I started my project once I had bought a few vintage Seventeen magazines from the nineteen-sixties and seventies at a flea market in Paris. Upon looking through them I realized how misogynistic and sexist some of the advertisements were. I decided that for my zine I was going to respond to them, so that is how it all began. I knew the best way for me to respond to my concept was through photography and using mixed-media collages. I think through using photography and collages, I was able to clearly communicate my concept, because they play off each other to directly respond to the sexism and misogyny in the adverts. I think that I did accomplish most of the goals that I set out for when creating my zine. The aesthetic I thought I was going to do ended up being slightly different than the one I have for my zine. I think at first I wanted something softer/ dreamier, but I think the more ‘punky’ aesthetic I went with fit my zine concept much more. My method of using tights over my camera lens came out very well, so I was excited about that. I could have done more collages, but I am happy with the outcomes I had. I think more collages would have fit the other aesthetic more than the one I went with.
For this zine I do not think I would change much. If I were to change anything, I think it would be to develop my concept more, however with the short time we had I think I did a good job. I think that I could have included more writing, so that is something to improve on in the future. Through this project I learned that time management is everything for me. In the past I really struggled with that, however for this project I really think I improved on my time management. By doing this I allowed myself more time to develop my ideas properly, instead of rushing to get everything done. I also learned how important collaborating can be. Coming together with other creatives can make your work so much better. For example I am horrible at writing, so I included a written piece from one of my friends who studies journalism. This collaboration worked very well because while writing may be my weakness, it is her strength, which strengthens my content.
I think that my portfolio does show my BA choice quite clearly. My zine is very concept based and you can see that throughout the zine. In order to keep developing my skills, I need to continue to experiment and do research. Through this project I realized how important research is, because that is how I got my concept.
I received feedback about how one of my shoots did not fit my new zine aesthetic and about my zine name. I completely agree with both of these. The shoot that did not fit was one I did before I fully knew exactly what direction I was going in. I think that in the future I definitely will be able to recognize things like this. It is important to be critical about my own work, in order to improve the quality.
Overall I am very pleased with how this project came out. As mentioned earlier I felt that while working on this project, I improved a lot on my time management, which I am very happy about. I think that my strengths are my work, I just have to get better at time management, so that I have the time to do my best. Seeing improvements already helps a lot, however I know I still could be better, so it is something I will continue to work on.
