Evaluation - Unit X

Unit X has provided me with the opportunity to expand my portfolio and work in a new contextual area, creating repeat designs for wallcoverings is something I have always wanted to uptake, and I have really taken the chance to explore and proceed with the challenge of working on a larger scale. My inspiration for Unit X stemmed from the previous ‘Practice’ unit, where I began for the self-initiated brief. I developed further from my initial starting point of motion blur photography and looked into other forms of capturing movement and growth; looking at ink in water and textures of gemstones and minerals. Deciding to break my work down into two collections helped me to create two individually strong collections, meaning I didn’t have to compromise any design elements to satisfy the aesthetics of a specific collection, and I was able to expand deeper into each section.

One collection had a greyscale colour palette focusing on the marks and texture within gems and precious stones. I decided to switch my context for this collection from stationary to wallpaper designs, after talking with my tutor and researching various designers and companies, such as Osborn and Little, Cole and Sons etc. We agreed the designs were restricted on such a small scale and that by changing into a more fitting context, the designs came to life and displayed marks that are more exciting and created an overall more impressive aesthetic.

My second collection excited me as I took the opportunity to use thermochromic dyes for the second time, having used them before gave me more confidence in terms of the concept behind the technique. Deciding to create a collection for bed linen using this process excited me, knowing that I was able to create interactive print samples, which would then be developed for everyday use.

Alongside this project, I also decided to take part in the Kingfisher Graphics and The Whitworth live brief, designing wallpapers inspired by the current exhibition at The Whitworth Gallery. I enjoyed taking part in this as it allowed me to learn more about wallpaper designing, getting to grips with the entire technicality involved. It also gave me a free reign in terms of design, so I was able to revisit some old drawings from a previous unit that I feel I never saw their full potential.

Another task I completed throughout the duration of this unit, was building my brand and website. I was surprised at how quickly I picked up on the design side of the website and I had fun creating a brand and a logo that represents me and what my work is all about. Taking part in live briefs and building websites has started, I feel to prepare me for the professional world, its opened my eyes to the details to be considered within each context, Before this unit I would have branded myself more as a ‘surface designer’ as I felt more comfortable developing designs and then finding an appropriate location. However now that I have explored more of an interior context, I feel like this is where my work belongs, and I am relieved to have finally found my ideal residence.