#izzyownwork

OUTTAKES TO PUT ONTO SCREEN IN EXHIBITION

I wanted to have another film playing at the same time of my projection for the exhibition, so i asked the boys to come in one final time and speak in front of a camera about themselves. Interestingly, the boys took the ‘embarrassing stories’ route, and decided to open up about the past. 

When it comes to what next on this project, I am intrigued to see the response I will get from the university exhibition, as well as my external ‘Fresh Aire’ exhibition piece, and then through that determine what my next step will be. I would really like to create more publication’s and tell more narratives in the future that still links into not only this project, but my COP3 work on male insecurities and self-esteem also.

I believe my focus on the male mind is a continuous subject matter in which i will continue even when this project is over, as it continues to inspire and educate me.

I also believe that this project can be developed even more, perhaps looking into males from other countries, cultures or backgrounds, and documenting them in a different format. I could also start a campaign that links to male mental health or societies expectations on what it takes to be a ‘man’, in which i could still focus on the coming of age concept. 

Whilst many things were successful throughout this project, I had a few downfalls which I had to face and overcome.

At the beginning of this project, I was supposed to be using muses from London and Manchester, however after many cancellations I had to source new muses within the Leeds area (due to time and risk of more cancellations). Fortunately enough, I scouted Jake and Matt, and soon after contacted Samir and Theo to be my muses for this project. I believe that this worked out for the best, as they are local and keen to be involved, making the project both enjoyable and easier. 

In terms of printing my publication, I had many difficulties. Using Pressision, I paid for two perfect copies however, the binding element caused many problems, such as pages falling out, and a white strip down the side which was not discussed prior the pick up. Additionally, I have created my own sleeve to cover up the aesthetics in which i did not ask for, as well as keeping my pages safe and clean from any ware or tear.

Within the filming process, my voice recorder was not working and recording sound on my phone picked up a lot of background noise (especially in Meanwood forest). To overcome this, I borrowed a microphone, and also brought some boys into university to record in the sound booth over Easter. Whilst it delayed my film finishing on schedule, it improved it, as I was not settling for imperfect audio.

When it comes to my publication, I really wanted to exaggerate the tactlessness and personal touch it has. In order to do this, I went outside my usual style and decided to make it appear less minimal and more hand-made and personal, mixing digital format with film, and my own work and the boys personal images and items. I also believe that my target audience of young creatives would prefer a more tactile aesthetic for this project, as it suits the theme more and represents ‘being boy’.

The front cover features photographs taken by Samir and Theo, and I chose this as they are eye-catching and bold, perhaps encouraging an audience to pick up my publication and read more about it. Additionally, I really feel like the images best represent this project, showing that it is authentic and true, without any direction or adjusting. 

To begin, I split the publication into two parts- part one with Samir & Theo, and part two with Matt & Jake. I did this because I wanted to keep the boys friendships separate because they both are, with their own unique qualities and quirks. I included all of the shoots, including the tests, as they show the friendships in a humorous and positive light, and demonstrate just how much the boys love and admire each other. 

The publication includes quotes and messages from the boys, mainly focussing on the future and their relationship with each other. I wrote each quote phonetically, so that a reader gets a feel for the individuals personality- this also makes the publication appear friendly and endearing. 

My main aim for this publication was to attract a creative audience and inspire them to meet new people and document interesting things, whether thats a person or a thing. A part of me also finds the topic of boyhood incredibly interesting, especially as a female, as I believe there is so much pressure on young boys to conform to societies expectations on what it takes to be a ‘man’. 

Additionally, this publication includes mini-books inside, featuring Al who I came across half way through my project, and some film shots by Samir and Theo. These little add ons make the publication interesting and less tedious throughout. 

Within the publication I also included my own sketches and drawings which i made throughout this project, Whilst I did not want to exaggerate this or remove the focus on the images, I believed it to be imperative as It shows my own thought process, and my own view on societies expectations, as a female.