# data[].attributes.body
I’m really glad I decided to work on the brief from Cicada Books, as I thoroughly enjoyed researching ideas and creating storyboards. This project has helped me realise that illustrating nonfiction books is something I’m interested in pursuing after completing my degree.

# data[].attributes.body
I enjoyed bringing all my work together and seeing everything take shape. However, for my next project, I would approach it differently by allowing myself to fully immerse in the visual aspects earlier on. This time, I became overly focused on the theoretical research and left most of my visual exploration until the end. Looking back, I regret this because I now realise I could have delved deeper into certain themes more visually. I’ll make sure to prioritise this balance in my next unit.

# data[].attributes.body
This workshop gave me insights into the realities of working in editorial illustration. I found it quite challenging, as it was my first experience with this type of work. Going from initial ideas to a final draft, felt a bit rushed for me. I typically prefer to take my time to think through my ideas and drawings thoroughly. However, this workshop made me realise that in the professional world, you often don’t have the luxury of time and need to work quickly.

To be honest, editorial illustration didn’t quite resonate with me, and this experience helped me understand that it’s not something I see myself pursuing after university. That said, the workshop was great for training me to think on my feet and generate ideas quickly. I think with more practice, I might grow more comfortable with this way of working.

# data[].attributes.body
Exploring magazines and zines was incredibly helpful, especially since I had been struggling to bring my work together. Visiting Iniva and browsing through their collection provided me with much needed inspiration for my outcome.

# data[].attributes.body
Working on the research poster was both enjoyable and challenging due to the limited time available. This constraint pushed me to think creatively and find quick ways to ensure the poster effectively reflected my project. Through this process, I learned how to tell a story subtly without relying on overly obvious elements. However, in the end, I felt that I relied too much on scattered words, which may have made the poster feel too direct. If I had more time, I could have experimented further with typography and phrasing to refine the overall design.

From the exhibition at Peckham Levels, receiving feedback and engaging in discussions with peers made me realise that my poster successfully communicated its theme.

This experience also helped me think more critically about my CPP. It prompted me to consider how I can convey a message visually without depending heavily on text. This reflection has encouraged me to approach my publication more thoughtfully, focusing on storytelling through design and visual elements.

# data[].attributes.body
At first I stared doing my cpp using a square format i realised that it didn't fit and changed to portrait a4 size.

# data[].attributes.body
I really enjoyed learning about Aldwoth's work because 'Belongings 'combines themes of identity and immigration with deeply personal stories, much like my own project. I liked how she uses linen as her chosen material which belonged to her grandmother. The material itself carries the narrative, almost making words unnecessary. The story is visually and emotionally embedded within the material, which I find to be a fascinating and powerful way of working.

# data[].attributes.body
My Grandparents used to feed my rice balls.

# data[].attributes.body
I remember crouching down to smell the jasmine bush. They were always so pretty and smelt so nice

# data[].attributes.body
I chose these books because both authors share a similar immigration story to mine. Ziauddin Sardar was born in Pakistan, and Monica Ali was born in Bangladesh, and both moved to the UK at an early age, just like me. This connection is significant because having experienced life in both their countries of origin and the UK provides them with a deeper understanding of the complex emotions and challenges that come with navigating dual identities.

# data[].attributes.body
Reading this book was really interesting as Sardar critiques both Western society and South Asian cultural practices, offered

a balanced perspective. For example:

Sardar critically examines the systemic racism ingrained in British society. He highlights how immigrants, are often marginalised and subjected to discrimination in areas such as employment, education, and housing.

He also explores how the south asian community has a rigid adherence to cultural traditions which can create conflicts between generations, particularly as younger generations seek to balance their heritage with their British identity.

I really appreciated how Sardar examines both communities, as addressing identity issues effectively requires considering multiple perspectives. In my project, I aim to take a similar approach.

# data[].attributes.body
For Unit 9, I've decided to research themes of immigration and loneliness, focusing on the shifts in environment from both past and present perspectives. I plan to explore this broad theme in a personal way, looking into aspects like food, clothing/textiles, sounds, and family relationships comparing them between "then" and "now." I also want to delve into words, language, and the emotions tied to moving somewhere new, as well as the unfamiliar objects and places that might intensify feelings of isolation during the journey.

Given London's rich diversity, filled with people from all over the world, I hope my project will resonate with others while narrating my own journey and experiences. Through storytelling, I aim to make these themes relatable in a way that connects with others on a personal level.

I hope to examine these themes through several critical lenses, including political and economic perspectives. By doing so, I aim to gain a deeper understanding of how immigration and loneliness are shaped not only by personal experiences but also by broader societal forces. This approach will allow me to explore how factors such as policy, economic opportunity, and systemic structures impact the experiences of individuals navigating new environments.

# data[].attributes.body
Tracing the Journey: Exploring Immigration, Identity, and What’s Left Behind

# data[].attributes.body
my grandfather loved gardening. i remember how beautiful our front garden was.

# data[].attributes.body
I remember my grandma always oiling my hair before I shower

# data[].attributes.body
To ensure my outcome has a strong visual structure, I wanted to explore ways to capture the reader's attention and highlight certain objects over others. Reading this book has helped me understand the basics of layout and structure, as well as how I can use grids to achieve a specific visual style.

# data[].attributes.body
Visiting Iniva was a wonderful experience. I had the opportunity to explore their library and browse through various zines and magazines. What stood out to me about Iniva was how most of their pieces centered around themes of immigration, belonging, and identity.

I had the opportunity to speak with the gallery manager, and we had a valuable discussion about my project. She was incredibly helpful and kindly directed me to some sources I can use for inspiration and further research.

# data[].attributes.body
I remember watching my grandmother oil her hair and sit out in sun. I remember always wanting to touch her long shiny soft hair.

# data[].attributes.headline
The measurement of place attachment: Personal, community, and environmental connections

# data[].attributes.subject
The measurement of place attachment: Personal, community, and environmental connections

# data[].attributes.body
Key Takeaways

There are couple of reasons why one might feel attached to a certain place, community or culture.

Affective bonds: Emotional connections, such as feelings of comfort, love, or nostalgia tied to a place.

Cognitive Bonds: How people perceive, remember, and value a place based on personal and cultural significance.

Behavioural Bonds: Actions and routines that reinforce the attachment, such as visiting a favourite park or family home.

What influences place attachment?

Personal experiences like positive memories or life events

Social interactions with Community

Cultural places and historical significance

# data[].attributes.headline
‘Not quiet as in quiet but’ by Victoria Adukwei Bulley

# data[].attributes.subject
‘Not quiet as in quiet but’ by Victoria Adukwei Bulley

# data[].attributes.body
I really love this poem, which I encountered during the Embracing Duality workshop. What stood out to me was how the narrator uses short yet powerful words to address a significant and complex issue. The beauty lies in how not much is said, yet so much is conveyed. The writer’s use of pauses and breaks creates space for the reader to reflect and truly absorb the meaning.

I'm excited to incorporate elements of poetry into my own work, drawing inspiration from this subtle yet impactful style of expression.

# data[].attributes.body
Through objects and installations, Halsey archives and remixes the changing signs and symbols of her environment, gathering physical and graphic material from her neighbourhood. In her work Halsey merges past, present and future via her interest in iconography connected to the African diaspora, Black and queer icons and architecture. Halsey cites the collective sonic and visual layering associated with funk music as the blueprint for her approach to making, traversing time and drawing on a wide range of sources.

I really admired the maximalist approach to storytelling and how she aimed to pay tribute to her identity through her work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Lauren Halsey: emajendat - Serpentine Galleries

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The artist’s first solo exhibition in the UK transforms Serpentine South into an immersive ‘Funk garden’ that responds to the building’s location in Kensington Gardens.

# data[].attributes.body
"It’s about who – or what – your brother, sister, best friend and co-worker turn into when you’re
not looking. It’s about the meaning of life and the meaninglessness of life. It’s about this world we all
share that exists inside our minds – not out there all around us.
It’s about reality itself. It’s about nothing…
…and it’s about everything.”

This exhibition taught me that art doesn’t need to be flawless or entirely accurate to have an impact. As long as it conveys your story and concept, people will find ways to connect with it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nothing is Real, Steven Appleby – Space Station Sixty-Five

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Step into the head of Steven Appleby during our new exhibition Nothing is Real.

# data[].attributes.headline
Serpentine - Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst: The Call

# data[].attributes.subject
Serpentine - Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst: The Call

# data[].attributes.body
Before attending this exhibition, I didn’t expect to enjoy AI-generated music, but it completely exceeded my expectations. I especially loved the interactive aspect of the experience. Speaking random phrases into a microphone and hearing the AI transform them into music was incredible, it sounded almost angelic. Exploring sound in this way inspired me to think about how I could use sound as a means to communicate my own projects.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst: The Call - Serpentine Galleries

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A collaboration between artists Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst, and Serpentine Arts Technologies, The Call proposes new cultural, legal, and technical rituals for art in the age of AI.