Reflecting on my assessment, for fmp I will be aiming and focusing on the merit and distinction criteria to push my ability and to achieve more, the assessment was helpful with informing me what it is I should be doing to achieve a higher grade. Before FMP commences I have looked over my previous feedback, which refreshed my mind of what I need to be monitoring and improving, including more in depth research and responses to this through the project, responding to the things I find inspiring and using a variety of methods while responding, experimenting with materials, CAD, prototyping and sketching. I have also looked through all my sketchbooks and analysed my projects and seen my strengths in concept recognition but need to find ways to present it in a clear, well explained manor. I will continue to reflect on my work through the project to keep focused and on target with the criteria. I will be using this blog as a diary to keep on track and reflect on my journey whilst focusing and planing wisely.

In week one, I have been doing initial research to find a base to my project, I started off with making a mind map, this helped me to expand on ideas and set a wide area to stretch the research further, constantly learning about DNA, genes, my family and inheritance. I researched in to the initial discovery of genetics and the structure. Looking into the structure, I found materials from the materials library which reminded and linked to the appearance of the structure, thinking of ways I could recreate it in my own way. Looking at the X-Ray of DNA and reading about the impact genetics have on our lives has opened up my eyes and made me relate all the information I was reading with my own family, and helped me to identify things and taught me how to notice and pick up on certain things, I have been spending a lot of time around my family recently to keep the ideas fresh and flowing. I found a material that was a flat substrate that appeared as three dimensional, it had visible yet untouchable effect, which I felt was relevant to me as you can see but not touch genes and traits. I took this week to start on the base of genetics, now that I fully understand and can combine what I’ve learnt with my own family. I watched many youtube videos on the science behind genetics, and looked into the structure of chromosomes and how they hold genes, I learnt about the double helix and that there are between 80,000 and 100,00 genes held in chromosomes. I will be investigating my family so that I can identify these genes and see the dominant genes in my family to see what I may carry from my ancestry.  

To start my own research into my project, I used https://www.ancestry.co.uk to create a family tree, this took patience and investigation, looking into all parts of my family and discovering things, by having a family tree it will helped me to visuals traits that are carried through my family and where they may have steamed from and identify what characteristics my immediate family may share with my ancestry.

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Unit 4 – Project Proposal Template

Centre Name	Ravensbourne University	Centre no.	14271
Student Name	Alisha Storm Cassandra Salthill	Candidate no.	2045001740
Project Title	TRAITS
Date	25/02/19
Pathway	Fashion & Textiles
Section 1: Rationale (Approx 150 words)
I have highly enjoyed and benefited from this foundation course at Ravensbourne. I have learnt about the industry, what it would be like working with a creative group, how collaborations can be so rewarding and how to manage my work independently. This year has developed me as a creative practitioner, I have thoroughly explored the journey of an idea to an outcome and learnt the depth it has to portray, the concept recognition, the research needed to present my concept clearly and how to develop my ideas from 2d to 3d, with design development, stand work, photoshop designing and collages, extracting shapes from research and visiting locations and galleries. The photoshop workshop I attended early on in the course improved my digital designing skills and helped me realise my aspirations, guiding me on the pathway of fashion print and my interest for designing fabrics. I think it’s essential to be able to work digitally and to use photoshop and illustrator when designing for the industry,  it is a skill I have appreciated learning and will continue to use in my next step of education, as I want to further explore textile design through print, knit, weave and embroidery to find my specific strength at degree level to form a career.
Section 2: Project Concept (approx 250 words)
Family is immensely important to me, I have always had a strong interest in looking into my heritage and discovering unknown things, noticing similarities within my family amazes me and how characteristics, personalities and appearance can be inherited through generations. I will analyse the genetic inheritance within my family and gather research regarding traits and how this happens, with knowledge on my past generations, first hand imagery and recorded research I can visually and verbally locate traits within my family. I will start with research on the initial discovery of genetic inheritance. ‘Gregor Mendel, through his work on pea plants, discovered the fundamental laws of inheritance. Genes come in pairs and are inherited as distinct units, one from each parent.’(Children resemble their parents, 2011) I will explore this within my own family and see the depth of my genetic information and resolve questioning on what I have personally inherited, traits I continue and what hasn’t been passed on to me. ‘Genetic information is carried within our DNA, passed from one generation to another’ (What Genetic Information can do 2015) I will be investigating what genetic information was passed on to me from my mother and father. I will also be identifying my own DNA and through research, and development will expand on my concept based on my discoveries.‘Our genes make us who we are, and they are made of DNA.’ (The Tech Museum of Innovation, 2013) I want to find out for myself what genes make me. I will present my genetic information and  DNA in different forms and express this through fashion, aiming my end piece for me, my family, and people that are interested on the journey of genetics. (smart DNA, 2008)                        (The Tech Museum of Innovation, 2013)
Section 3: Evaluation (approx 100 words)
Before FMP begins I will look back on my past tutor and peer feedback, to ensure I am making improvements. I will also analyse my past projects to pinpoint my strengths and weaknesses, to keep a very open mind when it comes to the development of this journey.  I will create a timetable to run by, to divide and plan my time and to run by strict deadlines, to ensure I leave enough time for each part. I will be regularly posting to instagram, visiting exhibitions and locations for inspiration and documenting my progression through my blog to present my ideas clearly and fluently, where I can stay focused on my project and ensure my final outcome has a strong bond with my concept. I will keep a focused yet clear mind through ‘Traits’ to keep my concept alive and fun, to ensure im innovating, discovering and designing as I go.
Proposed Research Sources and Bibliography (Harvard Format)
Online: 1.Chan, Shirley, 2011, Children resemble their parents, Josiah Macy.Jr, 2017 Available at: http://www.dnaftb.org/1/bio.html (accessed on 7/2/19) 2. Salman, Khan, 2008, Last Updated: May 25, Khan Academy, Available at: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-genetics/hs-discovery-and-structure-of-dna/v/dna-deoxyribonucleic-acid (accessed on 8/2/19) 3. War News update editor, 2008, Smart DNA, Available at: http://coolsciencenews.blogspot.com/2008/11/smart-dna-programming-molecule-of-life.html (accessed 10/2/19) 4. University Museum of Natural History, 1860, Shortland, Available at: http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/settlers/ (accessed on 10/2/19) Videos & Films: 1.Andrew Niccol, Gattaca Film, 1997, Trailer, Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=BpzVFdDeWyo (accessed on 11/2/19) 2. Ari Aster, Hereditary, 2018, Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7784604/ (accessed on 11/2/19) 3.Benjamin Schumacher, What Genetic Information can do, 2015, Kanopy, Available at: https://ravensbourne.kanopy.com/video/what-genetic-information-can-do   (accessed on 10/2/19) 4.Genes and Identity, 2015, the great courses. https://ravensbourne.kanopy.com/video/redefining-reality-intellectual-implicati-14 (accessed on 12/2/19) 5.Heredity & Environment: Beginnings of Life, 2011 https://ravensbourne.kanopy.com/video/heredity-environment-beginnings-life (accessed on 13/2/19) 6.Steven Gimbel Ph.D, Genetic engineering, 2015 Available at: https://ravensbourne.kanopy.com/video/redefining-reality-intellectual-implicati-30 (accessed on 11/2/19) Books: Dowswell, Paul, 2008, Genetics:The impact on our lives, Publisher: Austin, TX : Raintree Steck-Vaughn,( 2001). J.Brooker, Robert, 2008, Genetic Analysis and Principles, Publisher: McGraw-Hill Higher Education; 3 edition (1 April 2008) Paul, Robert.A, 2015, Mixed Messages: Cultural and Genetic Inheritance in the Constitution of Human Society, Publisher: University of Chicago Press; 1 edition (April 24, 2015) Salthill, Thomas,(grandfather)  Photo Album, Primary Research, 2015 Exhibitions, Locations, Galleries : 1.Barbican Gallery 2.Craig Rosa, The Tech Museum of Innovation, 2013 https://genetics.thetech.org/online-exhibits/zooming-dna 3.Crick & Watson DNA molecule model, 1953 http://collection.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/co146411/crick-and-watsons-dna-molecular-model-molecular-model 4. Natural History Museum, Ancient DNA Laboratory, possible interview. Available at: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/departments-and-staff/core-research-labs/molecular-laboratories/ancient-dna-laboratory.html Tracing genetic inheritance, work by Geraldine Ondrizek 5. Evergreen College Gallery, Olympia, 2016 https://www.reed.edu/art/ondrizek/exhibitions/tracing-genetic-inheritance-evergreen/index.html 6. Somerset House 7. Victoria & Albert Museum

Project Action Plan and Timetable
Week	Date Week Beginning	Activity / What you are intending to do – including independent study	Resources / What you will need to do it – including access to workshops
1	Mon 04/03/19	Initial research regarding basic information on genetic inheritance, how it happens and the statistics/facts, looking at history.	Internet, Library, Documentaries, speaking with doctors, books, library.
2	Mon 11/03/19	In depth research on how genetic information is passed, responding to discoveries through sketching, collages, and experimentation. .	Lectures, Books, Exhibitions, Kanopy, Museum and locations, sketchbook, paper, pens to record information.
3	Mon 18/03/19	Family investigation on genetic information, discover what traits are in my family, through discussions and visual analysis.	Photo Album holding ancestry, Interviews with family members, photography.
4	Mon 25/03/19	Gathering specific information to take further, what traits I carry, research on my own DNA.	Photo Album, DNA 23 ME, Visit to the doctors for form of DNA, conversation, sketches.
5	Mon 01/04/19	Development of concept, idea, experimentation with research, initial sketch designs.	Stand work, sketches, collages, extracting shapes, blog posts, documentation.
6	Mon 08/0419	Development, constructing ideas and finalising customer profile, designs and finalisation of designs.	Photoshop workshop, drawings, stand work and draping, photocopying.
7	Mon 15/04/19	Fabrication, focusing on materials,  plan for construction, technical drawings and mock up.	Materials Library, research on fabric, sketchbook, photoshop layering, edits and prints, scrap fabric.
8	Mon 22/04/19	Construction of final piece, and evaluation, photoshoot, lookbook.	Blog, Peer feedback and evaluation, reflection on findings and discoveries, camera, styling equipment.

Missoni Rebrand Industry Project

Missoni is the brand we as a collaborative group are rebranding. We will be designing for the S/S2020 Collection. Research was carried out on Missoni, through the history of the brand, a shop report and concept boards. An Italian family brand that is recognised for their colour palette, knitwear and zig zag motifs. We as a group started with looking at the store and online store, comparing this with competitors. Marni, another very successful Italian brand. I viewed their marketing strategy and considered what they could improve on to gain more recognition, for example targeting a wider audience. We addressed their customer profile, and decided to expand on it, targeting a slightly younger audience, between the ages 18-24. This will increase the success of online marketing, as social media is most used by this age range.

Indulge in Liberation is the concept of our new collection,  a freedom feeling comes off Missoni’s clothing and we decided to expand on this, we want the customers to feel free, with no limits, knowing they can feel comfortable but stylish with Missoni.  Looking into the history of Missoni and when they were most successful, they first started releasing comfortable clothing. We decided to bring this back, it fits with our audience and streetwear and comfortable clothing is common trends for our audience. We had many discussions as communication is key within a creative group, we wanted to keep the famous Missoni colour palette, but slightly steered away from the zig zag motif, creating more of a blend and free movement within the fabric. I was the textile designer of the group, and had the responsibly of the fabrication of the design. I designed many different digital prints, and samples of experimentation for my textiles designs, including  digital prints, embroidery, knitting and machine sewing, scanned drawings considering the concept, colour palette.

The fabrication consisted of buying 6 metres of sheer, synthetic material. We then brought sponges and paint for the application and inks following the colour palette of Missoni. We blended the inks onto the fabric and let it dry. Our womenswear was a pair of joggers, with zips on the front of the garment, due to trend forecast we felt this would be targeting our audience effectively. The joggers had a knitted waistband to keep Missoni’s unique selling point as well as introducing an exciting, different fabrication to the previous collections. Menswear was a gilet, with pockets on the front on the garment, we wanted the sheer, lightweight affect on the garments to support our concept. There was also accessories, including a headband and earrings where a still life photoshoot took place. The final outcome and photoshoot was very successful, we created a look book, press release, shop report, accessories and garments around our rebrand. This project has taught me how to meet industry deadlines and has shown me what the industry is like, collaborating with designs and developing ideas together, it has developed me as a practitioner.

digital portfolio

Feedback-

BLACK HISTORY:
DECON/RECON: 2nd board – change layout slightly and remove 1st design/with head, 3rd board – remove photo of jeans and enlarge illustrations. try muse/model to collage your final line up onto. Also use the denim detail sections to create a colour palette block down the side of your line up. Final board – reduce and centre.
ACCESSORIES : 1st – good, 2nd – take a bit of white space off top, combine final line up and photoshoot board.

WALES BONNER: 3rd and 4th are fine. 1st and 2nd boards need slight adjustment with composition/layout. green page – enlarge visuals (esp relating to textiles) and work edge to edge.
ILLUSTRATION: 1st board – good! 2nd board – remove last figure with face and enlarge overall.  3rd board – remove whole board.
LIFE DRAWING: consider composition/layout.
PROG DETAIL:  concept board – slight change to composition – centre and work to edges on both sides, not just one side. final line up – good, just too near top. change slightly.

PATTERN CUTTING: enlarge the steps/thumbnails and slightly reduce pieces / blocks

ORDER:
 LIFE DRAWING, DECON/RECON, PATTERN CUTTING, PROG DETAIL, WALES BONNER, ACCESSORIES,
BLOG: expand on written content by evaluating and analysing what you have learnt and achieved – why things have been successful or unsuccessful. visuals should then support what you are writing about. Also minimum of 1 blog post per week.
I will act upon this feedback that I received in a 1-2-1 with my tutor, I will create a timetable and set tasks to complete and how to improve my digital portfolio before I send it off to my chosen uni applications.

For this creative collab, we were in groups of 6, our group had a mix of 3D, fashion, photography and fashion skills. When talking about our common interests serious topics came up, we discussed many different interests of ours. We decided to do a light hearted and comical idea. Pro Sugar was our final idea, we brainstormed and came up with a launch party, for sugar appreciation.

This idea was decided as all we hear on the internet today is diet and meal plans, warnings and weight loss, we decided to go against this as you never hear someone talking positively about sugar. Every now and then we need to appreciate sugar. This party is a break, a eat all you want event. The event will be held at Ministry of Sound on the 20th of January. We had a short film, to entice the audience and show them the theme of the party. A logo was made, to get recognition and to get our event known, and an invitation was made to invite the public. I contributed to the project by creating posters to inform the public on our event. I used photoshop to create the poster, to create a sweet party within the venue and make it look realistic. Me and Krystina as fashion students, brought a pair of shoes and £15 worth of sweets to create ‘sweet shoes’ following our slogan ‘sweet feet’. encouraging people to join us on this sugar appreciation. Together we made a powerpoint combining all our outcomes and ideas around our event.

Looking at Grace Wales Bonners SS19 collection, and her background, she has many collections and her conceptual research and idea has such depth. I have drawn the Indian influences out of her collection and focused on bringing these out further, looking into Indian jewellery and bringing the culture into her collection in more depth. I have looked at Indian markets, retrieved some primary research photos from my India visit and went to locations for influence. I developed my ideas of historic jewellery and modern jewellery and how I combined these, I digitally put jewellery on her new collection and used inspiration from my research. I want to create prints that fit in well with her collection but also follow my concept and idea of bringing Indian jewellery clearly, I will follow the colour scheme and style, but I will be focusing on Indian jewellery and bringing intricate and rich prints into the collection. Looking further into textiles and digital designs, I took certain details from the jewellery, took shapes and traced over the images, I then scanned these drawings and added images as well as scans to create digital prints with a brown/gold colour palette, taken from rich jewellery within my prints.

This project consisted of choosing a decade, in which I chose 1890s fashion, focusing on print designs in this era and combining this with casual sportswear, I explored the shapes of the garments in the 1890s and took certain areas to combine with todays sportswear, the high collar, but my main focus was bringing in textiles from this era. In which I experimented with tracing and extracting shapes from prints on intricate womenswear and applying it with brands like nike and Adidas to see how it would look. I looked at details  within the 1890s, and took a colour palette and a delicate, intricate design style to create 1890s inspired prints and bring this into comfortable and casual sportswear. I kept the practical shapes of todays sportswear to ensure my designs were comfortable and appropriate for sports activities.

Moving forward I will further develop my colour palette by using the repeat pattern formation on photoshop, which I learnt in a workshop earlier this year. My prints were digitally made, and coloured, then i created my final line up with scanned drawing designs; then edited the patterns into the garments. To practice my photoshop skills and continue to develop them. I then did technical drawings of my line up to practice industry requirements and develop my designing skills.  I will continue to use digital techniques in further projects and technical drawings to give viewers a clear idea of my project, my feedback was positive but my improvements were that I more experimentation on stands.

Denim is the fabric I have decided to manipulate and explore different techniques with, I have deconstructed denim and placed it on a mannequin which helped me to quickly express different motions and placement with denim and how many times you can use a garment and in different ways, after taking closer attention to details, I wanted to deconstruct denim and separate the delicate details from many different coloured denim and combine these by patchwork, when researching BORO Japanese, I liked the look of patchwork and the efficiency of the method.

I wanted to develop this with my own style, which lead to neatened patchwork. I used the patchwork method and deconstructed many denim garments and removed the details I liked from the garment. I used 88 10cm squares with details and recreated a flared pair of jeans. I think the patchwork was a successful part in this project, I will take the sewing skills I used forward, I will also use my development techniques in further projects, this includes stand work, 2d and 3d work to explore and develop my concept fully. If I were to improve this project I would further develop my designs and create a garment more complex and use some of the shapes I created on mannequins with the fabric originally.

CRIT

improvements-

link artist work with your own and develop your personal style, more illustrations added to my sketchbook, to work on my presentation, work over illustrations digitally.

I found the crit very helpful, as looking at others work, and my own, I have notified what I need to change, improve and develop within my work. I will act upon these in my future projects, focusing on further developing my work, working with digital on top of drawings, and incorporate my inspiration into my own work.

 

Illustration for me isn’t the strongest point in fashion, I have been looking into techniques to help me explore within illustration and to find out my style. I have research a variety of illustrators to get tastes and ideas, using different mediums and materials to build up my skills with illustration. Charles Jeffrey is an inspiring artist as he illustrated on skin, paper and his garments, I like the idea of illustrating on different textures and creating a interesting base before drawing to create textures with drawing. I will now explore in my field of drawing and find out my style.

Kazel Lim was also an influence, as her illustrations with watercolour, and consideration for accuracy inspired me to work with watercolour, as I know my attention for detail and intricate side would match with the colour blend and palette. I felt I illustrated best with watercolour, although I did enjoy working with oil pastels and being more expressive, whilst working out of comfort. I am constantly learning how to express and show my ideas through concepts and development and practicing industry requirements.