The Zine Fair Evaluation.

Last year I felt as if the students of Contemporary Art History were overlooked within the School of Art, and their unit was badly planned with Unit X. I am glad to say I have enjoyed Unit X this year so much more than last year, and feel I have really excelled in this college. I have found the lectures and workshops guided me, and inspired me when making my zine, whilst allowing me the freedom to produce something that I liked and wanted to make. 

I worked on my zine alone, and although I knew that we were encouraged to work in groups, I decided against it as I joined this fair a few weeks after everyone else, and so everyone else already had their groups with clear ideas about what their zines were going to be about. As I had a clear picture of what I wanted to work on anyway, I felt confident that I could successfully produce what I envisioned, and was comfortable working alone. 

Although I have engaged with unit and enjoyed working alone, I feel as if I could have become more involved by working with others in different ways, perhaps by submitting some of my own work to other people's zines. One of my main concerns when in the Craft Fair was how discouraged Contemporary Art History students were to join, and the discomfort felt when working in a unfamiliar settings with unfamiliar people. Although I worked alone in creating the zine, my collaboration with other students when helping to organise the event removed me from my comfort zone and familiarity, yet I dealt with the uncertainty well, becoming a team member with people I didn't know.  

I responded to the information that we were given in workshops and lectures, and kept a sketchbook and diary. Although I didn't always get a chance to use the skills I learned (such as the risograph, which I liked the effect of), I know that I can use these in the future if i need to. I also taught myself new skills whilst working on this project. I had not used Microsoft Publisher before but managed to successfully make and print my zine (even if it did print upside down to begin with). I have also not drawn much or used Photoshop for a while and I found it difficult to remember how or what to do to create something. 

As for the content of my zine, I am happy with the outcome. I put a lot of research into each piece, and enjoyed the process of writing them. Given more time, I had planned to write about how to make your own bunting, how to make your own floral wall hangings, and to attend and write about 'Crafternoon Tea' at Whitworth Art Gallery. However, given the time spectrum of the project I am happy with the results, and perhaps I could use these ideas in the next issue of Crafty.

I feel as if the fair was a success, and constantly had a steady stream of visitors all day. I feel proud that I had a helping hand in the organisation of the event, and feel as if it was good experience to have when planning future events.