Today I have started doing my research into trend forecasting. I wanted to think of more ways I could encourage my audience to be making and designing sustainably. I thought it would be better for my designs to be researched and for me to understand what my consumer is going to be drawn to. To do this I started researching into trend forecasting and general trends I am interested in at the moment. I want to be using this in my styling of second hand c,clothing as well as my making. I am hoping by doing this it will show my followers you can still incorporate and be involved in trends but this way you can be more unique and creative. I have been doing lots of my research through WGSN and simply from just picking up on whats popular on social media.

today i have been working in my sketchbook on my first styling ideas for my first shoot. I has been on wgsn for some inspiration for what my main outfit could be. I wanted to do something unique that also elevated the photoshoot. I am planning on this photoshoot to be my main photos in my exhibition and social media so I wanted to make sure I was working hard on the styling. I started looking into a trend of #underwear as outerwear and thought this is something that could work really well for this shoot. I did not want to have an outfit that was big and had lots of material as I thought it would take away from the concept of the photo shoot. When I started seeing these see through mesh dresses I though it was perfect for this shoot. I went to the charity shop a few times to try find something similar and after a while ended up finding the perfect light blue dress. To style the dress I had my model wear red/bugandy underwear to really contrast with the blue. and I styled the out fit with different silver jewelry. Finally, I also added a bright green bangle.  Like in my main inspiration picture I wanted to use colours that would match with the flowers I have bought for the shoot. I added the reds and green as I have lots of red tulips I plan on using.

 

 

 

Today I begun my planning for my first photoshoot. Following my research from the last module I wanted to create some photography around the topic of disconnecting with nature. I begun thinking of different ways I could create an image that represented the topic of disconnecting with nature and the themes that surround the topic. I felt that creating an image that centers a flower but shows a model in a empty studio really defined what I am trying to emphasize with the topic. I also drew some sketches of some different ideas I had for poses, I had the idea of having my model doing lots of movement as you can see in my sketches . I am aiming for a lot of more photoshoots in this project to be centred around freedom and escapism. Bringing movement into photography can be a great way of expressing this in my opinion.

A photographer that does something similar to this called Elly Welford. Welford uses a film camera to capture movement in her work. Being a dancer herself at the Northern School of contemporary Dance she understands embracing movement to the fullest. She explains her methods of photography from the point of view of a dancer and not a photographer. Welford describes the difference between dance photography in comparison to other styles of photography, she states ’being a dance photographer is about freezing dynamic moments and capturing the essence of movement and emotion from the dancer’. In an interview she gives some tips on showing movement in photos, she advises to not be afraid of ’bending the rules’ when experimenting. Although I am not focusing on dance as a topic for my project I still felt it was important I explored different types of movement in photography

https://takeiteasylab.com/blogs/blog/behind-the-lens-with-elly-welford

 

 

 

Photoshoot One – further photographer research

In preparation for my shoot I wanted to look at a variety of photographers that showcase different elements I would like to bring into my own work. Like I spoke about above these photographers may not do exactly what I am doing in my project but I like looking at different styles and techniques to further my understanding of how I might myself create something. The next photographer I looked into is Tim Walkers work. I liked Walkers work for his experimentation through styling, location, and posing. I specifically liked his use of colour and editing, In this module I hope to Learn more about editing and lighting I want to try working with different platforms such as light room to further my understanding of colour grading.

For my Photoshoot One I will be doing a test shoot first this where I will get to test what lighting I want to do for my final shoot . I want to make sure I am fully prepared to work in the studio and also get an idea of how long each element of the photoshoot will take such as the hair and make up. I will also be using the test shoot to mostly get an idea of what lighting I want to do for the flower to create the effect.

 

Planning video content

Today I have started planning for my second video. I have been trying to think of more ways I can create more engaging content. These videos are going to be a little different compared to my to video plan on my sketchbook. I originally was planning on doing shots of different environments with text on top like in my sketchbooks inspiration video. However, I want to try using some of my photography instead of video and experiment with speeding it up. I have found it difficult working on video content as it is not my strongest area and something I hope to work on. Instead I want to try focusing on my editing skills and working with mixed media to create a video.  I want to use the photos I took of the flowers in my first photoshoot and make a fast paste video with text. I think this would also work well on my tiktok page as it will be quick and interest viewers. I have recently been following a photographer that does a similar thing of adding text onto photography called @akulshinasonya on Instagram. I wanted to try something similar to this but in my own style and seeing if I could turn it into a quick video. Below I added some of the work she has recently done.

Content for garment Making 

Reflection, Ideas and Plans For Video Content –

today I started making some ideas for my videos for the tiktok account I want to make for Afterlife. these videos will be linking to the making part of my project. For these videos I am planning on showing my followers the process of me making my garments. I want to avoid making tutorial style videos but rather different angles and shots showing the progress of me creating the garment. I find tutorials on tiktok or reels to be unhelpful as they are so short and a lot of the times you can become overloaded with information. It can make the process of you making the item yourself a lot more difficult. As I am a part of this demographic and watch lots of these styles of videos I am able to make a video based on the information I would need as a designer.

to begin the video I would like to include some images of the inspiration or ideas I have for the garment. I want to include pictures, clips, sketches and key words. I am aiming to style it like I would when working in a sketchbook with arrows and doodles. I like this style as it indicates that this will be a process video rather than a tutorial. I would prefer to have music over the background  rather than a voice over. I feel that using a voice over would give the platform a face to the brand and it would associate the platform as a one person project. However, I am trying to make each platform look professional and like a collective of different people are working on the project. I want the videos to be short and direct. the beginning showing the inspiration and the original garment I am working with, the middle showing cutting, pattern cutting, sewing and ending showing the final garment. I would also like to give the garment a purpose. for example the first top I would like to describe as a top I would wear to a pub garden, picnic, or any other summer activities. I think this will give more identity and purpose to what I am making further inspiring my watcher to think of making there own for similar purposes. below is an example of the use of showing the process. the artist gives a clear indication to what her inspiration was and how she used it to create her work. I want to re-create this with my garment making.

I want to try use all the tools each platform has to offer. Tiktok not only is a space for videos but it also has a new layouts where you can make slideshows using images. I thought this would be another great way of showing the process in more details. Having each picture showing the garment being made bit by bit with again images, text, drawings. my inspiration video uses this layout showing how it can be great for showing details.

https://www.tiktok.com/@cherrycolouredfunk____/photo/7353597218202455303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7371449579139712544

 

To continue my goal of making a slow media platform I plan on making a few different videos using the same projects. I plan on also following some trends that tiktok is doing using sounds and hashtags. I also thought it would be interesting to start a playlist; this is where creators have a few videos that may relate or maybe they have a series. I think maybe starting a series such as ‘making my summer wardrobe out of clothes I already own’ or ‘making my summer wardrobe’ could be a great way of gaining followers as they look for inspiration for their own ideas.

I also want to be making content on things my followers can be doing with the small parts of materials, thread and parts they can’t use in big projects. Instead I want to make small easy ideas my viewers can do with these bits. After making  my first top I had already collected enough bits to start a new project. I wouldn’t have enough to make a new garment so instead I thought I could make some bedroom decor and use the small pieces as stuffing. I thought this would be a great addition to my platform as it is so easy to make and is able to be made at different levels of difficulty depending on what my follower would like to do.  I liked the idea of adding smaller projects as making clothing from scratch can be time consuming. having fun little ideas will be great for my viewers that may not have a lot of time or tools like a sewing machine.

 

 

platforms doing similar things –

@mister.tomfoolery

Matthew Prebeg makes art on his tiktok and Instagram combining art and technology. he labels himself as a artist, designer, and researcher. His his work is a combination of digital and physical art. He uses his platform to show his followers different websites, research and artists he finds interesting. He just started a series called ‘corners of the internet’ where he gives his followers insights into different platforms he enjoys or is currently using to help his progress in his work. I liked Prebegs ability to combine all his favorite parts of art into a space where people are able to find inspiration. He will often make short videos on different styles that his followers can also try.

@mister.tomfoolery

Lil corners of the internet for when i need a break from social media 🛜 #websites #creativity

♬ Intergalactic Janet – Ley Soul

 

 

Plans and Ideas For First Shoot Day

This part of my sketchbook is my further inspiration and planning for my first photo shoot. my first day in the studio is where I am going to do more of the lighting set ups. I know I am going to have to do a lot of experimenting for the lighting so having a second shoot day will allow me to spend more time on the photography and styling rather than the experimenting. I added three main images to my mood board, firstly the black and white image is inspiration for my styling. I love this image and the simple yet effective styling and the use of movement in the hair.

the second image is in my inspiration for my back lighting and backdrop ideas. In the second shoot I am hoping to play around more with colour and bringing in backdrops. I loved this image and the way the blue fades away, I think it makes the model stand out even more.

the final image is more inspiration for how i could model the flowers. I would like to try using wire to be able to move the flower stems in different ways like in the image. Below I have added the pintserest page I added lots of images to that inspired this shoot.

https://pin.it/JHDjYUYIa

 

 

 

Platform final outcomes  –

Instagram – @_afterlife_fashion_

Website- https://sarahfox888.wixsite.com/afterlife

tiktok – @Afterlife_fashion

 

sketchbook page one 

To begin my sketchbook I started by reflecting on the previous module. I wanted to get a better plan of what I have already touched on and see what I needed to develop more. My last sketchbook include a lot of experimenting in different forms to allow me to get a better understanding of where I want to take my project moving forward. This included me making zines, doing sketches of my surroundings, creating textured knit samples all this gave me a better understanding of the values and themes that I would be including into my project. My themes include Sustainability, craft, community, escapism, inspiration and education. This initiated my research into heritage craft and my main topic of the disconnection we have with nature. From this I began my research into Kate Fletcher and her work such as her work: The craft of use, Design and nature a partnership, Multi-Centered worlds as well as The Lissome Issue no. 3 Cosmic commons, Encountering the earth and universe in the process of garment making. This embarked my idea’s for how I wanted to convey these values through my photography. In my previous sketchbook I explored Andrea Rose and Anva Holdstocks photography which has inspired my new idea’s for this new module. My interest in my surroundings set my research into heritage craft and finding inspiration in the nature of my home in north Wales. This research gave me a better understanding of the importance of supporting small local brands and makers. Thereby I decided I wanted to make some aspects of the project collaborative. I loved the idea that making Afterlife collaborative created more variety for my audience. Having multiple writers and makers that are professionals in all different parts of sustainability, fashion, designing, photography, art and more would expose them to more education and inspiration that I could not do by myself. This consent follows the aims and values of my project in which is to create education around sustainable fashion more accessible. As my project would be all through different social media platforms I started my research into slow media. Influences that create slow media are able to present more high quality and researched content for their viewers which is something I felt was important. In this new module I am aiming to research the target audience and have a well thought out idea of the different demographics I will be engaging with. Meaning some of my consumers could be following my platforms with a bigger understanding of sustainability than others so I would be aiming to create content that would be engaging for lots of different mindsets.

Here (figure 1) I have added one of my moodboards from the last module from my research in surroundings and fashion. In this example I used sand and recreated them in a knit pattern. I enjoyed creating these samples and have continued from the beginning on the new module but it has shown to be very time consuming for the scale and direction I want to head in. I am still very interested in the concept and research on sustainable wool but I think this is something I could include in the education section rather than the making due to not having enough time.

Moving Forward….

Moving forward I have been reflecting on all the different aspects on my project and if all the different elements have a good connection and work well together. In this reflection I could see that the knitting element was not correlating as well as the other parts. I also found the knitting to be extremely time consuming and if committed to the chance of making multiple outcomes in knitwear might be unlikely. Continuing, I plan to step back from this and work more on developing the designing and textiles aspect. In the previous module I looked into Vivienne Westwoods work as I loved her designs from the 90’s which made me research into why consumers can become interested in past ears of fashion. I looked into Westwoods work more for inspiration into my designing which isn’t too relevant for my research in the new module. Instead I am going to focus on how I will be using my platform to inspire my consumers to make their own garments in the most sustainable ways. This means considering how I will engage with my followers, How I will film and post myself making the garments, and How I am going to keep my viewer interacting with my page and other posts.

To Conclude, I have reflected on each part of my last module to get a deep understanding of where I need to develop my work. To create a platform that will engage with an variety of different demographics will ensure that I have researched and understood who I am engaging with. I aim to have a understanding of the each consumer and what needs I should meet to ensure they are using my platform to its best performance. Creating a platform that is well thought out in its design, and posting style, and engagement fully recognizing my consumers values.

planning and organisation

Today was the first day back, and after discussing our projects in groups we were asked to go and work on the parts of the projects that need more development. For me, I first wanted to work on my Ghant chart as I feel I need to be as organised as possible. As well as organizing a time for me to work on my blogs as I find it difficult to maintain a good number of blogs. I am hoping to write a blog each time I come into uni and get into the routine of reflecting after discussions such as today’s tasks. In my ghant chart, I want to add more details to ensure I give myself enough time to complete each task. I also wanted to spend today to plan some more of the visual aspects of my project. Reflecting on the last module I feel that I still need to do some more research and experimentation with the types of photo shoots and aesthetics I want to show within my social media. I wanted to use my time to make some mood boards without too much intention with just things I like whether it be styling, colours, photography style and so on. I’m hoping that this will give me more inspiration for when I start creating photo shoots with concepts.

I have also made a calendar from today’s date to the submission date to ensure I stay organised and have a clear plan of how I’m going to achieve all my plans before the due date. Although this is similar to using the ghant chart having a calendar that I can hang above my desk will allow me to see how far away any important dates are and ensure I am always prepared.For this project, I have an extra two weeks for my LSP plan. However, I will be aiming to get my work done by the 3^rd of May to give myself the extra two weeks to work and define my sketchbook. On my calendar, I have organised different parts of my project to ensure I have a balance. I have ensured that I have enough time to test photo shoots and videos I have planned whilst also establishing enough time to edit my outcomes ready to be uploaded on my social media. I also recognize that I struggle to keep up with regular sketchbook and blog developments so adding days for just sketchbook, reading, or research has been helping me keep track of all my work. So far this has been extremely beneficial in keeping me organised I have also been adding lots of notes to my planner of what I need to get done on certain dates in preparation for things I may be doing further in the week. Next, I will be making a social media calendar to ensure I am frequently posting and have an active social media presence.

planning and organisation 

Today I started making my social media calendar, in hopes of keeping me organised throughout my studies. I have tried to keep in mind the other work I will be doing around the time as well as giving myself enough time to edit the content to a high standard. I want to create a social media page with a high-quality standard and well-thought-out concepts for my audience.

my main goal is to consistently post photography and videos that will attract my audience due to me doing enough research. in my AGP675 I began researching slow media which is something I am interested in doing for my social media plan. Slow media is a new style of posting which like slow fashion slows down the mass production of constant media. For my essay module, I looked into short-form content such as TikTok and Instagram reels and the effect it has on the users’ brains. This made my mindset on how I will be putting out my social media to my audience change. I think it is much more important to have good quality and thought-out content that will inspire my followers rather than lots of content which is not good quality. In My calendar I have added in days that I would aim to post by followed by which photoshoot or video I will be posting. I am planning to do multiple posts for photoshoot. For example, I plan to post four separate times for my photoshoot one keeping in mind that some singular posts will having multiple images. This is to add more value to that photoshoot and to avoid having to constantly be trying to create something more impressive as I feel this is not a sustainable process. To take this further, I feel that as my Instagram is a space for inspiration it would be beneficial to my followers to see more aspects to my shoot. This lead me to thinking about including more behind the scenes content on my highlights and stories. I want to create a very engaging platform and I think this would be an interesting way to show my ideas and inspiration to the audience. I would like to look at some other social media pages to see how audiences react in the comments to different types of posts.

My next steps will be to do some further research in my sketchbook into my target audience and what I should be posting to interest them. I began looking into this for my AGP675 sketchbook, but I still feel that it could do with some further development. Understand my audience is extremely important for how I plan to engage with my followers from how much I post to how I talk to them in the comments.