1.2 | Maiko Takeda

During initial research I discovered the artist Maiko Takeda, her work initially inspired me due to the tactility of the garments and the technology aspect of the pieces. As I am looking into Smart Textiles and wearable technology this was something that really appealed to me during my research. I tried to replicate the texture that Takeda had created, using cable ties. Working with this material was unusual to my normal ways of working but I enjoyed being able to shape the piece so quickly. If I was to develop this further I would experiment with shining light through the cable ties to create shadows, and use different coloured ties to show depth, this could also be done on a much larger scale to create a wearable piece.

1.1 | Collage

To ignite inspiration within the initial sector of this unit, I have begun to collage found and primary resourced imagery. I have added factors of my own drawing into these collages alongside selected pieces of technology found within a pair of headphones. This is to suggest the theme of technology within my concept. The first image being my most favoured due to it revealing a 'Future Human' feel to my concept. I plan to further explore the idea of a 'Future Human' and relaying this back into the project throughout this unit. These collages will now act as inspiration to push forward my concept.

1.0 | Initial Inspiration

After my internship with Rianna Phillips I realised my desire to be more involved within Art Direction, this is something I plan to investigate further during the Practice unit. I have begun to select imagery, which I feel summarise my thought process so far within the project. These images represent my concept, context and the media and process’ I wish to use to further develop my ideas. When concluding the Practice unit I hope to have created a trend focused resource with a heavy emphasis on my use of art direction. I also hope to produce at least one print collection within this unit, as I want to continuously practice my print design skills. These prints will be inspired from the trend inspiration I gather.

Degree Show Review

Jessica Beardmore

As I have a keen interest in trend forecasting and art direction, Jess' work stood out to me immediately. The clean, clinical lines used throughout the work were inspiring and fresh. She has established her own brand identity; this is something I would like to achieve myself throughout my third year. The execution of her work is of a high standard. Particularly eye catching were Jessica's labels, showing that she has paid attention to every aspect of her work, something I would like to explore myself. Her strengths, like my own, are her use of layout and presentation; this is something that has inspired me in creating my concept for my final year. Her presentation style is minimal, which is personally to my taste, however in third year I would like to explore colour more in depth.

Bethany Smedley

When exploring Bethany's work at the Degree Show, I noticed her use and exploration of media. Her work is very expressive and is directly inspired from her drawings, which I find hard to do. Bethany has used the print room to transfer foils to fabrics and create prints. Although I do not enjoy the print room as much as digital print, Bethany has inspired me to experiment in third year with new techniques. She has also focused on trend forecasting throughout her work but has focused a lot more on her fashion imagery and styling abilities. My own styling abilities need to be improved as I plan to create a look book and need it to be as strong as possible.

Hollie Davies

From the Degree Show I felt that Hollie's work most related to my own, her interest in trend forecasting, art direction and her extremely strong digital skills meant that I immediately gravitated to her work. Hollie's use of Displacement Mapping was executed to a very high standard, allowing me to realise that I would like to develop my own digital skills further. Although I know how to use the technique, my execution could be worked on. Hollie also has an expressive use of colour throughout her work, although I love colour, I can sometimes hold back in my work when using it. Hollie managed to create strong, clean, minimal work from expressive drawing and an extensive colour palette. I also appreciate her trend abilities, using the idea of 'Everyday Utopia' for inspiration allowed Hollie to gather an extensive research base for her trend, something I must think about in the future when creating my own concepts.