Lens Based Media Rotation 22/09/14 - 26/09/14

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The first task of LBM involved taking 20-30 photos of personal likes, dislikes, family and friends. I then had to understand the reason I had taken these and how they relate to me; I considered the colour, composition, lighting and other aspects when analysing each photo. I feel this made me see aspects I had previously not seen for example the ripples of water distort the reflection of the sunset which contributes to the movement within the image. I was particularly drawn to the unedited photograph of flowers, as I observed it from different angles I became confused as I did not understand where the top or the bottom was. However, I came to the conclusion no matter what way this photo was viewed from it was successful. I also feel the photo looks 2dimensional even though it is a 3d subject. The reason for this is the way at which it was captured- the angle involved directly looking down onto the plants, as it was midday the sun was directly above; meaning no shadows were created therefore contributing to the 'flat' appearance of my outcome. When first observing the photo my eyes were drawn to the large bright, vivid orange flowers positioned in the right bottom corner - I consider this composition to be unusual because the majority of photos i look at I am drawn to the centre of the image. On the other I consider this unique aspect to be successful because the orange plants becomes a pathway around the photo; one leads to another which captures the audience’s attention and subconsciously takes

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them through the image. I then went onto observationally drawing my photo; my intension involved exploring the colour and texture. To do this I used a range of mediums to capture a variety of colour; I feel this created a conflict between the petals forms, the texture created also conflicted with one another which contributed to the movement of the image. I feel my outcome was successful because I did complete my intention, but I would improve my outcome by completing the centre of the flowers. I also experimented with cropping the drawing to understand how less is more.

The next task involved transforming words into photographs; this included jump, fall, echo,

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sad, happy and crush. I tried to think outside the box and not choose the most obvious ideas. I feel I completed this task successfully because my images were interesting and conveyed the word; I feel this task helped me to create work quickly without overthinking my ideas. My favourite image is the one connoting the emotion sad because the lighting and composition work really well together; the character is positioned in the corner in darkness making them appear vulnerable and upset. 

The following day of lens based media involved the focus on narrative and characters. To begin this task I looked at personal objects such as old letters and coins to seek inspiration for character ideas. Then in groups we discussed our narratives and possibilities of creating them within 6images. The agreed narrative consisted of a tiny character that worked in a

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teapot making tea, until a kettle took over his job and the resolution being the kettle breaking and the tea worker getting his job back. I feel we had successful images within this task but could improve the overall outcome. To do this I would not rely on Photoshop to form my composition because the outcome was not visually appealing and could have been achieved without Photoshop. Although I feel the software was successful on the kettle images to convey the feelings of the character through the use of coloured lighting. I feel our narrative was interesting and unique which would have been successful with better images.

The final day involved bringing in a six image narrative produced at home like the group task. I found my outcome more successful because I was able to experiment with all my ideas without a time frame or others trying to express their ideas. My narrative was simple and quirky; my main character was a corn on the cob that gets placed onto a hot pan by a giant human and then the character explodes into popcorn. Although my narrative seems harmless and fun; the deeper meaning involves being trapped in a society where people do not consider others around them – this idea was inspired by my everyday life of travelling to

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University where I experience people on public transport whom only consider themselves and push into others or sit on a seat and place their bag on another. I used a small scale character (the corn) which conflicts with the large scale human; this increases the notion of not being able to do anything against other peoples actions. I feel my outcome was successful because I used dark surroundings in the six images to connote the feeling of being trapped and having no way out; the darkness also put focus onto the bright yellow character which was reinforced by the lighting. When receiving feedback from other students I understood the narrative was enjoyable but I could consider using a range of backgrounds to create a variation between visuals and to reinforce the feeling of being trapped in society. Continuing this task I then had to create one 2dimensional image which would convey the theme of my narrative. I chose to continue the theme ‘trapped’ and focused on the flames in one of my images which I scanned, cut and layered. I also captured an image of a silhouette – it represented someone with their arms in the air. When combining my experiments a 3dimensional pierce was formed; to decrease this to one single flat image I experimented with the shadows created from the cut out sections of my work. The results were interesting and displayed a form which related to a human surrounded by flames – I continued to edit my final image until it was cropped to a necessary visual and one which portrayed my theme. The feedback received from other students was positive as they found my outcome distressing, as if they were experiencing the feeling of being trapped and not being able to escape. Overall I found this task challenging but rewarding and feel satisfied with my outcome. To improve my work I would

improve the quality of my printed image by insuring the computer setting were correct because unfortunately the final pierce looked slightly out of focus. 

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Graphics Rotation - 15/09/14 - 19/09/14

The graphics rotation began with a range of drawing exercises the first consisted of drawing a portrait with my eyes closed. I felt this concept was quite odd to begin with and questioned the point in not being able see? However as I proceeded with this task I realised that the aim wasn't to create a perfect outcome but to consider a new way of creating work; a technique that would form an unexpected and interesting outcome which I would not be able to create if I was looking at the paper. The next involved drawing with the opposing hand; again I did not feel comfortable with this technique because the lines I was generating did not meet my expectation. Instead my outcome related to a wobbly, childlike drawing which I did not consider as successful. Another exercise involved using my mouth to draw another portrait; I feel this task was unusual because I was using a technique I had never

considered before. Although I did not enjoy this technique because of the lack of control I had of my medium, I was beginning to realise the exercise was challenging my idea of ‘drawing’ and what creates a successful outcome. I previously always aimed for a visually perfect outcome but after progressing through the drawing tasks I am now questioning why my outcome has to be perfect? Why do I consider it as perfect? If my outcome is almost photographic why not just take a photo? I have learnt how these new techniques can form successful work and one which can be considered as interesting and unique instead of a repetition of many other designers’ outcomes which reflect the same over and over again. To continue my practise of drawing I went on to experimenting with a large scale observation of my ear. I found this task difficult because the curves and detail of an ear was hard to capture within the 15 minute time frame. However, I feel my outcome is successful because it does resemble my ear. I would improve my outcome by adding more tone to capture the darker areas which would contribute to the dimension of my drawing; to do this within the 15 minutes I should have used charcoal as my medium because it quickly and accurately creates tone by applying more pressure or using my finger to smudge it. Although I feel my drawing was visually interesting on its own when positioned alongside other student’s drawings it created an impact and became more eye catching. I also feel the collective of drawings would engage an audience more than one on its own because each one are individual and unique.

 I then went onto visiting the technique of collage; my intension was to create a distorted

face. My starting point consisted of another student’s quarter of a face which included the nose, eye and glasses, I was influenced by the image of the glasses and aimed to find another image which would harmonise to form a full set of glasses. To do this I looked through magazines with existing images before coming across one I liked. Although the scale of the image was smaller than the one I had, I experimented with the positioning and surrounding visuals to produce a complete face. I really enjoy the unusual proportions of my collage because it links into my chosen word ‘crazy’, I felt this word was appropriate because I have never seen an advertisement representing one lens of glasses larger than the other. Therefore my outcome challenges conventions of existing products and

advertisements of them; I feel this contributes to my outcome being successful because it is eye catching and captures people’s attentions – it may make them question my intensions?  From this outcome I used a view finder to crop it; this allowed me to focus on one section, it also transformed the collage into an abstract image. My aim was to enlarge the cropped section by observationally drawing it, but instead of just accurately drawing what I could see I wanted to explore texture and movement. To do this I used a range of mediums, the dotted tape contributed to the movement as it is difficult to focus on the dots, the sketch of pink and red add texture because it appears rough and vivid. The masking tape also adds to the texture because I used the technique of layering it to ensure the surface is not smooth and flat. Overall I feel my outcome is successful because the bright bold colours are eye catching and the diverging lines create movement whilst my mediums form the texture to my work.

The next task within the graphics rotation was one of the most confusing briefs I have been given. It involved one word ‘hair’ and from that word a design had to be created. However it

couldn’t have anything to do with the starting word. From this my group branched off into many words and ideas. We were interested in the several ways of spelling our word ‘hair’, ‘hare’ and ‘heir’ and how all these words sounded the same but had completely different meanings. This inspired the idea of a protest because it combined the three ways of spelling the word; our outcome consisted of an animal protest and infographics. The aim was to make our designs visually interesting and to capture our audience’s attention and shock them with our ‘twist’ on our starting point. The protest involves authority in relation to ‘heir’, animals in relation to ‘hare’ and ‘hair’ in relation to fur. The infographic involved animals to link it in with the protest; it also involved a hairpin bend to continue the transformation of our given word. I feel the outcome is successful because it represents how one word can spark many ideas; it also challenged the way I think about design and how I approach a brief because my group could have reached for the obvious connotations of hair, instead we completely changed the path by shocking our audience with our outcome.

The final brief of the graphics rotation consisted of creating 6 15x15cm squares; they needed to represent aspects of the week and my identity. I decided to focus on typography, the reason for this was because I feel typography is one of my weak points in graphics

 because I find it difficult understanding what typography works with a design and what
doesn’t. Therefore this task would challenge me to focus on my weakness and try to improve the difficulties I have with it. I began by layering my initials until it became a distorted pattern; I also used bright, bold colours to represent the positivity I felt towards exploring my weakness. Although I did not have time to complete this square I feel it was still successful because by not filling all the spaces in with colour allowed some of the typography to be recognisable; I also feel the layering technique contributed to the movement of my work. For the next square I wanted to use existing typography; to do this I looked through a range of magazines and chose the most interesting designs of my initials. Again I used the layering technique to create a collective of my initials. I feel by combining these existing typography’s into a small space took the attention of individual ones; unlike the magazines where each one stood out, once positioned together I realised how similar and in some cases repeated the designs were. This aspect influenced my next square because I challenged myself in looking for an interesting pattern and then creating my own big, bold typography which was placed on its own in the small space. The white background increased the focus on my design; I feel this square also made me look in my surroundings at design because I tend to miss interesting visuals and do not take the time to appreciate them. For my final square I wanted to understand how a chaotic pattern within the typography would affect the visual; I feel the complicated and intricate designs made the design appear delicate and sophisticated and once finished will be unique. Overall I feel my outcome was successful although I did not finish in the time given I feel I challenge myself and learnt new techniques within typography; if I was to present my work at a gallery I would display it from the ceiling because I have sewn each square together the shadows would be interesting. I could also cut typography in my other squares to increase the range of shadow forms.
Overall I feel the graphics rotation week has represented how graphics is not always based on a computer and can be created from materials. I have also been inspired to look at existing designs and designers because this can increase my idea's and influence new techniques.

3D Rotation 08/09/14 - 12/09/14

To begin the 3D project we were set with drawing exercises, these ranged from turning your favourite fruit into a rabbit hutch to your house number into a bus stop. Although I found the tasks quite unusual at the beginning as I continued through them I began to understand the purpose of it. It presented how 3D design can be inspired by anything and that my future ideas should be unique and original. I feel this fun task has inspired me not to be to accurate and precise with the start of my ideas because they are only starting

points and will be developed. The next task consisted of designing a structure which would support a large bottle of water. The materials were restricted to one piece of A3 paper and an arms length of masking tape. I began by folding the paper, my aim was to create a strong base, unfortunately this was not successful and created a rip through the middle of my structure. I feel I would improve my technique by planning and drawing my ideas to identify the positive and negative aspects instead of diving straight in. From this I began to

improvise with the methods I used, these included rolling tubes and screwing the paper up to create a stronger structure. Although I did not aim to do this I really enjoy the visual of the screwed up paper because it creates texture and makes my design aesthetically pleasing. Overall I found this task quite difficult because of the minimal planning skills I used, I feel this will improve my skills in the future because I realise that the planning stage is important to the success of my outcome. Even though my outcome did not meet the height target it did not collapse when placing the bottle on it.

Therefore I feel the outcome did not meet my expectation but has taught me to consider my design.
I then went onto creating a structure which would hold my body weight from cardboard and masking tape, this time I planned my design before beginning. I feel planning my design helped me understand the visual of my outcome and gave me an image to aim for. I chose to layer a triangle form on top of each other - my aim was to have four of these triangle stacks which I would place under my feet and tape to my shoes. Unfortunately my management of time was unsuccessful and I did not complete what I intended. To improve my unfinished design I tried to compromise by wrapping the two stack in card board to strengthen then. However, the scale of my forms made it difficult to balance on and once I did get on them they collapsed. I feel I could improve my design by considering the time frame I have to complete it in and instead of being over ambitious realise what I can achieve with a simple but effective design. On the other hand I feel the visual aspect of my design was interesting because the layered shapes created texture.  
Following the structure task I went onto designing paper bridges; this enabled me to create delicate designs which would be difficult in the following task of using card board. My first design idea was based around the visual aspects instead of the practical. I began with a
 simple structure made from a thin, curved form; I then went onto layering this with another curved form. However, this second curve focused on diverging lines which contributed the the texture of the bridge. When placing this under a light interesting and unique shadows were created; I feel this would be successful as a real, large scale structure because the sunlight would increase the intensity of the shadows. I feel I could improve this experiment by considering the access points to the bridge because when using small scale models I realised as a practical design the bridge would be easily accessible.
My next paper bridge structure consisted of creating a ‘fringe’ affect on either side, this contributed to the visual pleasure of the bridge by adding dimension and texture. It also contributed to the practical aspect of the bridge by adding a safe barrier between the users of the bridge and the height of it. Again, the shadows created from this design were intricate and created a visually pleasing outcome. I would improve this design by ensuring the curve of the base was accurate because whilst observing my outcome I noticed it appeared slightly wonky and inconsistent. To do this I would measure the width of the paper I used and cut it precisely. From this task I learnt how simple materials and techniques can be a successful way to start a design and to understand your ideas through a quick observation. It also allows me to understand the positive and negative aspects of the design which I can improve through development.

Continuing with the design of bridges the aim of the next task was to create a bridge from one table to another. However, the design would need to support a remote control car and the height should be able to fit another table underneath. The materials we were allowed to use involved 10 sheets of cardboard, 30 bamboo sticks, brown tape and elastic bands. Before diving straight into the making process my group discussed ideas and draw the one we felt was best suited to the task. The idea involved bamboo sticks under two layers of cardboard with supports at each end baring in mind we could only touch two points on the floor. I feel this design was simple yet effective. However, as each person in the group was directed to a specific job I feel our communication could have been improved because when it came to assembling each piece it became apparent that our original design did not look at all like the one we were creating. Although at this point we still had an image of our predicted outcome we soon turned to improvisation. Even though I do not feel like this was

the most efficient method of working, at the time we were more focussed on completing the task within the given time rather than the design itself. This meant we ended up with a practical outcome but not a visually pleasing one. Looking back at this task I would improve a range of aspects including the planning because I do not feel everyone got to explain and express their ideas, again this involves the communication in the group. I would also improve my contribution to the group because I feel I held back and did not get involved as much as I could of; to do this I will express my ideas and ensure everyone understands them.
To complete my 3D rotation the final aim was to create a structure which would support three plastic balls. The materials available included pasta and a glue gun. Before beginning this task I made a series of drawings to understand my ideas visually. I feel my planning skills are improving and I aim to continue using them in future tasks and designs.  When creating my structure a range of problems occurred, these included the pasta being very delicate and continually breaking. The glue taking a long period of time to dry which meant the pasta did not stay in position - To overcome these problems I focussed on being gentle when handling the pasta, I also held the pasta in position as the glue was drying which helped it stay in place. For the base of my structure I layered the pasta to form a stronger material, this helped my outcome balance and support the weight of the balls. I then continued to build it up until I felt the visual aspect was unique and interesting. I feel my outcome was successful because it met the aim of supporting the balls, it also worked well when using models around it as an architectural building because the scale looked accurate in comparison to the model trees. I feel the form of the structure would make an interesting building and would like to develop this design into a green house. Overall I have really enjoyed learning about 3D design because I have learnt and developed skills including the importance of communicating and planning. I have also realised creating a 3Dimensional structure is harder than I considered because of the strength, balance and scale of the materials used.

Passport Project Outcome - 04/09/14

Today was the final day of the passport project and the aim consisted of transforming a passport shaped book into a reflection of our identity as designers. It encouraged me to reflect over the two previous days including the drawing exercises and gallery visits. 
To begin this task we discussed the work we had created in groups, this allowed me to understand and highlight the techniques and materials I used and what was successful. 
I then went onto creating my passport, I tried to experiment with a range of materials and techniques that I previously used throughout the week. I feel the front page was successful because the cut out pattern created detailed shadows which added dimension and movement to my work. I also cut a tube map into strips and layered them in diverging paths to represent and connote the confusing of tubes I experienced on my way to the Victoria and Albert gallery; this page inspired me to make my flat book into a sculpture. Although I did not begin with the intension of creating a sculpture I felt it would be a good challenge to set myself. As continued to create pages I remembered the amount of stairs had to walk up through the galleries, this began the idea of folding the pages to form curved, layered shapes. I really enjoyed this idea because it was visually pleasing and made my passport have floral connotations which appeared delicate and contributed to the unique shadow forms. I also experimented with sewing to contribute to the texture of my work alongside sharp, vivid cut edges. I feel these sharp forms conflict with the smooth, curved edges to create movement and a path which takes the audience around my work. 
Over the past few days I used fine liner to capture observations, this made me question how I could turn this into a sculptural form. I decided to use tracing paper which I screwed up once I had drawn my observational drawing from the Disobedient Objects exhibition; my aim was to make it appear as if the puppets were coming out of my passport, the crumpled tracing paper was to
connote the tense, uncomfortable atmosphere I experienced whilst viewing this work. I also felt the tracing paper would work well with light shining through it to increase the fine liner standing out, it would also make an eerie, spooky effect which would harmonise with the drawing. 

I feel I could improve my outcome by considering colour because I was more focused on the textures and dimensions within my work. I could also consider how I would display my work in a gallery because I feel the presentation of the outcome is important because the audience need to be drawn in and see all aspects of it. Overall I feel my outcome is successful and sophisticated because I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried not to view the passport as a book but just as a starting point for an outcome which proved to be unexpected. 

Victoria & Albert gallery visit - 02/09/14

Today I visited the Victoria and Albert gallery; I find this gallery overwhelming because of the huge variety and quantity of interesting and unique designs. The first exhibition I viewed was  titled 'Disobedient Objects,' from this I predicted that the work would go against traditional views. The exhibition highlighted that the work was created under pressure with few resources, it also suggested that some of the work may appear rough or unfinished. I really enjoy the idea of not perfectly finished outcomes because in my opinion it gives the work an interesting appearance and allows the audience to see the process; when looking at the work I felt involved with the events it presented. 
As I walked in the exhibition the atmosphere felt quite tense because the lights were dimmed and the work that caught my attention seemed dark and eerie. The work was titled 'Puppets'. I was drawn in by the large scale of the work and the distorted faces of the puppets. This work was created by a politically radical theatre company titled Bread and Puppet. The company was known for going against conventions of society and they suggested that "Art should be as basic to life as bread". I really enjoy the work because each puppet had distinctive features which made each one stand out but also harmonise with each other to work as one. The dark clothing and creepy appearance of the puppets put me on edge because it was as if the puppets were staring back at me. I feel this work is powerful because of the feelings it gave me and made me feel apart of it. 

I was really amazed at the simplicity yet powerful design titled 'SILENCE=DEATH' designed by Avram Finkelstein. It presented how a basic design can become a well known, recognisable symbol which represents a strong message. This design was used in Nazi concentration camps to mark out gay men. However, it was inverted to create  a voice for the gay community and help them stand up and be proud of who they are. This design helped me understand that it does not have to be detailed or overcomplicated to be successful and become so important to so many people. Overall I feel this design will help me consider the detail I create in my own designs and question if it is necessary.

The 'Occupy Sandy Way finding Sign' was created because New York was hit by a hurricane named Sandy in 2012. It was used as a source of direction to all the victims affected by the hurricane. I feel the bright yellow becomes eye catching for the audience and helps the black information stand out. The organised, simple design helps people understand how to get help at the crucial time. I decided to create a response to this design inspired by the composition  of the sign. I chose to change the order and layout of the design to see how it would affect the way I viewed the sign. I discovered my design formed a confusing message which was difficult to understand or make any sense from. This presents how the composition of a sign is important to how it communicates the message to the audience. 
I relish the big, bold typography in the design 'NO' by David Gentleman. The colours have powerful connotations of blood, danger and death which contributes to the message the poster is advertising. It was designed in 2003 as a antiwar message in the build up to the Iraq war; it's purpose was to create awareness within the public to help and support of preventing the war. I created several responses to this design, my first one was a chaotic, messy outcome; I wanted to understand how my outcome would affect the message of the design. I feel mine was successful because the acrylic paint contributes to the texture and the uncontrolled red paint forms a violent appearance which would contribute to the connotations of war. I then went onto a more controlled experiment which involved questioning how the colour of the work would affect the message it was advertising. I experimented with a range of colours and feel it removes the seriousness from the work because the colours I chose gives the design a more upbeat, fun, colourful appearance which does not connote war. Overall I feel my responses helped me understand  why David Gentleman chose the techniques and colours to create a successful and sophisticated design.
Overall I really enjoyed my visit to the Victoria and Albert gallery, the Disobedient Objects exhibition made me consider how outcomes do not need to be perfectly finished to create an interesting and sophisticated outcome. This has inspired me to experiment with different techniques and materials even if the outcome is not what I expect it will be unique and successful. The exhibition also expressed to me how art and design is everywhere, it can have a function or just be for visual pleasure; from this I will take time to observe my surroundings and the designs which may be in it.

Journey to Victoria & Albert 02/09/14

On my way to the Victoria and Albert Museum I recorded my journey through a range of mediums including photography, observational drawing, sewing, cutting and film. I really enjoyed doing this because it made me observe my surroundings and notice aspects I pass everyday but have never taken the time to appreciate. I feel this task made me realise how art and design is everywhere and I constantly consume it. I wanted to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques to understand new ways of working; I feel my outcomes were successful because they met my aim of experimentation. The most difficult process was an observational drawing of a tube because I was drawing what I could see. However, the people within my view were constantly moving and changing direction which meant I only had a short time to capture the movements. To do this I used quick sketchy lines and minimum detail; I feel the quick lines contribute to the overall movement of the work and adds texture to the drawing. 
Overall I feel this task has inspired me to look more because I never know what idea can be created from my surroundings and what I see. I also feel I will continue to record whilst travelling to and from places because it will improve the pace at which I work at.

Project - Passport 01/09/14

Today I used 10 objects ranging from a scarf to coins to explore new ways of thinking and creating work. I found the quick observational drawing's difficult because I was unable to think about what I was doing or capture a drawing that made sense to me. However, from this I learnt a successful outcome does not need hours of concentration and I should not worry about the movements I capture. I also learnt I should experiment with a range of mediums to understand what is most successful with my intention. My first outcome was based on my favourite object which consisted of letters from my nan. The technique I used involved tracing the most important part of the letters and then layering them on top of each other to create a distorted and chaotic visual. I also used coloured paper to highlight the important sentences; I feel this outcome was successful because the colour becomes the main focus as it stands out among it's surroundings which are dull. I feel this idea could be developed into many designs, for example using the tracing paper in a sculptural 

form and combining it with a light to increase the focus on the words.

Another task involved drawing an object from memory in one minute. At first I felt under pressure to create a visual which represented what my object exactly looked like. But as I began to draw quick lines I focused on the texture of the scarf; I feel my outcome was successful because I captured the creases within the material. Although it does not look like my object I enjoy the movements within my lines and feel I learnt to relax when making work because all outcomes are successful and everyone views them differently. I went onto drawing an object in 10seconds, which obviously would not look the observation but a new, unique outcome.

The final task consisted of drawing a portrait of two class members whilst asking them questions. I was not excited or inspired by this task to begin with because I feel uncomfortable drawing people. However, I feel this task made me push my abilities by challenging myself not to erase every mark I made because of the negativity I felt towards it. Instead I used this to my advantage by using masking tape over the aspects I felt needed improving and then re-drawing on top of the tape. This allowed the mistakes to show through and create a layering effect which lead to the outcome having texture and dimension. 

Overall I found today's tasks challenging because of the time frame in which I had to do them in, I found it difficult creating the outcomes within a short space of time and in some cases not finishing my outcome. On the other hand I have been inspired from the tasks because I have learnt new ways and techniques of working because it presented how outcomes do not need to be complete or take hours to be successful because everyone looks at work differently and some may see my work as a positive even if I feel it is a negative outcome.