Ella Mason is a 20 year old second year student at Arts University Plymouth studying Illustration. Ella got in contact with the Association about her end of year illustrative project which saw her create a printed leaflet to encourage exploration and a…
By South West Coast Path Association on June 24, 2024
Ella Mason is a 20 year old second year student at Arts University Plymouth studying Illustration. Ella got in contact with the Association about her end of year illustrative project which saw her create a printed leaflet to encourage exploration and adventure along the South West Coast Path. Using information on the SWCP website, her own enthusiasm for the coast, and love of nature, Ella's project resulted in a beautifully illustrated leaflet. In this guest blog Ella shares her project in more detail, as part of our 'Inspired by the Coast' series.
Admiring the tranquil scenery that awaits us
I have always been drawn to nature and how it makes me feel. Whilst relying on the outdoors to clear my head and make me feel better, I have been able to express this through my illustrations and further develop it in my University Illustration course.
Healing myself and others through being amongst nature has always been something I truly believe in.
Why I love the South West Coast Path
I am from West Sussex currently living in Devon studying Illustration at Arts University Plymouth. Anyone who knows me will say I have always been a creative person in all sorts of aspects. From doing art in school to studying Graphics & Photography at college, Illustration at university and always collecting sea glass at any chance I get, it's all I've ever wanted to do. Which is why I chose to study illustration, I feel as though I can express my practice in many different ways.
Ever since I was young, my family, friends and I have visited Devon and/or Cornwall every summer, it feels like a second home to us. So, when deciding a university to study at, I knew it had to be in the South West; close to the sea. When visiting Plymouth, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to live in Devon and have access to Cornwall as well. Spending time by the sea is the best way for me to unwind and feel at peace, which is why I love the South West Coast so much.
Incorporating the SWCP into my university illustrative project
In January 2024, the university project we were given was an open brief. At first, this seemed extremely daunting to me and I didn't know where to start. But, I quickly realised that I wanted this project to be personal to me and my interests and express them to others too. This is where my idea for an Adventure Leaflet started.
Showcasing to others the importance of exploring the outdoors, what you may see/find and how such beautiful views and experiences are right on our doorstep.
To research the content for the leaflet, I started with the South West Coast Path website and what they offer. After finding information on different walks and things to do, I wanted to display and emphasise the animals and wildlife you may see on your adventures. Being such an animal lover, seeing the animals in their natural habitat is so exciting for me. I started researching the kinds of birds, mammals and wildflowers you can spot.
What I hope it will do as far as inspiring others to experience the South West Coast Path
When travelling through Plymouth train station and many other stations, I always notice the leaflet stand with a variety of activity leaflets to choose from. I'd love for my leaflet to be provided there for people to consider using if they ever walk the South West Coast Path. I'd hope, as an illustrated leaflet, the bright designs would stand out from the other leaflets and be a fun, more engaging way of presenting adventure.
The feedback I received from peers who have seen the leaflet have been very positive. They enjoy therefreshing illustrations and cute animals and it only makes them want to explore for themselves.
What next?
Thinking about my future as an Illustrator, for this project I not only designed this leaflet but also cards and postcards with landscapes of other places I've visited in Devon and Cornwall. This is because I have always been interested in giftware & stationery illustration and I hope that my illustration career moving forward will enable me to design illustrations and patterns for future giftware/stationery products.
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