I had such an inspirational and fun time this weekend helping out at Anoraks festival, and it's really changed my entire thought process on illustration as a whole.
Tasks:
- Papering wall with black and white illustrations for the children to colour
- Constructing walls/boards using a drill as part of a team
- Organising and planning layout of event
- Lots of box moving!
- I was asked to create a template and example for ukuleles/pianos using coloured card, which the children would then be taught how to create
- Running music stall mostly on both days
- Moving between the stalls depending on how busy they were
- Keeping on top of 'stock' levels, and ensuring enough templates were cut out throughout the day
- TIDYING ALL THE TIME
- Helping children to create and encouraging them to go wild with their imagination
Contrasts to YSP:
- I was a lot more comfortable, having done it before, and so trusted my judgement more, meaning I had to ask for help less
- More of a professional environment, which meant I had to assume more customer service principles with the parents, rather than the more informal manner expected at YSP
- I feel like there was more of a community between me, the Bloop Group and the other students, and I felt a lot more comfortable chatting with them about my practise and their experiences
What I enjoyed the most:
- Creating the templates for the music activity! It felt really good to have my design being taught to children, and since I only had half an hour or so to come up with the designs and examples, I was really happy with how effective they looked, and how appropriate the skill level was to make them. I also considered the effectiveness of us cutting out the templates (Ukuleles and piano keys) and feel like I produced some items which were really suitable to the situation
- Talking to other students- It really changed how I think about my practise!
- Being in such a creative environment- During the D&Ad festival and with such amazing people- it made me realise that it's ok if I don't know what I'm going to do after graduation, there'a a massive world out there and I can do anything I want in it! (Plus I've still got two whole years)
What I'm going to do next:
- Take Cathy up on her offer! Ask if I can visit/volunteer at her studios during the summer- maybe co-inside with working at my brother's studio in London?
- Don't stop working over summer! Work for fun, work for free, work for me!
- Research what festivals I can get involved in, they really inspire me, and are a great place to meet other illustrators
NOTE:
Talking with other practitioners and students was was so valuable, as I realised that they are the same as me, this glass wall I've been imagining over this year is completely made up, I can be just like those people, and I will be. I love illustration, they love illustration, it is that passion which makes them successful, I just need to harness that excitement and use it in my work. Create what I want, when I want to and I know I will succeed in whatever I try.
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