Self Reflection for Part one 11/11/2014

I have thoroughly enjoyed the researching process of this module, I have learnt how to take inspiration from a variety of images, how to narrow down a number of designers and styles to establish what style and to understand what market area most strongly applies to me which has helped me to understand what potential market area I wish to work in in the future.

For the first stage of the module I looked into general images that applied to all three market areas such as Interiors, paper based designs and fashion textiles. From the start I strongly believed that fashion textiles would have been my main area of interest, but as my general research began to build I noticed how I was unconsciously taking more interest in interior designs. Whilst researching into paper based designs I did find some interesting independent designers and high end companies with very appealing designs but I could only find limited information on a number of them, I emailed the companies and designers for more information about themselves/ their ethics but only one replied.

When choosing my final three designers I found it quite an easy process as I found I had a passionate interest in the style of two interior designers, Timorous Beasties for their edgy designs and De Gornay for their traditional and detailed styles and methods. I was also intrigued by the marketing process, designs and ethics of Paper Chace.

I found the final process a bit more difficult as I knew I had a strong interest for both interior designers which both had unique styles. I eventually decided for Timorous Beasties as their sinister messages yet appreciation for historical textiles won me over. This company uses both traditional and digitally aided methods to create their designs, I feel as though by following this process it would be more beneficial as I am not a fine artist and do not have the time or man power to hand paint my designs onto wall hangings.

When deciding on a theme I felt as though to stay true to this company’s beliefs and style I should research into nature but by looking into the more unconventional side such as creepy crawlies and things that have hidden beauty about them such as Beetles which will be one of my main sources of inspiration. The insect’s hard and unusually shaped shell as well as its other body parts contrasts with the beautiful colours and patterns this is what appeals to me.

When writing the hypothetical brief I found it both an easy and challenging process, the template given helped the flow of information but I struggled to find information about the ethics of the company which I would have liked to developed into further.

Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed the new methods learnt and the process of part one, I have managed my time efficiently to ensure all tasks were completed on time and I am pleased with how I now feel as though I have started find my identity as a designer, I look forward to beginning to sample my designs and what part two will involve.