WeTransfer

        I enjoyed the WeTransfer brief, as unlike some briefs, which I feel were not particularly relevant to my creative practice, this brief was beneficial. Even if I do not win the competition, I will be able to use the illustrations I produced on my web pages (Youtube, Twitter, Blogger) and on business cards (print), and perhaps even on other platforms as the need arises. We have discussed the importance of creating a consistent professional image across our online presence, and the series of illustrations I hope to create will be an ideal fit for this task. 

        I began by exploring the concept of a future self portrait. To be honest I don't see myself being drastically different to how I am now. What is more important is what I see myself doing. However, I persevered with creating a number of quick portraits which would help me create my final illustrations.

These portraits embody my 2D working practice: ink
and watercolour.

 

        I have a fairly firm idea of where I hope to be in 10 years time. By then I will be in my early thirties, and ideally would be an established professional. While stop motion animation and puppetry are my dominant aspirations I also have a desire to explore theatre production, practical effects and taxidermy.

        Rather than choose between these paths, which may in fact be beneficial to one another, I chose to envisage my self as an artist with multiple specialisms, spanning theatre and screen. I hoped to create a small image, suitable for use on a business card, for each specialism. I did not manage to complete all of them in time, but there is no reason why I cannot continue to develop these images in my own time.

        This is a relatively personal brief, which in my case will aim to attract potential clients, employers or collaborators, and promote my skills and practice. I felt that consequently it was important that the visual style was an honest representation or my work. Although I do not yet possess the modelling and fabrication skills I hope to have in 10 years time, I feel that my drawing skills are a suitable fit and still effectively communicate my working style. I incorporated a number of tropes which have become evident in my work over the last few years: intricate line work, decorative borders, and cross hatching rather than bold colour.

        What made this brief challenging is envisioning how the nature, not only of illustration, but the creative industry in general will have changed in 10 years time. Will there still be a place for stop motion animation, puppetry and the other traditional skills I wish to specialise in?