Melisa Brahimi

Blog Post 2 

• Reflections on how the Better Lives themes might change how you work in the future;

Reflecting on my creative process the Critical design classes highlighted key issues going on in our society. These classes made me realise aspects of diversity, sustainability and social responsibilities that I didn’t necessarily think would be needed as much in this practice. This class tested me as a creative to really think outside the box when trying to portray a powerful message; in one of the lessons we looked at Rhea Dillion recent campaign which was a huge inspiration. The classes taught me when brainstorming for an idea it is important to be consider the resources you use carefully and to be inclusive of ethical production as for our final outcome we had to create a trailer based on a topic about the society we live in however before Corona I had various ideas of set and I wanted to collaborate for my trailer however I now need to use more home based items and surroundings which is actually more sustainable then producing a set.  

What I learnt in Critical Design can also be applied to my creative practise as a fashion image maker, for example the art of research and sustainability when shooting using recycled products and remaking using borrowed clothes even when illustrating making it more digitally based as that decreases paper waste. The Critical design classes at the beginning was quite difficult to understand what the purpose was but later on I realised it was about testing us as creatives and how to use our voices to portray an ideology or opinion on a topic. Additionally for my project I began looking at  meritocracy and how those from more privileged backgrounds have it easier whereas someone for a less privileged background has to work harder in order to climb that ladder of the fashion industry. I looked at clear case studies such as Alexander McQueen compared to Stella McCartney. However later on within my research journal I started to side track and look at a different topic which was Inclusivity relating it back to my fashion illustrative background looking at the representation of different body types, races, etc. I began to dive into my research focusing on these key titles diversity, sustainability and social responsibilities. Moving forward when researching and starting a new project I want to focus on these key points. 

Lastly moving forward in my own creative practise I will focus on the key themes I listed in my research and always find a way to make my project sustainably for example the media I use could be ethically sourced or recycled and perhaps making my own sketchbooks from recycled paper. The Better lives project will keep me informed in my Critical design classes where I am to create a trailer based on a  ‘wicked problem’ a wicked problem is when a problem requires a great number of people to change their mindsets and behaviour is likely to be a wicked problem a clear example would be sexual harassment, political instability, healthcare, social inequality and economic unfairness.  

Blog Post 4 Melisa Brahimi

• Reflections on your peers’ work using the Better Lives themes as a framework for analysis 

I have decided to review Tasha Francis second blog post because she has focused on the better lives times which is Social Responsibility, Diversity and Sustainability and created a personal link to each topic in photography. For Francis better lives unit she focused on the Contemporary portrait photography unit she discussed how portrait

photography is a visual way of social groups and aspiring creatives to get their voices heard when their issues and opinions are not being listened to. Tasha highlighted that in the global pandemic it has been difficult to find photography inspiration as well as discussing social issues such as ‘everyone has a moral and social responsibility to use

their platform to spread awareness on issues that affect the oppressed and are constantly

being ignored. As a fashion illustrator myself, I would like my illustrations to shed light on

important issues and topics that are needed to be addressed in society such as xenophobia and colourism.’ Tasha demonstrates her interests in the world of social oppression and discussing how this relates back to fashion photography. 

Additionally Francis discussed more social issues about the global pandemic we are in now and how this has changed her way of thinking for her future as an illustrator as she will most likely be working free lance business and as As a creative, it has made her consider whether self-employment is a suitable career move in the future.’ Although freelancing may not give me stable income, working under a corporation can have its downsides since many employees are being furloughed now.’ She clearly understands how this situation social issue and how this will effect the economy. As a creative myself I believe this is a good time for us as creatives to fully understand this situation and to push us to experiment more and that is exactly what Tasha has done looked at new ways to experiment and lessening the environmental impact saving on expensive and producing more sustainable artwork for example for her portrait photography unit she does not need to go out use set look for materials whereas she’ll only use what she has at home for her inspiration. Francis mentioned how we are reducing purchases in mass produced items and how this reduces the toxic impacts in our world. She also discussed some positive social outcomes from the pandemic as the nation shows respect when clapping for the NHS workers on Thursday evenings human civilisation is shown supporting each other in a time of great distress. Relating back to her unit how these rare moment should be photographed for visual means. Francis inspiration for her photography unit was Corrine Day as she illustrates her own perspective of what life was like in the 90s and she wishes to have that same contribution to today’s photography. 

To conclude I believe Tasha has covered the Better Lives topics and looked at how today’s pandemic relates to her photography and has has extensively considered how she can imply them into her creative fashion practices.