I began by introducing the new working title that I have currently developed, 'a modern look at the adaptation and interpretation of creatures derived from mythology and folklore' (still an absolute mouthful, I will need to change/shorten this).
I went on to explain about the breakthrough I had had; discussing how mythology had been circling around my project, always there but never in the limelight, until it suddenly clicked that it was the absolute crux of my entire project. I explained my theory of how modern imaginary creatures derive from mythology and read out the vision statement I had created for the project; as shown in the image below and discussed in a previous post.
Feeling good that I had explained my breakthrough well, I then went on to discuss the feedback I had been given at presentation three and how I had improved upon that. The last time I was told that there was concern my work didn't include enough digital process, so I explained how I had been using digital methods to assist the traditional ones; seeing it as an indispensable aid. I showed the images below, explaining the process of using Photoshop to create tonal versions of the images that would make using the markers in the project easier. I also discussed the use of Photoshop to clean up and enhance images.
Moving on from this, I went on to explain about my plans for the final outcome of the project; the art book, and what its contents are intended to become. As seen in the image below, I layed out the contents in bulletpoints so as to be quick to read for both myself and the lecturers present. I also included a quick sketched image of what the layout of the pages might be like, just to give them a visual clue as to what I'd be aiming for.
With the overview of the main 'goings on' explained, I could move on to discussing the content I had been creating. Here I talked about 'Evolve' and the fact I was creating my own creature, just as a reminder from the last presentation. I went on to discuss the problems I have been having with my scanner issues; explaining that I can't get it to replicate the original image and its colours.
Continuing on, I said that if they had any ideas as to how to fix this issue, I would very much appreciate getting that in the questions once I had finished presenting. Here I also showed the final Shepherd image I have created, in its pre-coloured state.
Moving into the newer territory now, I began by discussing the notion of realistic Pokemon and showed what I had been working on so far with them. I explained that I had chosen dragon types in particular and that I would come to discuss the reason for this soon. As can be seen in the slides below, the cartoon sprites are the original designs, placed alongside my own sketches. Only now do I realise that I have two of the same sketch of Axew in the top right . . . oops . . .
Continuing on, I said how my aim when designing these Pokemon is to follow the background/lore that they each have. I gave the example of the Deino evolutionary line on the left hand side of the image below, explaining how dark it is with a creature that is completely blind and only lives to eat and destroy.
In my second to last slide, as shown below, I explained as to why dragons had cropped up so frequently in my project. I discussed the fact that they are an intrinsic part of mythology and modern media and that I am interested in the comparison between the 'classic' dragon aesthetic and the moden interpretation. To add to this, I noted that one of my project goals is to be diverse in design. I then condenced the big text schpeel that I had placed at the bottom of the image below, which essentially describes how an artist can design a creature in any way they wish and define it as any sort of creature they deem it to be. Using Pokemon as an example, I made a point in that Goomy is a dragon, whilst Charizard is not, even though their appearances would suggest otherwise. I went on to say that I believe that as longas the classic archetypes are respected and learned from, there is no lasting damage in creating new and innovative designs.
My final slide has the cutest wee motivational potato on it ever. I don't know about anyone else, but it makes me feel better!
And so onto the feedback at last. The lecturers seemed happy with what I am working towards and they're glad I have found a solid new direction for my work that still stays on more or less the same path as before, just a far clearer one. Unfortunately they didn't have any suggestions for my scanner problem, so at the moment I am still in the dark about this (not true anymore! see blog post on scanner issues). Discussing my final book, they showed some concern about the amount I was giving myself to do in the time that is left to us. Though I feel skeptical about the advice to cut down, I know deep down that they probably will be right. Some might say that I'm just too stubborn to actually admit that at the moment! This was the last presentation before the final assessed one in May. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm sure I can manage it; after all, I have a tiny potato that believes in me!
