Throughout my time exploring the Make Do and Mend, I feel like I was able to finally open and experiment with the creative side of my mind. All of the artists we researched helped me to develop my style but most specifically Steven Quinn. His use of the different materials and textures used to create his pieces really pushed and helped me with my magazine 'Filters' and 'Black Beauty' collages which were some of my favourite pieces in the Make Do and Mend Unit as I loved the ideas as well as creating them. Whilst studying Make Do and Mend, I was so eager to educate myself even more in photography, I created my own personal projects uploading them to Pinterest and Instagram, this then further pushed my skill and eye for creativity. Ultimately, I was also exposed to other artists and creators where I was able to magpie their work to try out for myself.
Make Do and Mend taught me to understand the creativity and art behind photography, previously, I was very keen on only lifestyle photography, I didn't like anything to be 'set up' or 'staged' as I would say. However, after spending time learning how much better my work could be if I were to be so detailed, like all of the artists we researched, I came to the realisation that possibly this could be a new branch to my artistic style. The influence of Matt Lipps also helped with the construction of my images, especially with the 'Black Beauty' work with the borders behind the celebrities.
With my return to school after the global pandemic, I was ready to develop my style, and Make Do and Mend was the perfect Unit to return to. Being limited by all of the restrictions, whilst studying the course I had to learn the skill of working with what I had, for example having to use my phone camera as opposed to the school's digital cameras or working with paper and magazines that we had to provide for ourselves and even having to create a series of photos of my house off a list 'The List'. This new way of living and learning taught me new techniques and processes as I could only use the little that was available, I am grateful for going through this however as I mastered and developed my talent and works in photography. Make Do and Mend completely reinvented me and my perspective on photography. I am so thankful for being educated on the topic as I absolutely believe that this experience changed my young mindset in never wanting to grow, Make Do and Mend allowed me to see the most creative side of myself that I've ever seen.