live briefs/competitions:
This has been my main focus throughout the module, since it is really a way to engage with "real" briefs while the outcome is very clear and well-defined, which is helpful for my way of thinking, considering how exhausting I found this year with multiple on-going projects. Working feels like things are moving forward, while every day spent on research fills me with anxiety because I easily get distracted and end up "wasting" the day.
a, Silent Book Contest
• The complete layout, as described above, must be sent exclusively as a digital file in high quality PDF format by 20th January 2026
This has been quite a big project with very little time. I have enjoyed making it, even if the spreads could be improved on compositionally. I learned how to plan & work fast on a major project like this.
Roughs:
This zine is a side product of my course work: a visual essay module brief, whose subject was the unethical treatment of animals in the meat/dairy/egg industries. The images are ink and pencil drawings originally, based on actual photos and CCTV footages which I found online during my visual investigation. In search of appropriate presentation of the subject, I thought of various outcomes (plates, packaging, mug). This zine is one of these.
My aim was to preserve the simple and raw nature of the original drawings while representing the emotional journey of the subject. Not merely to evoke guilt or disgust in the reader, but to force them into the perspective of the animals: from the trauma of separation, through the painful distance, to finally the dark catharsis. Quoting data and number values inevitably distances the reader, inviting rationalising and cost-benefit calculations. Instead, I was looking for open and deep emotional response, the noble notion of empathy. Poetry seemed the right way – I used one of Shakespeare’s many love sonnets.
With the re-contextualising of the text, my zine fits the theme of “connections” in an ironical way. In reference to the emotional connection of the calf and cow for sure, but also their forced distance. “Connections” could also be meant in a metaphorical sense, as we have it in our minds of milk and its source. But especially how we separate the knowledge from the implications of the dairy industry, which – as the back cover of the zine indicates- does involve unnecessary animal deaths.
The final product is a B/W zine (with the possibility of mass production on a budget). The cover pages are yellow card in reference to the ear tags used in the dairy/ meat industry.
A mug/ or pair of mugs design which is a side product of my course work: a visual essay module brief, whose subject was the unethical treatment of animals in the meat/dairy/egg industries. The images are ink drawings originally, based on actual photos and CCTV footages which I found online during my visual investigation. In search of appropriate presentation of the subject, I thought of various outcomes (plates, packaging, a zine). This is one of these.
My work fits the theme of “connections” in an ironical way. In reference to the emotional connection of the calf and cow for sure, but also their forced distance. Farmers know that both suffer emotional distress from being separated, demonstrated by crying (for days, weeks) and low mood.
“Connections” could also be meant in a metaphorical sense, as we have it in our minds of milk and its source. But especially how we separate the knowledge from the implications of the dairy industry, which does involve unnecessary animal deaths, hence the text: “Don’t cry over...” The well-known idiom is of an encouraging one, a positive phrase made ominous by the omission of the end of the sentence here - intentionally made ambiguous. “Connections” meant here between milk and blood.
If the two images were to be printed on separate mugs, the separation of the calf and cow is more emphasized, although the images fit onto one mug also. To remind the morning coffee/tea drinker of the consequences of their actions if they were to add dairy milk.
Finished artwork for at least four double-page spreads, or at least three spreads and a front cover. Entrants should bear in mind and focus on what is appropriate for the child reader.
other activities:
a, Stall at the Oddfellows Christmas Craft Fair
b, Degree Show fundraising
my A3 prints circled (the photos taken by classmates):
research:
a, picture booksI have visited a bookstore and collected some visual research for the ideal picture books - in terms of what I liked, and which publishers printed them. This is an area of illustration I could definitely see myself doing.
picture book dimensions:
H x W cm29,5 X 25,523,5 X 2727,5 x 2630 x 2420 x 2528 x 2224,5 x 27,528,5 x 21,524,5 x 2825 x 28 Macmillan28 x 2227,5 x 22,5 Macmillan25 x 28 Macmillan23 x 2928 x 25 Macmillan23 x 23 Macmillan28,5 x 25,5 Macmillan
On the way home, I also discovered a shop window advertising workshops. Maybe it is something to think about?
b, plans for further research:-graphic novels The only research I've done is reading several of them in the library: Hubert, Forming, Map of Days, Roaming, Ocultos, Jane, the fox & me, Birchfield Close : and four wildlife field circles-webcomics-storyboard Art-illustration activism - for animal rights-literary agents-illustration/ Art fairs
promotion:
I had the urge to treat this task the same way as I treat an illustration project. Perhaps not the best approach - still, I just wanted to draw as much as I could for it. I also made the mistake of deleting 3 days worth of my work - permanently. So that was certainly a setback. Then I developed a severe pain in the wrist for 2 days. Maybe drawing for this wasn't such a good idea. Still, it is done. The website has been done to be usable on mobile screen too.
some of the hand drawn designs:
c, business cardThis will need further refinement. Initial ideas :
In the end, I decided to use the same designs as on my website for brand consistency. 
some website recommendations for printing/ promotional material:
portfolio:
evaluation:
Through this module my primary focus has been the various live
briefs: the Silent Book Contest, Batsford Prize, BSSP, Macmillan Prize, respectively.
I am still working on projects for BABE and the Hand & Lock Prize. These kept
me going and busy, and letting me avoid the “less savoury” part of the module,
which is for me the industry research and outreach, and the administrative
elements. In the end, I managed to put a website together – even
ended up enjoying the process. Still, I am unsure about the approach of it all.
It does look different from what most websites seem to go for in appearance. It
has to be revised, perhaps, although I like it the way it is.
Creating my portfolio was a bit overwhelming with the number of materials I had to sort through and analyse; I am also finding it surprisingly hard to see my own work and interests in a clear way. With some help from the tutors I finally managed to make something I could be proud of, at least.
I cannot really pin down what exactly interests me because it changes and varies so much and I am quite adaptable. I have to keep in mind the importance of being authentic to myself as much as possible to nail down the core of what sort of illustrator I might be. What I found is in the way I kept avoiding the question by just drawing instead. I became comfortable drawing which is helpful. On the other hand, I certainly will need help with the administrative elements of the job. My organization skills improved this year, although I hope it will get better still: I am not happy with the level of stress the feeling of “being behind schedule” causes me.
I have keenly felt the loss of time due to my commute, and I
regret not being able to help with the fundraising as much as I would have
liked. I did try my best. For this reason, and because I would like to be able
to attend fairs in the future, one of my short-term plans is to get a driving
license once I finish my degree.
I also would like to work more on a graphic novel as my on
personal project, aside from other unfinished projects.
Throughout my third year, I found that I liked doing editorial
illustration as well as picture book illustration - I enjoy both having a leisurely
deadline, but also only having a few days to finish a job. They seem very suitable
for me. I am planning to look more into character design and storyboarding. Designing
the cover for the BSSP felt engaging too and I am surprised and proud to have
been selected into the final four.
Overall, there is still much to do and work on, but I am
looking forward to it more than anything, since the past year- although seemed
impossible at times – showed me what I am capable of, and at least there are elements
of every job that I would always enjoy doing.
Links:
vizsu-art website (click to view)
vizsu_art on Instagram (click to view)