How is your research contributing to your ability to conceive ideas for assignments?
It definitely supports the generation of ideas. Techniques such as mind-mapping help to make explicit numerous ideas and possible links. How ideas actually crystalise, I don't know.
It is good to look at the work of others, to take it apart mentally, see how it's made
Time constraints are not always helpful here.
When do you bring research to an end? Ideas take time to incubate - especially good ones.
I need to create more time for this somehow.
Reflect on and consider your use of visual language and expression in the communication of your ideas.
I can comment reasonably confidently on what I find appealing and what I believe works in a piece using the classical visual vocabulary: line, shape, tone, colour, texture and form.
I would love my work to have a personal style that I could express myself through but I recognise that I'm a long way from this at the moment. What's more, I'm not even sure how you get to that point.
What have been the most significant learning experiences for you and why?
Meeting fellow students/tutors and beginning to form new relationships. This draws out your interpersonal skills - prerequisites in practically any future scenario.
Not to be too precious with sketchbook ideas. To try out many ideas - afterall the worst that can happen is you waste a piece of paper. Not to centre wholly on the great idea or the perfect execution - experimentation may give rise to these.
The classification of witty solutions in 'A Smile in the Mind' - it offers a kind of visual grammar or framework for analysing solutions which in turn supports your own ability to generate ideas.
Hearing Alan Fletcher talk about setting parameters or boundaries for pieces as being a necessary part of the creative process - I had begun to come to this conclusion myself, particularly with some of the more open-ended tasks.
Teaching myself a little more about some programs - I believe that it is only when you have certain knowledge and understanding of any media that you can fully begin to see the creative potential. So knowledge breeds creativity.