1. How can I set my work apart from that of others?
I feel this question will be relevant to many of those wanting to make it professionally, as it is important to have your own visual stamp in a world where there are many people doing similar things. This may seem especially difficult with art/illustration and how it exists on the internet, as more visual work is being seen and distributed, so it could be hard to create things that are truly 'original'.
However with that said, I think in order to achieve this I'd have to produce work that is reflective of my interests, background, and other things that are personal to me. Evaluating and developing what I produce would also make sure that my work is constantly moving.
2. How do I improve my technical ability?
I would like to improve my drawing skills in terms of refinement (e.g. drawing a subject better), and being able to draw confidently without reference (with some exceptions). Additionally, I'd like to become better at using a wider range of media.
These improvements will obviously be helped by carrying out the degree programme, as we will be producing a large body of work and will have access to these materials as well as workshops. However, continuing with drawing in my own time will also be valuable as I could explore personal ideas, as well as things that may not be part of a studio brief.
3. How do I put my work out there?
This question could have two parts to it - in the most straight-forward sense e.g. which platforms, online and otherwise, do I use to showcase work? and how to I become confident in displaying work for a wider audience?
I'd also like to learn about branding and how an illustrator can portray themselves and their work, both digitally (websites, blogs, folios) and physically (business cards, other paper-based media).
I'm sure that throughout the programme, we will hear and learn about what resources are available for illustrators and their portfolios. This may be from tutor advice, sharing knowledge with peers, and possibly when we speak to practicing professionals during Big Heads talks.
4. How can I become a better communicator?
(In terms of communicating messages/ideas through illustration) I think improving the ability to communicate through work would be helped by keeping up with news and current events, as well as reading broadly and researching various topics. This could regard existing interests or be a case of gathering new knowledge. I think that having this 'database' of things, whether it is on pop culture, history, politics, etc can make your creative work more informed and interesting.
5. How do I gain confidence in my own work?
This question is very subjective, and there isn't a simple answer. However I think that by looking at my work from the viewpoint of someone other than me would help. Reflecting on progress and creative choices (whilst blogging) is a way of achieving this and removes a bit of personal bias. Also, highlighting the positives as well as the negatives is a good way of looking at my own practice in a well-rounded way.
6. I want to become more immersed in illustration/design
Focusing on my own work is important, but I think that seeing what is happening in regards to art and design on a broader scale is just as significant. This can be done by reading design-based publications, and attending events and exhibitions to gain an insight into what others are creating. Not only on a 'professional' level, but to see what people do out of a love for illustration, art ,and design. I personally want to discover more graphic novels and zines.
7. How can I improve my time management?
I'm a fairly organised person, however an issue I sometimes have with time during studio briefs is how to distribute time evenly between stages. For example I may get carried away with research and not spend enough time developing my ideas. In order to change this I may have to dedicate a set number of days to research, development, and production.
8. I want to become better at presenting my work and ideas
Although I can manage with presentations on a smaller scale or with friends, large group presentations are something I'm not so confident with. It is especially frustrating as I do enjoy sharing stories and ideas and hearing people's responses. Hopefully the numerous presentations across the course along with peer review sessions will help with this, as well as eventually contributing during discussions.
9. What kind of illustrator could I be?
For me, this question would be about looking at existing roles within illustration and the contexts in which it could exist. More interestingly, I'd like to see examples (of either illustration or practitioners) that work in more than one way. I wouldn't like to bottleneck myself by defining what I do with one word/type of illustration. Instead I'd like to see how I can create things that span across many different formats while still achieving a level of cohesion.
10. How can I continuously evolve my work?
As an illustrator, continuously developing your practice is important as it prevents your work and ideas from becoming stagnant and repetitive. This could be approached by considering different methods of working (materials, processes, techniques) as well as how you utilise these methods (the distinctive way in which you draw/express ideas). Similarly with other answers, thinking critically of your creative output means you understand not only what you have done, but the direction in which your work may go.
In some ways this question could be answered by doing a combination of things already mentioned: evaluating your own work, looking at the visual world around you, exploring new roots technically, etc.
