Blog Reflection 3
The Better Lives themes had a large impact on my personal development during these past few weeks as I worked on my individual project. Fashion Illustration: View from the Catwalk gave me the freedom to choose a designer or fashion brand which shared the same message as the Better Lives themes, and to base three illustrations around them, all whilst incorporating our artwork with the message of sustainability, diversity and social responsibility.
The brand which I decided to focus my illustrations on was Tropic of C, which is an eco-friendly swimwear brand by Candice Swanepoel. What makes Tropic of C resonate with the Better Lives themes is the fact that firstly, it is sustainable. It prioritises recycled materials (such as fishing nets, fabric scraps and industrial plastic) in the manufacturing of its swimwear. It also focuses on methods of production which reduce the use of water and energy. The swimwear designs take artistic influence from the rich history of South Africa, which Swanepoel is native to. By using Tropic of C in my project, I wanted to explore how I could further highlight the better lives themes in my artwork with a brand which already embodies them, whilst utilising the ideas and research which had been covered in the Fashion Illustration workshops and online drawing classes.
Firstly, I did all of the illustrations for my project on cardboard, as I acknowledge that sketchbook paper is not very sustainable. The workshops as well as the lockdown due to Coronavirus outbreak helped me to understand that one can use household items to create art, therefore I used old cardboard as a base for my drawings. My first drawing took inspiration from Tropic of C’s “Mama Africa” collection, and I tried to incorporate nature and the environment into my illustration, which can be seen in the image below. One of Tropic of C’s mission statements is to help save the rainforests, so I thought this illustration was a good reflection of that.
For my second illustration, I wanted to experiment with different body types, as although Tropic of C is very sustainable, its campaigns and photoshoots primarily feature only one body type. I used chalk and colouring pencils in the image below in order to create a more realistic figure looking figure.
For my third illustration, I tried out the technique introduced in one of the online master classes; of dividing a human face mathematically in order to draw it more accurately. I attempted to draw a model which looks different from whichever angle you look at it. I played around with shadows, highlights and hairstyles using black and white chalk, and the image can be seen below.
Overall, my Better Lives project was a fulfilling experience which mainly taught me that everyday household items can be used to make artwork. I would have liked to have had more resources which were used in the online classes such as paint, but working with what I had made the project more challenging and gratifying.
1st May 2020 @ 5:34 pm
Blog 4: Peer Review of Ayza Alavi’s Blog 3 ‘Reflection’
I chose to peer review Ayza Alavi’s Blog 3 ‘Reflection’. This blog initially stood out to me amongst the others because of the images of work that were incorporated. I wanted to read the entirety of the blog to know more about Ayza’s project ‘Fashion Illustration: View from the Catwalk’ and the outcomes that had been created, since they already looked really interesting to me.
The blog began with an introduction to the project brief, to create three illustrations around a brand incorporating messages of sustainability, diversity and social responsibility. Ayza gave an initial insight of the brand which was chosen, ‘Tropic of C’ a swimwear brand by Candice Swanepoel. It was an appropriate introduction to the brand as it helped me to understand the connections between the themes of Better Lives and the ethics of the brand. There was a focus on sustainability, whilst talking about recycled materials being used in the manufacturing of the swimwear. In addition, the theme of diversity could be relevant here, as the swimwear designs are influenced from the history of South Africa, where Swanepoel is native to. I enjoyed reading about a brand that I had never heard of before.
In terms of Ayza’s illustrations, I thought that it was really inspiring how cardboard was used to draw on. This heavily considers the sustainability theme of Better Lives and is something distinctive and creative that would set the illustrations apart from others. I also appreciated how the current situation of the COVID-19 lockdown was mentioned in relation to using cardboard. Making use of objects found at home (like cardboard), is not only sustainable but also shows how easy it is to stay creative at home during these unprecedented times. It has motivated me to want to try this for myself at home. I also enjoy the raw and authentic feel that the cardboard gives, corresponding with the eco-friendly values of the brand that were mentioned.
For the first illustration, I particularly like the greenery that is incorporated. From what is described of the brand, I think that it helps to bring across the messages of nature and environment well. I also like the leopard print pattern that is illustrated. Again, this seems well thought out for the aesthetic of the brand. I think my favourite illustration is the second. I completely agree with the importance to see a diverse range of body types within fashion, especially for a swimwear brand. Lastly, I like the use of hashtags in the third illustration. I think it adds an element of staying connected online, something especially important during this time of lockdown.
I think I would have liked to have read about what Ayza’s specialism is, just for context of how the project of Fashion Illustration would impact further work in the future. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this blog; I found it really intuitive and motivating. It urges me to look more into the brand myself, but also try out some of my own illustrations.