Oldham College Creative


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Joe Atkin



Level 2 - Art, Design and Media





First impressions of strangers, the lives we don't know.


This is what I wanted to explore in my FMP. What do you communicate about your identity to others when they see you, or an image of you? I wanted to explore facial features, what a stranger’s first impressions of me would be. What they might wonder about my life.

These designs were samples and responses I made during the first stages of my FMP. It was my intention to work with materials such as illustration, print, photography and editing software. Research included primary drawings of my friends, artists such as Pontius Alv and photographers such as Sophie Calle and Vivien Maier.


What have I learnt from this course?

During my course I have learnt many new techniques including marbling, printmaking (an example is here) painting and drawing techniques, mark making with materials. I also feel I have progressed as an artist - experimenting more and a lot faster at producing work. Also I definitely think my drawing skills have improved. I see the importance of redrafting now.


What is my advice for anyone joining the course?

Advice for anyone starting my course would be patience is key and don’t be afraid to experiment with new techniques and materials because you might find something you really enjoy or are good at. I am progressing onto Level 3 Art in September.


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