More Illustrations- 27th September 2016

This afternoon we carried on with experimenting with different illustration techniques, this time we looked at line drawings. We were given printed out images of models (not just their face but also their clothes, as this was the focal point of the exercise). We had to draw simple lines outlining the garment to make the shapes of the garments stand out, we then drew the face, and other features such as hands/legs. With the face/hands/legs we then had to add texture to these using various materials, I decided to use metallic paints as this is most relatable to my project, rather than using more vibrant colours such as yellow, blue and red. Here are a few examples of my work from today:

Here, I followed the lines from the images of the male model walking with fine liner, then I added colour to these lines using the thick felt tip pens, however I don't really like the effect this has given therefore I doubt i'll be using this for my sketchbook. I then added the metallic paint (silver and bronze) to the features such as the face, hands and ankles, to make the garment stand out more.

I really like this illustrations as I like the way the background is black so the clothes stand out more. For this technique, I traced around the model using fine liner, and then added the metallic paint to the models' face, hand and ankles. I would like to incorporate something similar to this, using this technique in my own sketchbook.

For this illustration, I used tracing paper to trace around the image of the model, focusing on just the lines that I could see, this was also done using continuous line, my favourite type of illustration technique. I then added the metallic paint to the models' features, including her face and hands (I decided to leave the sunglasses uncovered because this looks for striking). I plan on using this technique when I come to make my illustrations.

I also used tracing paper and fine liner to create this illustration. I thought it didn't look effective enough just drawn on so I added some texture using a pencil, however I didn't like where I had placed  it. I then added water using the water brushes and this smudged the ink from the fine liner, and the pencil, giving the illustration more texture, I like this effect and will be using this for my sketchbook.

Peer Review- 27th September 2016

During today's design lesson, we were given the chance to take part in 'speed dating', also known as 'peer review'. With this activity, we moved around the room talking to the next person we were facing, we had to exchange our ideas for initial designs, and also the creative problems that occurred. The first question we had to ask was 'What are your initial design ideas and how are you going to develop them?' To which I answered;

• Fabrics- The fabrics I want to use for my collection will be soft and flowing, creating movement in the garment when worn, e.g. silk, satin, organza and chiffon, to name a few. 
• Style- I want to add a modern twist on traditional pieces, for e.g. I want to create a woven top and pair them with silk high waisted wide leg trousers, preferably in a print created by myself. The style I will be working towards will be more evening wear, however not too fitted or over the top pieces, simple yet effective. 
• Shape- I want most of my shapes and silhouettes to be flowing therefore not fitted to closely to the body, however I want the pieces to be elegant and feminine, therefore this is why I want to have my garments made from soft fabrics to give shape and movement to the garments , which will accentuate a feminine figure. 
• Texture/textiles- I want to have soft and simple fabrics for my garments, however I would like these fabrics to contrast with more harsher fabrics as these would replicate the rough feeling of the grains of sand. I will also create textile fabric samples that replicate the textures created by the shapes shown through my primary images, especially looking closely at the waves from the sea, and the movement and texture this creates. 

The second question we had to ask was'What creative problems have you encountered and how are you going to solve them?'

• First of all, I have realised I haven't really done much contextual research, therefore I need to do some and keep this up to date on my blog. As I am focusing on water and how this element can cause erosion, I am interested in looking into the effects pollution has on the environment, particularly to the ocean.
• In addition, I'm not totally sure how I will be incorporating the copper and bronze colours into my designs as I haven't collected many images that reflect this idea. Therefore i will need to collect more primary images of maybe rusted objects, to bring these colours into my designs.
• Finally, I know that I want to create a collection of evening wear, however, I don't know what I want this to consist of exactly. I have one outfit I know I want to make and am confident in it, however I am unsure of the shapes of the other outfits I want to make. To solve this I will look at my primary images and look for reoccurring and interesting patterns in these, I will also look at my secondary images for inspiration too.

Elemental research- 26th September

I decided to do some experimenting with certain fabrics and elements, including salt water. I collected some salt water from the sea when I visited Formby beach a couple of weeks ago. I then placed the salt water into a container, and placed the fabric swatches into the salt water and left them to soak for three days. After the three days, I took the fabric out and left them out to dry, this is where I had then noticed that the salt had crystallised onto the fabric, giving it texture. The second image is the result of leaving the fabric into the salt water, small sat particle have been left on the fabric.

The Masters- 23rd September 2016

I have also been looking at Alexander McQueen for inspiration for my collection. However I have only been focusing on his Spring 2010 ready-to-wear collection as they prints that he has used are related to my theme and i will be taking inspiration from these designs. The colours that he has used for the garments are so vibrant and striking, and relate to my theme of erosion, and the effects erosion has on its environment. As I was concentrating on coastal areas and the vibrant colours on the sea wit the contrasting subtleness of the sand i think this is a perfect designer to take inspiration from, in addition he uses copper embellishment in some of the dresses, which is a feature id also like to incorporate into my designs. The images below are some of my favourite prints and I will take inspiration from these when designing my own.

The Masters- 23rd September 2016

As part of my design research I have to look into one or more of the masters of fashion, we were given a list of many including Jean Paul Gaultier, Paul Smith and Rick Owens to name a few. However, I have found that none of these designers relate to my own personal style when it comes to designing, therefore I have looked into other designers that I believe are masters on a whole new level. The first designer I have been researching is Elie Saab, who creates the most beautiful, elegant and detailed evening gowns,as well as ready to wear items which are just as stunning. My collection will be elegant, feminine with soft lines and shapes, however highly detailed and striking. I believe Elie Saab is a master at creating garments like this. Below are a few garments that I will take inspiration from when designing my collection.

The short dress is really effective as it creates a different texture and look when moving, as opposed to what might be created if it was a long dress. Moreover, the most standout features of this dress are the embellishments , the mixture of feathers and beads look really effective together.

Once again the detail on this dress is amazing, the appliqued flowers give the dress more movement and they also look 3D.

This is one of Saab's resort pieces so it's not as extravagant as the others, but is just as effective. I like the cold shoulder detail on this dress with the mixture of ruffles around the cuffs and neckline.

This is a similar design as before, however in a shorter style, I prefer this style as it looks more fun and edgy. However, the 3D flowers still make the dress elegant.

I really like the volume of this dress, especially the large sleeves, the voluminous bell sleeves really bring the dress to life, and the print is also striking. 

I like the way the dress is slightly tiered from the waist on this dress as it gives it extra shape and curves, whereas if this detail hadn't been added, the design would've been quite simple.

I think the combination of wide flowing trousers with an elegant long jacket is so effective, especially when the same fabric is used, as it looks almost like a dress, however this has a sightly more masculine feel to it to contrast to all the other designs.

Elemental- Secondary research 20th September 2016

I have collected secondary images on Pinterest that link directly to my project. I can see where my ideas have developed over time, when I have been pinning images, which makes me realised that ideas can change and develop all the time, and the environment encourages this. I have researched different types of fabric manipluation techniques, colours I want to incorporate into my collection, the types of shapes I want to use in my collection, and the artists and designers I use for inspiration.

20th September 2016

After todays lesson, I decided to get started on my sketchbook so I begin creatively placing my primary images into the first few pages. On the first page I surrounded my images of the beach with pieces of A5 acetate with nail varnish placed on top in different shapes, and fabric swatches at the top of the page. For my second page I used one of the illustrations I did in class last week, using a blown up image of the waves, tracing paper and a fine liner to creates interesting lines and shapes. I then sewn fabric swatches onto a pieces of acetate and stuck them beside some more of my primary images. On my third page I have taken 6 individual primary images and traced over them with acetate, I then traced over these using tracing paper, and finally shaded them in using coloured pencil. For my fourth page I decided to do something different and did an illustration, which included an oversized jumper with the fabrics showing through the cut out. 

Illustrations  20th September 2016

Today in class we started exploring the different techniques we can use when it comes to creating illustrations. We were using charcoal as our medium using thick and slim strokes, and brushing the charcoal over the paper to see what effect that presented.We were given printed out images of faces that we tried to emulate using this technique. My first attempt wasn't great, as it was too 'neat' and didn't seem to flow nicely. However, on my second attempt, the face of the model that I had drawn looked a lot more abstract, which is what is best as it shows more expression. The final illustration was ok, however I didn't really like the colours i'd used and I also didn't like the netted tape i'd placed over the eyes.

1st illustration 

2nd illustration

3rd illustration

Elemental- primary research 20th September 2016

I got my inspiration from my trip to Mexico this summer, where I was inspired by the beautiful scenery everyday. I took pictures of the beach; including the sea, close up shots of the waves, sand and beach huts. I found that these images created really interesting textures and movements, which has given me inspiration for the garments I want to create for my collection; such as a long flowing floor length dress embellished with ruffle details, wide leg trousers with draping on the sides, and a play suit with a long ruffled sleeve.

I found the colours from the images really interesting, from the subtle sandy hues, to the more vibrant blues. These colours will help me develop a colour palette and I like the way the vibrant blue colours will contrast with the sandy subtle hues which will develop into beige and cream colours. I may take these images and develop them into prints on Photoshop and send them off to Bags of Love to see what they look like on various fabrics. I decided to take the images close up rather than far away, as I wanted to focus on the texture of the sea and sand, and I will use these to incorporate into my designs, and when thinking about fabrics to use and embellishments.