This week brought lots more work on my BCU research project, a foray into the world of 3D design, as well as a weekend trip to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
This week I have been working hard on my research project, connecting with others across the industry, in order to have positive impact on the sustainable fashion movement. I’ve been loving working on this project, and I can’t believe that I’m already into the last week of my course at Birmingham City University.
Another highlight of this week was a weekend trip to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery with Ben, to see what’s going on after their recent re-opening. I love an afternoon spent wandering the rooms of an art gallery, and I especially loved the focus of the unique nature of Birmingham and the West Midlands, in this one.
WHAT’S INSPIRED ME THIS WEEK
As a fashion designer, and general creative type, I am constantly seeking inspiration wherever I am, and these posts are a way to document what has ignited something within me this past week. Whether its artwork I’ve seen online, photography that moved me, or a collection of colour in nature that kick-started a creative idea in my head, I’ll be sharing four ideas that have brought me joy in the past seven days.
R. READING
I finished, and absolutely loved, Babel by R F Kuang. Her unique writing style, filled with footnotes offering additional information, and critical approach to a fictional – yet all too familiar – world created through an uncomfortable relationship with colonisation, was perfect. I learnt so much from this book.
I also made my way through Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. I did enjoy this one, but nowhere near as much as Babel. In a similar way, it tackled a difficult topic pertaining to race and culture, but I didn’t feel it was quite as successful.
E. EDUCATING
This week I (finally) started my journey into learning CLO3D – a digital design software that allows you to design, create and render in 3D.
I’ve wanted to start learning CLO for a couple of years, but I had to wait until I had a laptop brilliant and powerful enough to run it, which now I do – yay!
I’ve only really dipped my toe into it so far, but I’m loving it already. I can’t wait to see how it impacts my work.
P. PLAYING
I had my Switch out for the first time in a while this week, playing one of my favourite cosy games Animal Crossing, and a murder mystery game Overboard.
Cosying up with my Switch is a great way to spend an afternoon off work, and I feel a renewed urge to update my Animal Crossing island, and just have playful fun.
O. OBSESSING OVER
Ben and I had lunch at Pitcher & Piano in Birmingham at the weekend, overlooking the canal.
I went for the buttermilk chicken tenders, covered in a sweet and spicy chilli BBQ sauce and spring onions, with a side of fries, and it was delicious. Ben went for the signature beef burger, which was equally scrumptious.
Whilst deciding where to eat we added a few new places along the canalside to our list of future date nights. I’ve particularly got my eye on Ciaro the Italian deli and pasta bar.
R. RECOMMENDING
To help me learn CLO3D I am using Trudy Gardner’s Foundations in Intimate Apparel short course, which has been super helpful so far.
Trudy is such a sweetheart, and so talented when it comes to 3D design, so I know I’ll have a lot to learn from her. I’d definitely recommend if you’re wanting to try out 3D design yourself.
You can find out more about the course here.
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
I have treated myself to a new computer mouse to use during my 3D design, which is designed to work alongside my ASUS ProArt P16 laptop.
The ASUS ProArt mouse is well-equipped to improve my creative work, and aid in my 3D design education.
Love Chloe x
