OUGD603 - Artist Statement

This Year I have identified three aspects of my design that make up my skills and practice. Firstly traditional print, methods such as Screen Print and Monoprint are applied in various ways throughout the majority of work not only in this module but in a large number of my previous modules, these methods are a part of my visual identity as a designer. Secondly, Collage, what started as side projects from academic studies has been integrated and applied to professional and conceptual projects across my studies. Thirdly, one of my interests which I have previously applied to briefs is photography, having the belief that by using photographs I have taken in my work I am advancing my independence and uniqueness as a designer, this year I have undertaken briefs which have seen me require photography skills to take professional shots for the use on a single cover, learning professional techniques and advancing my digital photography knowledge. 

The work I produce is varying and visually interesting and encompasses my interests as a designer and as a person, my portfolio includes single/album artwork both professional and conceptual, opera festival branding material, political protest posters and leaflets, Musician promotional materials, publications on subjects such as Avante Garde artist Olga Rozanova to A conceptual Modern day Dada Manifesto. These varying topics showcase my wide and varying practice and personality. 

The style of my work varies from project to project, trying to keep a varied and diverse skill set by undertaking projects that require me to challenge myself. This being said I have realized a developing style within my work which has been heavily influenced by the books I have read alongside my studies, looking at typography through Emil Ruder and Wolfgang Weingart I have seen my experimentation with typography and communication grow. Aswell my research into Music design such as Punk and other related post-modern design like The Face magazine has influenced my passion for collage and photomontage. 

With Traditional print being a large part of my practice, this year I have had to adapt and integrate it into digital design to enhance the images, combining basic traditional print methods such as monoprint with digitally added type to enhance the look of designs, retaining my passion for traditional methods but showing how I can apply these skills to digital methods, showcasing my diverse skill set. 

Through traditional print I have seen myself work with a multitude of coloured paints and stocks this year, moving away from the monochromatic palette I have stuck to in previous modules. This desire to work with colour is apparent in a number of other briefs, for example my business cards for the PPP module this year are printed in a variation of sick different colours and my brief focussed on Olga Rozanova saw me look extensively at a range of colour theories from Avante Garde artists. 

My portfolio is a diverse range of design work which not only highlights my, practice as a designer but also my personal interests. My work is a reflection of the inspirations I take from reading into design and design history, as well as the art, history, music, and photography I regularly engage with.