For as long as I can remember, art has been central to my life and experiences. My family are creatives, so I was raised in a home filled with creativity. The decision to home educate me and my brother only enhanced this, and meant at every opportunity I was able to develop an artistic mindset. I always had a passion for learning and creating, and felt the two often conflicted. My love for the humanities, and my love for the arts, have been difficult to compromise on.
I decided quite young to pursue Graphic Design, as I believed it would lead to more job opportunities. However, after becoming unwell in 2015, I accepted traditional university education was not likely. After months of boredom and wishing I could be learning, I began a History and Politics degree with the Open University. My health deteriorated dramatically and in 2017 I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I withdrew from my degree, and focused on recovery.
In January this year, I was thinking back to my degree and wondering what I could do now. I wished I could return to the arts, but my experiences with home education showed distance learning with art is difficult to come by. I originally set out to find a fashion history course, nothing serious, just something short term, and was lead to OCA. I was shocked I hadn’t found it before, as it seemed to be everything I’d wanted for years.
Then came a lot of research. What would I even study? Am I well enough? Is this something I actually want to commit to? How will I manage every day life whilst studying?
I reviewed my experiences when studying with the Open University and ensured I would be able to deal with the obstacles that made it hard. I set aside a space for learning and creating, I altered my schedule to free up time, and I began doing art every single day. I wanted to figure out all of the hurdles and difficulties prior to starting, so that I could focus on creating and growing.
Then, I applied for the Visual Communications degree.
Whilst waiting for student finance issues to be resolved, I started using skillshare to develop my various skills (or lack of) and to continue the practice of creating every day. The classes included:
You can draw anything! In 3 simple steps – A class that taught me about visualizing objects and spaces as just shapes, rather than what they actually are, to improve proportions and drawing ability
Fundamentals of DSLR photography – This class explained lighting, camera functions, and how to set up the shot you want to capture
Intro to coloured pencils: watercolour pencil techniques – A class that explained how to get the most out of using water colour pencils, what materials to use alongside them, and the best techniques for creating different styles
Procreate for beginners – A beginner level class focusing on handlettering and simple designs in procreate
Folk Illustrations on your iPad – A slightly more advanced class introducing folk illustrations and showing how to develop your own folk art style
From these classes, I learned how much I love using my iPad for art. The folk illustrations class is the most fun I’ve had out of all the classes. However, I enjoyed each one individually, and will probably use all of these skills going forward. I enjoy mixed media work a lot, and hope to have the opportunity to explore that.
I am looking forward to finally starting with a degree in something I’m so passionate about, and that I enjoy so much. I hope that over the course of studying I learn so much more about myself as an artist and designer, and about the world of illustration and graphic design too.
Learning Log 