The Research Journey.

In today's lecture with Claire, we went into depth into the act of collecting research, specifically to support arguments within essays. We went over the different possible research methodologies, and how to best select a method of research for our dissertation in the future. I was quite surprised by how helpful I found this lecture, as despite it being just about research, Claire really went into detail about what makes a good dissertation question, and how to go about researching for very specific subjects and topics.

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Blog Task.

Abstract.

Black, S. (2019) ‘Fibs and fripperies: References to the real in digital illustration’, Journal of Illustration, 6(2), pp. 289-304.

​ This article considers the phenomenon of illustrators digitally mimicking traces of the handmade as ornament. It will explore whether these decorative tendencies are Adolf Loos' backward or degenerative tendency, or a generous contribution to our visual environment. It will ask why illustrators falsify the smudges, spills, textures and shadows of paper-based work within the digital workspace, what is gained and lost by doing so, and for whom? These questions will be explored in relation to interviews with two contemporary editorial illustrators and their work, to unpick the professional benefits of the phenomenon, coupled with a foray into theoretical perspectives on ornament. The discussion will also take skeuomorphism into account to explore the phenomenon, which then raises questions concerning illustration's 'usability'. The article draws upon wildly different perspectives and practices from other fields as it seeks to consider the pleasures and pitfalls of a richly-ornamented composition,

Abstract Breakdown.

Main Aims:
- To determine whether digital illustration contributes to visual arts
- What is gained and lost through digital illustration in comparison to traditional illustration

Research Methodology:
- Qualitative research via interviews with 2 contemporary illustrators

Key Findings and Implications:
- There are positives and drawbacks to the use of digital illustration
- digital illustration is described as 'richly-ornamented' and 'noise' therefore suggesting that digital illustration pushes things too far, and overcomplicates the art?