I made this illustration for NSI as an official artwork to commemorate the Remembrance Day. This was proposed by myself as one thing I felt hugely advantageous for NSI was adding more creative element to their contents and branding, and this was one of the ideas that came from that rooted thought.
The response to my proposal was rather positive as it was accepted as this was used as a cover page and a centrepiece introducing previous children’s works about Remembrance Day on their social media platform.
The following is the process and the thumb sketches leading to the final result.
To commemorate the remembrance day, I participate on the external activities that NSI and their associated organisation Military Kids Choir(MKC) had pursued on the 11th November.
The activity began early in the morning, 9:30, a visit to the cenotaph, however, when I joined the afternoon schedule which was remembrance service at the Guards’ Chapel. There was hymns, performance by MKC and reading and stories that are related to WW1. I wasn’t certain if I could take photos, therefore, unfortunately there’re no records of the event.
Afterwards, we went to the Imperial War Museum and had an opportunity to have a workshop with a presentation at the end.
We were given a brief talk on how to analysis an artwork where the presenter from IWM was giving an example and encouraging children from the choir to think of the keywords themselves.
For the practical activity we chose a question to answer at the presentation based on the artworks we encounter from having a tour in the gallery section. The whole process was done by a iPad where it led which artworks to go and see and giving information + highlighted keywords.
The presentation was divided into groups and this was the question chosen by my team. With the guidance by the staff, we went through a series of activities to analysis the artworks.
It was targeted at the children from approximately aged 8-14, they were all involved in the activity passionately.
The following works are from displays of IWM, it was intriguing to the works specifically subjected around war, and the purpose of it. Either it’s for propaganda or to state artist’s point of view. I became to think how children depict war and conflict in comparison to adult artists. Or just how children view the world.
‘Giving the world’s children and young people a voice on conflict’ – is a goal statement by my placement provider, Never Such Innocence, thus meaning I’ll be also. contributing to their cause. What does indicate for me as an artist and a person?
I’m aware the subject of conflicts conveys long and complex history and it still prolongs to this day.
My home country, South Korea has divided for 80 years due to the conflict occurred in 1950. It still hasn’t been resolved and is in a state of a Cold War. This is my cultural background and association to the matter.
However, from my observation, conflict does not only happen in extreme conditions like war, but also simmering under the surface in mundane lives in a form of hate crimes, discrimination and being silenced.
This is a question throughout my practice; to comprehend my view by listening to others, moreover, solidify where I’m standing.
Lastly, I acknowledge that words then to cause misunderstanding. action speak louder than words.
My spot in the office, I’m keep bringing items now my desk became so packed.
It’s already been week 3 into DPS placement and so far, I’ve been greatly enjoyed my experience. The office environment is spacious and equipped with food supplies such as tea, coffee, muffins etc. The NSI team are incredibly welcoming and made me feel comfortable.
There’re set out tasks over the year:
Outreach Emails – invitation to competition (US elementary schools, British International schools and any other creative youth groups who may be suited)
Social Media contents: suggest ideas, select competition submission to share weekly, create contents.
Design booklets:
Manchester workshop
2025/26 competition winners
Design certificates for next 3 years competition certificates (trilogy)
Rebranding the organisation by recreating logos, banners.
SIP exhibition in February
Majority of my responsibility lie on designs which it’ll be my first time producing for a cooperation. On each projects progress I’ll constantly update here on separate categories.
The most upcoming projects are: SIP (most prioritised) and Manchester workshop, which I’ve started to develop in, but on the other hand, I’ve been looking into logo regarding as well, creating sketches.
October 6th, 10am, it was when I first started my placement at ‘Never Such Innocence (NSI)’. I was pondering between nervousness and somewhat disbelief that it was actually my first day. In retrospect, the presence of the office building itself overwhelmed me as it’s located in right in the central london; I was keep seeing office workers from other companies who share same rooms with us who appeared to come from different world from I am, neatly dressed talking about business as if defining what adulthood is about. As someone for the most of her life had no relation with that kind of world but exhibitions, libraries and my messy studio, however at the same time, that is why I chose this placement as well as the social contribution this organisation does. From the early on I was discern of changes beyond my life in university.
Along with my DPS colleague who also joined in the placement, we were introduced to NSI team which they welcomed us warmheartedly, then we had a brief explanation on what to expect and what our roles were. From there, I found out I’ll be overseeing designs in most parts such as certificates, flyers and booklets as well as renewing the logos and such. Alongside, I’ll be in involved in social media contents and outreaching the communities and schools who might be interested in events-particularly this year’s competition, additionally also short discussion about SIP in February. There will be a meeting at 11am every Monday where each member update on their activities and the progress.
As a first day, I looked at the archives of digital booklets etc., they’d produced in the past and previous competitions submission where I made notes with my spontaneous impression. At the end of the day, I was attempting to send outreach emails to US elementary schools.
Thus, when my first at NSI was over, on my way back home, I was recapping what I’ve done and I was certain it was ‘good enough’, because I didn’t technically make any distinguishable progress to any of the designs, and there was still nervousness lingered in my mind, but it was more of self-doubt. This was the realisation that everything was new; office job was new, the tasks I was given were new -although designing has been my interest. However, on the other hand, I was more than joyous about the whole thing, I felt my position was suited for me yet experimental enough, especially I was excited to do the booklet design for this year’s international competition ‘In Someone else’s Shoes’. Until the new computer arrives, my current goal is to define my ideas on the projects ahead.
