Artist Statement #1

For this project I learned a lot about photoshop and illustrator. I was able to explore the capabilities of each application. Further, I was able to learn how to communicate a message through the use of image and the support of photoshop and illustrator. Finally, I also learned how to create a visual zine. I thought this was really exciting and a creative way to illustrate visual storytelling. Initially, I wanted my zine to share the cycle of drug addiction, but it changed a bit through the process. Instead of sharing the cycle, I tapped more into the psychological, physical, and emotional affects of narcotics and various other drugs. I used repetitive symbols such as eyes to illustrate the feeling of your subconscious watching you and knowing that what you are doing is not right. I also included many pills on each page in order to illustrate the constant obsession with drugs that addicts face. I think if I were to do something differently next time, I would change up these repeating symbols. For example, I used the same drawing of an eye over and over when I should have created different images to diversify each page. Overall, I am really proud of this project as I resonate with the topic I explored heavily and I believe I did a good job of representing the affects addicts face during addiction.