Creative Practice Reflection #2
As an aspiring fashion journalist, the themes incorporated in the Better Lives Unit were not of much interest for me at first. These past few weeks have taught me that my ignorant and shallow attitude towards sustainability, social responsibility and diversity was the exact toxic mindset we should all fight against. Anyone can contribute and make a change.
I chose Illustration as my Better Lives project which was an absolute challenge because my drawing skills were non-existent. I thought exiting my comfort zone and trying something completely new alongside people from other courses would be a beneficial learning experience. Also, ditching the digital world I work in because of the journalism course for the material one in illustration seemed almost adventurous. Not only did I finally understand how hard being an illustrator in the fashion industry is, but during each course I managed to gain a sense of awareness and responsibility when working with materials. We were working only with recyclable paper, we were using our own magazines to cut and use bits for various patterns and we were researching designers supporting sustainability.
One of the lessons that impressed me the most was the one when we were asked to bring some magazines with us. We were given a white piece of paper, a scissor and freedom to create whatever we wanted. It was not only fun having Irina Shayk’s head on top of Bella Hadid’s torso and Kendall Jenner’s legs, but also inspiring and powerful. The thing I loved most during lectures was the freedom we were given and the assurance I was personally feeling that nothing I was doing could be wrong. It felt like a dress-up game from childhood.
The initial idea that the values of the Better Lives course will never be a problem in my field of work has completely changed. I have learnt that the way in which I can help may not be writing on recyclable paper, but I can use my voice to raise awareness about these issues and I can persuade people who, just like I did, think that they will not be able to make a difference. I feel like this unit was vital for how my perspective over the industry and the world itself will be for the rest of my career in fashion.