Subscribechicago workshop summary
Two weeks ago I led a two-day editorial illustration workshop in Chicago at Columbia College. Teaching this workshop for the second time went much smoother because I learned so much teaching this same class at Squam earlier this year. I learned that I needed to offer the students some way to gather reference, that I needed to supply a wet studio for those who paint their artwork and a computer lab for those who work digitally. And that I had to tailor the class on the fly based on what the students were wanting and needing from the experience… more discussion on the logistics of editorial work? or more hands on time just working on their pieces? etc.
The kids who signed up were mostly fine art students. One illustration major. And even a few ceramists and a performance art major (they had a tough time). So it was a weird mix because I was expecting mostly illustration majors who’d had some training in the basics, but I think everyone walked away with something good from the experience… (some probably with the thought they they never wanted to do illustration again! …deadlines? …assignments? pshaw!).
The assignment was a small editorial piece from start to finish in two days, which is quite a task — but doable. I supplied a story and worksheets on how to get ideas, how to talk to art directors, design tips, etc, and then they were on their own to come up with ideas.
At the end of the first day we had a thumbnail critique and a final sketch critique before anyone could start on their finals, and I thought that was the best part. Getting everyone to talk about their ideas and different directions was interesting. And I surprised myself by having LOTS of suggestions and hints for how to get a better piece in the end.
Overall, the final artwork was kind of disappointing. I think kids were working outside their normal mediums, which would make it harder I guess. Admittedly, however, I may have had really high expectations working with senior level students. :) But at least it got people thinking.
And I walked away with a clearer understanding of what I do as well. It was so fun to see and help other people with their artwork… knowing how to improve it, things to try, things to think about. And I have been applying that to my work work since I’ve been back. That’s invaluable. So I would definitely do it again. (Also, how can you not be inspired by walking through the halls of an art school? So much eye candy!)
Too bad the finals did not live up to your expectations. But as you said, maybe your expectations were too high.
I think that if you managed to inspire those ‘kids’ and let them surprise themselves by thinking outside their own medium, you’ve succeeded. Because that is what I think guest educators are meant to do: inspire.
How is the little kicker in your belly doing? ;-)
what fun in Chicago!
Thanks for posting this summary – there´s so much information, valuable information, inside it.
I just taught my first college class ever and it was illustration methods. I brought up your work and illustration friday to inspire them for their final project. I was disappointed also. I was expecting great things. I asked for creative original ideas which I guess I got, but I was also hoping for visually exciting. I think next time I am going to have them do a magazine collage of five or more images to illustrate the subject and then render it. Try putting an exciting design first and the idea second. I personally was more interested in the idea when I was a student but not so much now in my personal work. What do you think?
It was so interesting to read this, to read “I was a little dissapointed.” I was astonished to read these words by a teacher, I wondered how I would feel if I was a student and in your class, if I read it, how these words would affect me. Admittedly, I am really hard on myself. Also admittedly I have only taught non collecge level classes, but I am always impressed and astonished by how the students stretch themselves, maybe it isn’t perfect but it is there best. Funny to think that could be dissapointing. Anyway I didn’t say this to be harsh, just to share some ideas.
Carol: Putting exciting design first does make sense if it were any other type of illustration beside editorial. So, yes! I agree. But with this class, we were stressing concept and ideas were supposed to come first. So in that case, I guess it was a success. There were some good ideas on paper.
Alex: Yeah, I guess it is kind of astonishing. And I certainly don’t mean to hurt anybody’s feelings. I just think that the students really didn’t put their best efforts into their work, to be honest. (And again, they were mostly fine artists, not used to working with such restrictions as illustration brings.) I think maybe they were so stressed by the timeline that they didn’t really allow themselves to be free with it. I mean, people were turning in their work early and saying “I really don’t like this” and I said “How could you improve it?” and the response I got was: “Well, I have other things to do today, so it’s good enough.” THAT astonishes me. :)
Alex… just my two cents: I have no problem with Penelope expecting better results from art students and for being honest if they failed to deliver. I can’t speak for the students’ experience at Columbia College, of course, but when I was an art student (in Illustration and Design) we were completely accustomed and indeed expected brutally honest critiques from our teachers and received them often! I never thought the teachers were trying to be hurtful… I understood that they were trying to prepare us for real world challenges and critiques we would receive as creative professionals. I think that at the college level, you do no favors by molly-coddling students in the name of inspiration and encouragement. I think it is far better to be honest and let them know that in order to compete on a professional, they would have to lift their game and apply themselves appropriately.
What’s the difference between a “good” and “bad” editorial illustration project? I’d like to know as to avoid having my work fall into the latter group……. Penelope, help?!
“Students will float to the mark you set.” -Mike Rose
And some are gonna take longer than others.
Keep on truckin’ girl! xxoo C
I wish I had been there to take your class. It sounds wonderful. Maybe at Squam next year.
Don’t be hard on yourself. I’ve been teaching college students off and on for nearly 20 years. They have to meet you half way. Some will. Some won’t. And then some others will take the lessons learned and process them later. The most difficult lesson I’ve learned as a mom applies to teaching – learning the hard way is often the best way. They may have to learn on the job to remember the lessons you taught. You may never hear their appreciation, but trust me, it will be there.
Keep the chin up and keep taking those fab photos of the little things in life.
Oh I envy those students! I would love to learn from you on how to come up with better ideas. Will you be coming to northern Alaska anytime soon? Hah ha just kidding. In art school I took Concept Development and I remember the teacher telling us to make lists based on the subject- one list of synonyms and one list of direct opposites…and that is supposed to get the ideas rolling. It never seemed to work for me, not sure why. I havent done any editorial work but I know that whatever the category of illustration, coming up with better ideas is fundamental in improving one’s work. I am inpsired to go check amazon for some books on the subject…thanks!
Penelope and others. I guess I shouldn’t have spoken since I don’t know what the students were like, and Penelope if they really were not trying I guess dissapointment is right on target. But I have to wonder why. I guess I have gotten to philosophical these days, why were they not trying, why did they take the class in the first place if it wasn’t in line with their major. Were they all just there for easy credits or was something more at stake.
I guess there is a reason why I never signed up for art school after all. I am way too senstive.
I think the disappoint was purely my fault. It was my first time teaching and I have to learn how to pull from the students what I expect. And I have to learn what is important to expect. They did beautifully on some of the other more tested projects.