My goal for my study at BCU is to explore myself and discover my expertise further in Illustrations, while using the facilities and experienced tutors to the fullest.

My interest in Illustrations mostly revolves around books. That includes, book cover - not limited to novels or children storybook or maybe an illustration for a pocketbook - Conceptual posters, or any illustration that has to do with Narrative storytelling.

I also would love to learn more about new printing techniques that would make my artwork looks chic or giving the old school comic vibe to it.

I did a brainstorm mind map of myself and my interest to see clearly of the general interest I have. That way I can distinguish what I am great at and why I have high interest in.

First I did a mind map of possible concepts that I came up with. Later, I re-wrote it down on my notes for a more organized dump. Most of my ideas revolve around life experiences and a bit of philosophy. There are a few playful ideas and literature based ideas.

I decided to focus on one of my idea which involves a famous thai phrase, พลิกวิกฤตให้เป็นโอกาส (flip the crisis into an opportunity), which has the same similar meaning to an English idiom, every cloud has a silver lining.

I analyze further into my Thai phrase idea and mix similar philosophy and aesthetic based idea from Japan called “Wabi Sabi”.

Wabi Sabi refers to acceptance of transience and imperfection, and an appreciation of the beauty of impermanence of nature.

Although the two concepts don’t share the exact meaning, both encourage finding value and beauty in less-than-ideal situations. This ties directly into the theme of the exhibition, Lost & Found: losing the ideal, but finding the beauty within the imperfections.

Thus, I decided to mix the concept of the stated thai phrase visually with the aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi.

I explore further on how I could visualize the design.

I researched and asked ChatGPT about art movements or directions that found by accident. They suggested Abstract Expressions - Jackson Pollocks’s Drip technique and Dada’s collage.

I also looked at KrystynaSiwekArt, and may adopt similar ideas of using a dirty drop of water that turns into beautiful art.

For idea 1, I thought of using the drop of tears that drops on a growing pot of plants to resembles that it maybe painful and frustrating but every drop of the tears can be important for the plant, which resembles growth. However, I feel like it doesn't sent the message that I'd initially interpreted, and a bit silly in my eyes.

For idea 2, I thought of the back of the moon. Having the cast shadow and brighter part. But I felt like it's a bit too typical and doesn't sent the right message once again.

I had a group critique session with Ms. Sophia’s group. She liked the idea of my interpretation on using the Thai phrase along with the theme of the exhibition as well as the art direction I presented.

She gave me an idea to use letters or words play to sent a message to the audience. I was invested on that idea as I wanted to try things experimental, however, I decided to stick to my comfort zone in this case as experimenting will require more time and I have a very limited time to continue the zine.

Before drawing the final artwork. I drew the idea more clearly on the paper as I am more comfortable with using pencil.

I took a picture of the sketch, crop it digitally then use a template of a comparison between the size of a human and the size of an A1 paper to see how it'd look when it is printed out. I adjust the composition to fit, adding some more details, and once I am satisfied with how it'd look, I begin the finalizing process.

I am quite satisfied with how it turned out.

I received good feedbacks from the group session. Ms. Rachel, my tutor, suggests I put some shapes with the chaotic messy lines. Apart from that, the other students seem to really like my idea and the look. I was really proud of myself.

Apart from the critiques, I tried printing the artwork in A3 and noticed that the white areas don't really pop out much. I'm thinking of adjusting the brightness more so that the focal point can stand out more.

I polished some bits after the feedback as well as print testing to check the colour.

The final work is ready to be sent to print!

I thought of putting rhetorical questions that could be thought provoking for audience in the pages while showing my process behind the final poster. I planned to have messy lines of black pen and pencil on the first few pages and lowering the intensity to the last page just like how the crisis started to be solved.

However, I decided to move on to a new idea, as I feel like I wanted to try something new and unlike my usual style.

I decided to experiment with blackout poetry to create a new context that fit with my idea as well as maintaining the harmony of the overall aesthetic of the zine.

By physically writing them on the paper, the letters are not all too strict, and it has more impression of realness in there as well.

A children book spreading awareness about depression in children, or some sort of comfort for children that has abandonment fear, or help children regulate their discomfort emotions in a healthy manner.

What are the inspirations?

I have seen a case about depression in children and that most adults seem to looked over or unaware that depression can also happen among children as well. So I thought I could use this book as awareness and also a lesson for children to know how to regulate their emotions in their own way.

How will it be executed?

I have a friend that studies psychology. I may ask her of the information. I will also research around in both online and in the library. And if I could have a chance, I'd love to have an interview with real children counselor.

The story

I'd think of a case that could happen to every children. Maybe when their parents left for work or when the child has to be separated from the parents a bit. I want to show the side of the children and also how children can manage their emotions in a healthy manner. Or maybe when there are quarrel with friends.

The deliverables

A children book

Target Audience

5-10 years old

Target Audience

Maybe published and hopefully selling it