CREATIVITY

GRADE 9 - Sketching Traditionally

Although I’m used to drawing in a traditional mannerism, this year has been a significant turning point where I expanded my works and approach. I pushed myself to incorporate more symbolism and visual storytelling, experimenting with new techniques to elevate my art. One key area I focused on was learning how to apply perspective and better understand linework to make my pieces stand out. I worked on improving my line control and experimenting with ways to add depth and dimension. Additionally, I became more comfortable drawing environments, a challenge I had struggled with before. Drawing in pencil has always been enjoyable, but this year I learned how to better shade and create more dynamic lighting, further refining my technique. Overall, for my CAS, even though I’m usually comfortable with traditional drawing, expanding my techniques and gaining a deeper understanding of art has taken me out of my comfort zone in the best way.

Investigation: Explored digital art as a new medium, recognizing its differences from traditional drawing.

Preparation: Learned to use digital drawing software such as Krita and IBS Studio Paint, seeking guidance from online resources and peers.

Action: Applied traditional drawing knowledge to digital platforms, experimenting with new techniques and tools.

Reflection: Appreciated the complexity of digital art and the skills required to produce quality work.

Demonstration: Compiled digital artworks that showcase the transition from traditional to digital mediums.

CAS Learning Outcomes Achieved:

1: Recognized the need to adapt traditional skills to digital formats, identifying areas for growth.
2: Embraced the challenge of learning digital art, developing proficiency in new software and techniques.
4: Maintained dedication to improving digital art skills through consistent practice and learning.

GRADE 10 - Inking and Line Art

When it comes to Inking and line art it was something that I've personally always struggled with. Being able to be able to create strong, bold, and hard strokes across paper is something that I've always been not good at for the longest time as I was initially always drawn with pencil and did an sketch art style. As I started pen drawing and inking, it was very difficult for me just as I wasn't used to the movement, however I started practicing continuously remembering when to apply and disapply certain amount of pressures in order to get certain lines, I also grew more appreciation for different mediums of art such as manga. I grew to have certain favorite artists such Kentaro Miura, Takehiko Inoue especially for their ability to create such astounding realism and intricate details in their works such as cross hatching, power frames.

1. Investigation
I identified inking and line art as an area I struggled with artistically. Unlike sketching with pencil, inking requires confidence and precision—skills I lacked due to my sketch-based background. I also noticed how other artists created emotion and realism through linework, inspiring me to grow in this medium.

2. Preparation
To improve, I studied the works of renowned manga artists like Kentaro Miura and Takehiko Inoue, observing their use of cross-hatching, line weight, and dramatic framing. I began practicing line control techniques, learning how different pressure levels affect stroke quality.

3. Action
I committed to regular practice using ink pens, working on my ability to draw controlled, confident strokes. I focused on exercises like straight-line drills, pressure variation, and replicating panels from manga to better understand how detail and emotion can be expressed with ink.

4. Reflection
Initially, I felt frustrated with my lack of control, but over time, I noticed improvement. I began to appreciate the technical difficulty behind manga and illustration. The process also helped me slow down and focus, teaching me patience and intentionality in art. I also learned that it's okay to embrace mistakes and use them as part of the learning process.

5. Demonstration
By the end of the year, I compiled a portfolio of inked pieces that reflected my growth. I can now confidently say that I’ve strengthened my inking abilities and developed a new respect for the medium. My work shows better line variation, cleaner strokes, and more thoughtful composition.

LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
I recognized that inking was a weakness and worked diligently to turn it into a strength through consistent practice.

LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Inking presented technical and mental challenges, but I overcame them by learning new methods and applying them repeatedly.

LO3: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
I committed to improving even when progress felt slow. Regular practice helped me build confidence and improve my skill over time.

GRADE 11 - Drawing Digitally

This is completely out of my usual comfort zone as I’m not acquainted with digital art as much as I am with traditional drawing and I only started to seriously draw digitally once I was able to get my drawing tablet. I learned how to use a digital drawing software in order to paint digitally and traditionally a bit of my knowledge of traditional drawing transferred over however I was able to adjust and learn and transfer my skills from my traditional drawings to my digital drawings. Luckily I also had access to sources of information like you tube, and some friends who were more familiar with the medium of digital art than I am so I learned new techniques as an artist and grasped a better understanding of art software such as Krita and IBS studio paint, this also made me appreciate the digital art medium even more as I can appreciate the time, effort and the technicality that goes into creating pieces of art in an digital medium.

1. Investigation
Digital art was a completely new medium for me. I had a strong background in traditional drawing, but I wanted to explore digital painting to expand my artistic skills and adapt to new technology. I was aware that this would be a major shift, as the techniques and tools involved are quite different.

2. Preparation
After getting a drawing tablet, I began researching how to use digital art software effectively. I downloaded programs like Krita and IBS Studio Paint, then watched YouTube tutorials and reached out to friends who were more experienced in digital art. I created a practice plan to slowly transition from traditional to digital by replicating familiar drawing exercises in the new medium.

3. Action
I practiced regularly with the tablet, experimenting with different brushes, layering techniques, and effects unique to digital painting. It was initially frustrating to adapt to the feel of drawing on a tablet compared to paper, but over time I gained more control and began creating more complete digital pieces. I also learned how to customize settings and tools to better match my workflow.

4. Reflection
At first, it felt like starting over—I wasn’t used to the tablet's surface or the delay between movement and input. But slowly, my traditional knowledge of light, anatomy, and composition started translating into digital form. This experience taught me that adapting to a new medium takes patience, and that being open to learning from others (like online artists and friends) can accelerate growth. I also gained a deeper appreciation for how technical and layered digital artwork really is.

5. Demonstration
By the end of the year, I created a small portfolio of digital pieces that reflected my growth and experimentation. I shared my progress with peers and received feedback, which encouraged me to keep improving. I now plan to continue developing my digital art skills alongside traditional drawing and hope to explore animation or visual storytelling in the future.

CAS Learning Outcomes Achieved

LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
I identified digital drawing as a weakness and actively sought to build skill and confidence in it through practice.
LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Transitioning from traditional to digital art was a significant challenge that required learning new software and techniques.
LO3: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
I consistently practiced despite early frustrations with unfamiliar tools and the steep learning curve.
LO4: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
By learning from friends and using community tutorials, I benefited from collaborative learning and peer support.

GRADE 11 - CUSTOMIZING ACTION FIGURES

For my CAS experience under Creativity, I worked on customizing action figures, including my Marvel Legends VHS Cyclops. This project allowed me to explore artistic skills, problem-solving, and patience while modifying a figure to match my personal vision. One of the biggest challenges was working with limited materials and ensuring that paint adhered properly without chipping. I researched different customization techniques, including sanding, priming, and sealing, to make the figure look professional. Through trial and error, I learned how to mix colors for shading and highlights to create a more dynamic and comic-accurate appearance. Beyond the technical aspects, this experience helped me develop perseverance. Some details took multiple attempts to perfect, but I kept adjusting and improving. Seeing the final result was incredibly rewarding, as it showcased both my artistic growth and problem-solving skills. In the future, I plan to apply what I’ve learned to more figure customizations and even experiment with sculpting modifications. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the craftsmanship behind collectible figures and has encouraged me to push my creative limits.

CAS Stages

1. Investigation
I’ve always been interested in collectible figures, but I wanted to go a step further and personalize them artistically. I identified a project to customize a Marvel Legends VHS Cyclops, turning it into a more unique and comic-accurate figure. I also realized that this task would involve learning new techniques and dealing with material limitations, which I was eager to take on.

2. Preparation
I started by researching how to safely and effectively customize action figures. I learned about important steps like sanding, priming, painting, and sealing. I gathered the necessary supplies, including acrylic paints, brushes, and primer, and watched tutorials and forum posts from figure-customizing communities to understand best practices.

3. Action
The process required problem-solving at every stage. I practiced mixing paints to achieve comic-accurate colors and experimented with shading and highlights to create depth. Adhering paint to the plastic was difficult at first, so I had to adjust my technique with each step. I carefully sanded and layered to create a smooth finish, and sealed it to prevent chipping. Each phase of customization helped refine my understanding of color theory and surface preparation.

4. Reflection
This experience taught me the value of trial and error. Some details required multiple revisions, but I stayed patient and adapted my approach. I also gained a deeper respect for the effort and precision involved in making collectible figures. The creative challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me more resilient and resourceful as an artist.

5. Demonstration
The final product—a fully customized and sealed Cyclops figure—was proof of my learning and growth. I documented the process through photos and plan to share it online or in my portfolio. The success of this project has motivated me to take on even more complex figure customizations in the future, including sculpting and fabric additions.

CAS Learning Outcomes Achieved

LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
I recognized my interest in detailed customization and identified the need to improve in areas like color mixing and material handling.
LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
This project challenged me with unfamiliar materials and techniques. I responded by learning new methods and adapting through hands-on experience.
LO3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
I designed the project from the ground up, researching techniques and organizing my materials before starting.
LO4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
There were multiple setbacks—especially with paint adhesion—but I persisted through experimentation and practice.
LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
I reflected on the sustainability of materials used and the importance of careful planning to avoid waste.

GRADE 12 - COSPLAY

For my CAS experience, I challenged myself to create a cosplay of Vessel, the lead singer of Sleep Token, using only a limited set of materials: foam, clay, super glue, and spray paint. Initially, I was concerned about whether I could achieve the level of detail I wanted with such simple materials, but through problem-solving and experimentation, I was able to overcome these limitations. One of the biggest challenges was replicating the intricate mask design. Without access to advanced materials like 3D printing or resin, I had to shape the base using foam and refine details with clay. Foam was flexible but not rigid enough on its own, so I layered and reinforced it, carefully carving out details before sealing and painting. Clay helped add finer textures, but I had to be careful with adhesion, using super glue strategically to secure delicate parts. Spray paint became a crucial tool in bringing everything together. Since I didn’t have access to professional airbrushing, I experimented with layering different shades to create depth and make the mask look more polished. Small imperfections from the materials actually contributed to a more natural, worn look, which suited Vessel’s aesthetic. Through this experience, I learned that creativity isn’t about having the most expensive tools but about making the most of what’s available. I developed problem-solving skills and patience, especially when things didn’t go as planned. In the end, I was proud of the final result, proving to myself that resourcefulness and determination can turn limitations into strengths.

CAS Stages

1. Investigation
I chose to take on a creative and technical challenge by crafting a cosplay of Vessel, the lead singer of Sleep Token. I was inspired by his distinct, symbolic aesthetic and wanted to recreate it using basic materials. I also wanted to explore the craft side of costume-making and push myself artistically and resourcefully. Since I didn’t have access to professional tools or materials like resin or 3D printing, I had to rely on simpler supplies like foam, clay, spray paint, and super glue.

2. Preparation
I started by studying reference images of Vessel’s mask and costume from different angles to break down the shapes and textures. I made sketches and measured proportions to plan how I’d build the mask. I researched cosplay forums and watched tutorials on foam crafting and painting techniques. I gathered materials that were accessible to me and planned each step, knowing I’d need to adapt as I went.

3. Action
The actual building process was trial-and-error driven. I shaped the base out of foam, but since it lacked structure, I reinforced it with layers and carved in details. I used clay to add finer textures and designs. Adhering pieces was difficult, so I had to use super glue carefully for durability without ruining the finish. I spray-painted multiple layers using different shades and techniques to create depth and realism. The worn, imperfect finish actually worked well for Vessel’s eerie, mythic aesthetic.

4. Reflection
This experience reminded me that limitations can actually enhance creativity. I didn't have fancy equipment, but that forced me to think outside the box. It was frustrating at times when pieces broke or didn’t look right, but I kept refining them. I also learned how much patience and planning go into costume creation. I now deeply appreciate the craftsmanship behind cosplay and props—something I’d never truly understood before.

5. Demonstration
In the end, I wore the full cosplay and documented the build process through progress photos and videos. I shared the final result with friends and online, receiving feedback and encouragement. I now plan to explore more cosplay and possibly even sculpting or wearable prop design in the future. This project pushed me creatively and showed me how resourcefulness and determination can lead to impressive results even under constraints.

CAS Learning Outcomes Achieved

LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
I challenged myself with a new medium and learned to adapt creatively to limitations.
LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
I developed new crafting and problem-solving skills while working with unfamiliar materials.
LO3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
I independently researched and planned out each step of the build, from reference gathering to material testing.
LO4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
Despite difficulties with structure, adhesion, and design execution, I persisted and completed the full cosplay.
LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
This cosplay reflects engagement with artistic subcultures (music and visual storytelling), showing how creativity connects people across cultures and interests.
LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
I worked with limited and recyclable materials, focusing on sustainable, low-waste solutions rather than relying on expensive or disposable materials.