On Wednesday 17th June OCA set up a zoom meeting for Key Steps in Illustration students to discuss their course work 4 and 5 levels with an OCA Tutor. I enquired to join as an observer as I am currently at course work 3. I felt it would be helpful to view the work produced at the later stages of the course and also make some social connection during the learning process. Such a meeting provides the opportunity to ask questions and participate in shared learning.
It proved a really enjoyable and supportive meeting. There was only one student from level 4 and 5 however this meant the work could be viewed at a relaxed pace. with plenty of time to investigate and talk about the work. There were approximately 4 images selected for discussion. The student explained which part of the course they related to and how the images had been produced. It would not be appropriate to detail the work of another student here however I can say I felt encouraged to consider exploring the digital side of illustration and incorporating the photography with drawn/painted designs. The student was advanced and knowledgeable in this sphere and I was able to ask questions about types of computer and gain some information.
Overall it was a gentle meeting. I was able to ask about use of medium eg for the exercise in instruction, would crayon be sufficient, how professional do final artworks need to be? The tutor reminded to think about the client, eg if you were giving instruction to a young audience, crayons might be very welcome. With regards to posters, it is advisable to look in magazines, browse the papers and see how they are rendered and the use of different effects.
I explained that on occasions I am not sure what to include and what to leave out in imagery. I was given good advice of drawing on acetate and placing over the design (in a similar way to layers in photoshop) before adding to the final image. This will help in the decision making allowing for flexibility and seeing how thinks might look.
We had a general discussion about how we were studying in partial lockdown. Whilst there can be difficulties with exhibitions closed and limited access to events and materials, there are also benefits of having a focus in study at this time and availability to technology.
It was a really good meeting and I may consider joining another OCA zoom tutor meeting further on in the course. I now have an understanding of these tutorial meetings and next time would submit some of my own work prior to the event, ready for discussion.
Adelaide Art 