I know I haven't blogged much about the course throughout the year but I'll try to keep you all up to date with the work I do & hopefully I'll blog more from now on.
But just to get you all up to date; here is how my first year has turned out...
Drawing & Communication:
So my first year has saw me complete a range of different projects; starting with a Drawing & Communication module way back in September. The module invovled researching my chosen theme of Ancient Eygptians. For inspiration and as a great source of research I visited the Great North Muesum in Newcastle; at the time they were exhibiting a specially collection of Ancient Eygptian artifacts. Seeing all of the displays myself was much better than any information that I found online. Anyway; using a combination of information and images found online alongside photographs taken at the exhibition; I produced a sketchbook higlighting different aspects of the Ancent Eygptians that I found interesting and inspiring. From this sketchbook I then created moodboards, customer profile boards, etc. which I then used to produce and develop my own designs.
Sketchbook
Moodboards: Theme
Design Development
Illusttration
Technical Flats
Although I completed all that was required for the module and I gained quite a high grade; I wasn't particularly happy with the work I produced. I think the may reason for this is my lack of confidence with my drawing skills. Throughout the year I have tried to develop and overcome this problem. I still don't feel confident with this aspect.
Skills for Making:
The next module was a 'Skills for Making' module. This involved me learning and developing sewing skills. I learnt how to create different types of seams and when and where they would be appropriate to use. I also developed my drawing skills in the form of flats, it was at this stage when I began to see an improvement within my drawing of flats. After learning basic pattern cutting skills; I created a pattern for a standard size 12 ladies shirt with a curved hem. From this pattern I then manufactured a toile of my shirt design using calico fabric. I enjoyed this project as it was the first time I had undertaken the process of pattern cutting and manufacturing a toile. For my first making project I was quite happy with the results and was looking forward to making my next garment.
Shirt Toile
The next moudle was the digital skills project which I have already blogged about. This again was interesting as it was a new experience to me working digitally.
Denim:
The denim project involved me researching into the history of denim and learning about the creation of the Denim jeans. I learnt about properties and characterics of many other fabrics but the main focus of the project was Denim. I created a moodboard showing the key developments within the history of Denim. I also created moodboads showing current silhouettes and key trends.
Moodboards: History of Denim & Current Trends
I then produced a range of design development sheets; drawn in the form of flats, which I then chose a design to manufacture in denim. After a discussion with tutors and staff it was decided that I would manufacture the tie front cape and the high waisted shorts with button detailed front to go with it. (Although I did want to manufacture the jeans.)
Design Development: Technical Flats
Unfortunately I don't have any photographs of my final garments to post (well not yet!) but the manufacturing stage went well and I was happy with the results as the process involved quite complex pattern cutting and sewing skills. However; I wasn't very happy with the grade I was given. I personally think I derserved higher than I got and if not a higher grade than at least better feedback from which I can learn and develop. But still my garments looked good and it wwas a great learning experience throughout the entire project. Completing such complex pattern cutting, mostly on my own, I feel this has boosted my confidence with making and I would like to further develop this and hopefully continue to produce successful patterns. The sewing stage was also interesting as when working in denim there wasn't much room allowed for mistake therefore great care and precision was needed, this was something I'm used to doing with all my work.
Branding:
From working through the denim project we took this through into a branding project which involved us working in groups. We were put into groups of 5 and as a group we had to createand develop a denim brand; this included the brand name, logos, market level, price points, etc. Once the brand was fully established we then worked individually on our own diffusion lines. As we were working in groups the task wasn't exactly easy; and the team work stages saw misunderstandings, miscommunications, and confrontations. This was because some member of the group were being overlooked when they were making suggestions or stating their opinions. Once the group overcome this obsticle we were able to agree on a brand name -House of Denim- and then created a logo. The brand holds 3 ranges; Duchess of Denim (Womenswear), Dukes of Denim (Menswear) and Mini Monarchs (Childrenswear). These sub-brands were developed individually. I personally feel that as a group we didn't work to the best standard we could of; I feel we should have developed brandings such as buttons, rivets, zip pulls, etc as a group. I also feel we should have developed branded packaging as a group; we could have designed our own branded bags, boxes, tissue paper, stickers, seals, etc. This was actually discussed but again it was something that was overlooked by other members. I feel that the weakness of the group work transferred through to my individual work as everything was decided by myslef including all of the branding aspects. Personally I thought that to get the best from this project all of our individual work should have worked together within the 'brand' if it was all placed together; to be honest I think some of the work produced shows little connection to the foundations of the brand created by the group.
Logo Design
Unfortunately I have no other imagery to show for this project and it is currently being marked so it might be a while before I can upload anything. Sorry!
Anyway...
This year has saw me complete a range of projects and learn and develop a range of skills needed within the industry. I feel my strengths lie within design and pattern cutting and my main weakness are drawing skills and colour application. I will continue to develop all of these skills and hopefully with time I will gain more and more confidence with the work I produce. Next year I will try to push myself more to try to get the very best out of everything I do.
