Friday, 25 January 2013

Reflection on Mock Interview/Unit 5 Building an Art and Design Portfolio

 How did you feel about the mock interview?

I felt a little bit nervous before the interview but after I got seated I was very calm and ready to talk the big game.


What were your strengths?

My strengths were posture, eye contact, and speech.
I feel that I was good overall from all aspects.



What were your weaknesses?

I sometimes had to think about what I was saying and someties stuttered a little.


How could you improve on your interview skills?

I could elaborate better and also be less nervous, but overall I feel that I don't really need to improve.

Thursday, 24 January 2013

Unit 5 Building an Art and Design Portfolio Evaluation


In your opinion what has this unit involved?

This unit has involved Preparation Skills, Portfolio Building, Interview Skills and Building an Online Portfolio.


Explain what you have covered within this unit?

We have covered Interview questions, Portfolio management, how to organise a portfolio. We have also covered portfolio videos on moodle and have answered questions on our online blogs. We have also gathered info on HE courses and Job application forms. We have also been entrusted to update our blogs on our own time.


What particular areas of this unit have helped in preparation for preparing your portfolio?

We have learned about Interview Techniques, Portfolio Management, and we have also learned about mounting.


How has your understanding of preparing a portfolio developed during this unit?

I have learned very quickly about preparing a portfolio and I now fully understand what effort is needed to complete a successful portfolio.

How did you feel before the unit and how did you feel after?

I felt a little uncertain it would turn out successful, but now I am really sure I can complete a good portfolio.


:)

Unit 2 Visual Communication

This is artwork from Unit 2 Visual Communication.

This is a picture is made using the Ink and Wash technique, I used the technique for a grungy effect. The "fashion" of the shoe would be grungy scene, or venomous punk-scene. I wanted the colours to slide down the page, giving it a homey and alternative edge.










This is a picture I made using pastels and pen, I used the pastels to a neon and ecstatic effect, to mimic the colours of the neon-goth and cyber-goth clubwear trends.






This is a picture I created with coloured pencils, they are references for my mini sculpture. I used the pencils for a homemade and shabby effect.







This is a photo of my final piece. The colours aren't really my favourite but it came out succesful so I can't really complain




Portfolio Review

Can you give a brief description of the work you have seen today?

We have seen mostly original works, varying from typography to shoebox designs. We have seen pieces such as posters, ticket designs, direct mail designs, dvd cards, campaigns and postcards.


Explain any ideas and thoughts you may have developed on how the works have been presented which you could develop into your own portfolio?


I don't have many thoughts on how it was presented, it didn't really appeal to me, although I did like the works themselves.


Explain what are the strengths and weaknesses of the portfolio?

The strengths are; Wide range of art, Mark making skills, Good presentation.
The weaknesses are; Blank pages and no pride their work.


Other than final design work what else was shown in the portfolio?

They also showed, idea generation and sketchbooks.


Why are idea sheets important?

They show the artist has range and creativity, they also show idea generation.



Why didn't the students put their sketchbooks in?

Because the sketchbook work wasn't strong enough to display.


Why did the tutor say all the work was mounted on white card?

It helps the work stand out and come to life, it also makes it look clean.


How did the students present 3D work in their portfolio?

In photographs.


How did the students present the drawn work, can you explain the materials used to?

With pencils and paint.


How did they mount the work?

They spray mounted it, and made sure it was well measured, they used white card and laminate.


How much do you think the average portfolio cost?

A minimum of 100 pounds .



Why is it important to be clear about the unit title when explaining about the work?

So further education can see if you have been succsesful in your unit.


Friday, 18 January 2013

Unit 18 Site Specific Sculpture Briefs

This is work from Unit 18 Site Specific Briefs.






This is a picture of my idea sheet for Unit 18. My theme was Mythological Creatures, so I drew a succubus and centaur for my design sheet. This is only a small part of my idea sheet, as I really liked this part more than the rest of it overall, I feel this is some of my best work. The colour theme for my design sheet was "mythological" so I used blues and greens.



This is a picture of my design sheet, the owl at the top was what I really worked hard on sculpture-wise, rather that the more human figures. I didn't actually draw this owl myself, as I have difficulty drawing animals, my friend kindly offered to contribute some of her art to my idea sheet. As you can see I painted a title and there are some references to the side of this picture.

Unit 16 Work Textiles

This is work from Unit 16 Designing Accessory Briefs.



This is a sample I made for Unit 16. I was making a Platform Boot for this unit. We made samples so that we could experiment and learn how to use the sewing machines. We were basing our Accessories around certain celebrities, I chose Lady Gaga, so stars, glitter and diamonds were the "theme".





These are accessory designs I drew for Unit 16. My "theme" for this colour pencil sketch was "angelic accessories". The colours would be  primarily blues, pinks and whites, and any bright colours that "matched" the theme in my opinion. In this picture I have drawn a tiara, which is plainly visible in the centre of the page. I have also drawn a pink wooden bracelet and a ring (which you can't really see in this picture) in blue. I had also drawn another bracelet, but it is not plainly visible in this picture.




This is my idea sheet based around Lady Gaga. I thought that the best colours to personify Gaga were navy blues, bright baby blues, golds, blacks, silvers and whites. The annotation is basically a little bit of info on her. I also put some shoe references on my idea sheet and also some photos of Gaga but they are not visible in this picture.



This is a picture of my finished piece for Unit 16. I made the Platform Boot out of cardboard and masking tape. I then covered it with emulsion, when that was dry I painted it. The colour didn't turn out the way I wanted it to, it looks a bit "tacky" in my opinion. The bottom of the Boot is supposed to be covered in glitter, but I sadly ran out. I also put silver buttons on the side, and also a custom made motif.



Thursday, 17 January 2013

What makes a good interview?

A good interview is an interview where the student speaks clearly, and ALWAYS accepts a handshake. A good interview involves being on time, listening to what the interviewer is saying, and taking notes so that you remember. You as a candidate must be prepared to answer any questions the interviewer throws at you.

It is important that a candidate is dressed appropriately, casual but not-too casual one might say. It is important to show your personal style, but not too much. Be ready to explain your answers and elaborate. Take your time, but don't drag it out.

Body language is important, don't slouch, and sit up straight. Be aware that crossing your legs can give off a defensive attitude, so refrain if you can. It is important to pay attention and not go off track. The handshake is important too, NOBODY likes a limp handshake! Make sure your handshake is firm, but don't GRIP their hand like your made of stone. Be polite and don't sit down and get comfortable until they say.

It is important to show that you are confident and eager, but don't make yourself seem arrogant and cocky. A good CV is also incredibly important. Make sure that your CV is in pristine condition. Your CV should include as much information about past conquests and education as possible.

Make sure you bring along your portfolio, as they REALLY need to see it, if there's any chance of you getting accepted. Make sure that you are well-groomed and look amazing. They say that 90% of interaction is body language, and that only half of it is actual speaking.

If your nervous, it will show.  Make sure that you are not fiddling or shaking as this can also put off the interviewer and make it awkward.

Be confident, be polite, be organised, be neat, and be a good candidate that people will want to accept.

Good Luck!