PPP3: Summative Evaluation

When we were first introduced to PPP in Level 4 I didn’t like the module and couldn’t really see it’s purpose. Whilst, I still would struggle to say it’s my favourite module, I can now see the benefits of it. Through PPP I have pushed myself to to grow as a practitioner, sometimes in places that I didn’t think needed improvement upon. 

Through the module I have learnt the importance of networking and the confidence that is needed to do the task. My confidence has largely been built by the annual presentations we have had to perform, I now feel quite positive when faced with the task of talking to a large group of people. Furthermore I know that I can talk with an understanding of illustration that I wouldn’t have been able to acquire if not for this module. 

PPP has also improved my understanding of the professional aspects of illustration in terms of branding and how I present myself to the public. Whilst I consider myself a silly person at times, I now understand that there is a difference between being humorous and unprofessional. I feel that this is best represented in my branding that frequently displays me in amusing poses or situations, but doesn’t detract from the professional quality suggested by my logo for example. 

Without PPP I don't think I would have had the courage to put myself out into the open world in regards to things such as Thought Bubble. I initially only applied for Thought Bubble as I felt it would look good on my PPP blog, however I soon found it was a great way to network, meet new people and understand how to handle myself professionally in a very public place. Going to conventions is something I intend to do frequently in the future, so much so I have designed a banner with my branding on it that I intend to order shortly.

I feel that my biggest failing in PPP this year was preparing for my exit strategy. Whilst I know that I want to get into self publishing and eventually create graphic novels similar to illustrators such a Bryan Lee O Malley or Craig Thompson, I feel that I haven’t done nearly enough research into this area of practice and will have to continue doing so after my degree. On a more positive note I do have a potential part time job lined up in the form of in-house illustration for a web development company that is starting up. However this potentially may not happen so I need to keep my options open and continue looking for a job.

Overall, I believe that for the most part, I have been quite engaged with this module, although there is more that I could have done, I feel as though my practice has improved drastically through what has been achieved.