I be doing for my final pieces?
Again, look at other peoples work and see what they have been doing/ask if they are happy with what they have been doing. Also listen to tutors recommendations.

3. How do I prioritise my projects when there are multiple deadlines approaching?
Work out how long each one is going to take, and maybe get the longest ones out of the way first, before working on the quicker ones. Think about how much each project is going to be worth mark-wise (even though they are all important).

4. How much artist research should I be doing/documenting?
I guess this links in with the blogging as that is where it would mainly be documented; again, talk to other people and tutors. Do as much as I feel is useful; too much could be a waste of time.

5. How can I make use of the other facilities in the college, for example the print room?
Go and ask in the room itself and book an appointment to start working in the room. I love working with print and hope to start doing it soon!

6. How can I gather inspiration when I am stuck on a brief?
Something which is proving to be a common problem, especially when it is a short brief and there isn't much time to faff around deciding what I want to do. I could go and make full use of the library and research in books, as well as visiting galleries and art spots around Leeds. General getting out and about could also push unexpected discoveries and material for projects.

7. Am I going to be able to work whilst on this course and manage my coursework welll enough?
In terms of part time work for extra money and illustration opportunities, as I would love to try and start getting my work out into the world in the next year or so, or at least before I graduate. I think it's important to get experience in the field, as getting a degree won't be the only thing to getting work. I will just have to try it and see if it is possible, but prioritise coursework above jobs. I could aim for things like illustrations for the college magazine, or gig posters and flyers for friends with bands.

8. How can I get the most out of this course?
Throw myself into every opportunity and complete each brief to my full potential. Not to waste time on Facebook or watching stuff on Netflix.

9. How can I manage my time well and not stress out about deadlines?
Make sure I do work EVERY day without fail; little and often, rather than leaving it to the night before (which I am previously guilty of). Especially don't forget about blogging as it will quickly snowball if I don't do it. Make enough time for fun as well as work, or it will start to become very stressful very quickly.

10. How can I find out about art opportunities happening in and around Leeds?
I really like it here as there is a really good chunk of things to do and places to go relating to art, for example the Internation Film Festival happening soon. There is so much more I am sure to find out about if I look in the right places. To do this I could read local events news, ask in the students union or ask my classmates if they have heard of anything.

Study Task 1 (25 Things)

Five reasons why I have chosen illustration....
1. I like the flexibility; you can do pretty much anything as long as it refers to the brief.
2. I like drawing!
3. I think illustration probably has a bigger market than some other art specialisms.
4. Illustrations get used EVERYWHERE and I want to be part of it!
5. I like looking at illustrations.

Five reasons why I have chosen Leeds...
1. I like how small the course is compared to others that I looked at.
2. I like how scary and intense it is, so I can't be lazy (which sometimes happens).
3. I like how it is a specialist art college, rather than a big university with an illustration course. It is better to work in an atmosphere where everyone is interested in some form of art or design, as you get better ideas and are more involved in the space.
4. I like how we get to meet and speak to lots of working illustrators and alumni.
5. I like the buildings, the people, the millions of things to do, the size, the student feel, and how cheap beer is!

Five of my strengths...
1. I can draw lots of things.
2. I learn quickly, whether it be a new job or what material works best for a drawing.
3. I can cook (which didn't become apparent until two weeks ago).
4. I am quite good at using watercolours and ink, based on feedback from previous projects and reactions to my work.
5. I can write about my and others work with interest and relative ease.

Five things I want to improve...
1. Be more relaxed with my drawing (although I can already feel it happening).
2. Manage my time better, so I'm not late and don't have last minute deadline panic.
3. Realise what my proper, permanent strengths are and be able to talk about them.
4. My digital drawing skills (currently don't have a clue).
5. The composition of my drawings within a page/frame.

Five images that demonstrate my interest in illustration...