Starting out with the Masters Stage Project

At the end of the first trimester I returned to my sketchbooks. I was determined to keep developing my drawing and to find a subject for my following projects by just “happening upon them” whilst happily scribbling away.

Another goal had been to constantly practice a more loose way of drawing. I started frequenting a local drawing night where a live model would constantly move across the stage whilst light and sound effects were constantly distracting you from your sketchbook. This was great way to loosen up and just try to capture whatever you can.

Through working in my sketchbook I got the idea to simultaneously work on 2 projects. In my project proposal I wrote down the following:

Project 1: Billiam
During the previous modules I was so focused on constructing well working sequences that my developmental work did not influence my end product as much as it could have. In the Masters Stage I want to purposely explore, and let my process inform my artwork. I especially want to get to know my characters better to make them more convincing.  This new approach is implemented in my first sequence about a spoonbill named Billiam that loves to scoop up ice cream with his beak. I really want to know what makes Billiam tick before I further develop the storyline. 

Project 2: Nightmares
The second sequence I am working on is about nightmares. During my research on scary picture books I found a lot of children are scared to go to sleep. I had the same problem as a child. Therefore I am planning to draw from these personal experiences and try to make them into something universal that speaks to readers facing this difficulty. I’m also interested to see how I can use colour to convey an uncanny nightmarish world instead of relying on more traditional black and white imagery. Finally I’d like to strengthen my sense of design with this sequence and work on making simple, strong compositions that communicate clearly.