Gibbs Reflective Writing

• Description:

During my first assignment, I focused on the elemental theme, especially on the coastal and beach areas. I collected primary images from my summer holiday from Mexico, these images helped me explore the shapes, silhouettes and colours. I then made fabric samples using the shapes and textures from elements of the images, out of fabrics that I planned on using for my collection such as chiffon, georgette, and satin. For one of my outfits I plan on making, I wanted it to feature plaited straps, therefore to test this with my fabric, I made 5 different samples to see which looked best, alternating the fabrics and colours each time. Another feature I want on my outfit is a woven embellishment, however I was unsure as to what type of weave to do, also what fabric to use. To test my ideas, I drew out a few different weave designs, I then made them out of fabric to see what fabric and style worked best. These experimentations have helped me decide what fabric I would prefer to use, and also the styles I should go with and develop further.

• Feelings:

At the beginning of the assignment, I wasn’t too sure on the exact route I wanted to take. I was undecided as to whether I should incorporate the element of erosion into my designs, such as using dissolving fabric, and including copper and bronze embellishments, to emulate that of an eroded object. However, I was struggling to find both the ideas for designs for this, and also the primary research to help me with developing ideas. As I was focusing on the beach and the colours such as soft blues and sandy colours, I wanted to stick to a more natural colour palette, however this then made me question whether I was using the right fabric for my garments. Having these problems has helped me develop my ideas, as they have made me question and research further into my concept, which will give me the best outcome.

• Evaluation:

I enjoyed this project as I have never researched into this subject before. I was able to be creative with everything I was doing, including the designs I was creating, the samples I was making and testing, and the new illustration techniques I have learned. I have never been able to take advantage of creating illustrations as in previous design projects I have always been more focused on the primary research, and then the designs, however it has been really useful to me to try out new techniques, as I may not have explored these myself. I have been able to eliminate what I am most skillful at and what I am not so good at, and have developed the illustration skills I enjoy and benefit most from, but I have also tried to improve at the skills that I am not so strong on. During this project, I was also able to try out projection and draping. For previous projects I have only ever touched on these two skills briefly, however this time I was able to make the most use out of the time I had. I projected my primary images of the beach onto a mannequin so that I could see what sort of colours and textures were standing out. This activity really helped as I felt I had gained more of an idea as to what colours I wanted to use for my collection. I also did draping on the mannequin, I used mainly calico fabric so I could see if a more stiff and heavy fabric would be suitable for my collection, I found that this fabric actually worked really well with the ideas of the designs I had in mind. I would like to do more projection and draping in my second assignment as I think it helped me develop my ideas further, and I was able to see the ideas I had come to life.

• Analysis:

From this project I have learned that it is important to do as much primary research as possible, as it can have a huge effect on the designs you decide to create and how you can develop ideas. I have also realised that coming across problems, is actually a good thing as it can help question ideas and make ideas change, which was once thought to be set in stone, e.g. not knowing whether to incorporate the element of erosion into my designs, and question was this actually doable; seen as though sourcing primary information, and the cost of embellishments were problems that arose. I have also learned many new skills during this project, which I will take with me onto my future projects, because now I have a clearer understanding of what my strengths and weaknesses are.

• Conclusion:

For this assignment, there were two parts that had to be completed; a sketchbook and a blog. As I am more creative I enjoy completing the sketchbook, whether that be designing, making samples, or illustrating. However, it is essential that we also keep on top of the blog, and this requires constant thorough analysis of almost everything that I do in the process of the project. I realised that although I was keeping on top of the work that I had to include in the blog, it was just not analytical enough, and this brought my grade down. Therefore, for my next assignment, I know that what I mainly need to focus on is the blog, to make sure it is analytical and as thorough as I can be, in order to achieve the highest grades.

• Action Plan:

To improve on the mistakes I made on this project, for the next one, I will definitely make more of an effort to keep adding to my blog, and to make it as analytical as possible. I will also collect more primary images in order to develop the colours and textures I want to use in my collection. Furthermore, I want to refine my concept so that I can be more focused on what my collection is about.