Portfolio Review 4: Jon Daniel

Jon Daniel is an Independent creative director from London.
I fIrst encountered Johns work in the first year of my degree course when writing a blog post about works I wish that I had done, the example I chose was this poignant, simple but very effective image to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence in London.

                                   

So my reasoning in asking Jon to review my work was the depth and level of meaning within his work,  this was something I myself needed and so advice and direction from somebody with the elements in their work that I crave for my own was going to be ideal and pretty priceless.
Here is what Jon had to say..

Hi Mark Have had a look at your site and I think your "watercolour" works are by far the best work on the site. I think the others featuring music and sports icons are too similar to what is already out there, and if you are to do it then maybe think how you can make if more original and in a style of your own. I also was insure with those images whether they were actually painted or just digitally manipulated photographs. If the former then you need to do something to show that either photographing the artworks so I can see textures of the canvas or scale of the image may also help. I think you could look at the watercolours too and keep pushing it again to develop your style. Or even experimenting with the media you use to paint on? Eg. Old recycled packaging or cardboard boxes could add an interesting dimension to the work. Imagine a series of sportspeople but illustrated on old sports shoe boxes? Anyways that's all I got for you right now, but I hope you find it constructive and helpful. Warmest regards Johnny

So again a very short and to the point review, but also very helpful even offering ideas for future works, with plenty to mull over and take on board.
Jon also touched the same points that Kelzo and Chris Howker made in previous reviews.
This has struck home to the full extent now, that my work though aesthetically pleasing just does not stand out and its up to me to change that.
I will provide a link to Jon's website for you all to browse and appreciate in your own time.

www.jon-daniel.com

Portfolio Review 3: Kelzo

Tony 'Kelzo', is a renown graffiti artist from Manchester, he has been decorating parts of the city since the early 80's.
He is still an active artist who works to commission painting everything from walls to vehicles
I first came across his work when I was studying fine art at a city centre campus in 1999, It was a large abstract style piece, multi layered with angles coming and going in all directions, the colour gradients amazed me. I was an instant fan.
So while writing my dissertation when the opportunity came up to converse with the man himself and take his opinions on many subjects I was delighted.
When I was informed by the tutors that I was required to have my portfolio reviewed again, one of my first thoughts was that I'd like Kelzo to be one of the reviewers.
There were many reasons for my wanting him to look at my work and provide feedback, from the fact he is a local and relevant artist, and from past experiences, he is honest and accessible.
Being a busy man, he was hard to pin down so I sent Kelzo a link to my website so as he could go through my portfolio in his own time.
When Kelzo got back to me, he praised my work, but said there is alot of the same kind of thing out there already, so just as Chris Howker had told me a few months previous, he suggested doing some work that carries a little more meaning, work that says something.
He suggested that I experiment with application methods and the surface I am painting on, not just canvas and paper.
Kelzo also offered some tips and suggestions on the lay out of my website and photographing my work as well.
All in all, it was a short and to the point review, but I appreciated it that way as I knew that Kelzo had taken time out of a busy schedule to assist me.
Short though it was the advice he left me with was priceless as the experience he has in the industry dates back to before I was even born.
I have provided some examples of Kelzo's work, and a link to his website. www.kelzo.com