Research and Mood Boards.

I found researching anxiety a very moving and interesting process due to a variety of reasons. The first reason is that for the past few years, especially whilst having previously worked at behavioural school, I have continued to be interested in mental health and how it impacts our wellbeing as individuals. In my college days back in 2010 I started to develop a keen interest on what defines us as humans and our individuality from a psychological standpoint, why we have mental health and more importantly how we can protect it.

I amongst countless others, have experienced various mental health issues, one of which being anxiety and although I do not claim to be an expert I do believe that my own personal experience makes me credible as a source of information in relation to this project. However, as much as I have my own personal understanding and experience of this condition and the physical and emotional impact it has had on myself, I felt not only was it necessary, but an obligation to explore how it can impact others as everyone has their own ‘triggers’ for having anxiety. It affects people differently, from minor inconveniences to more extreme circumstances and more importantly everyone has their own strategy of how to cope with it.

Particular parts of the research were not a surprise to me, such as the physical, emotional and psychological symptoms of this condition; examples being faster breathing, nausea, panic attacks, depersonalisation and derealisation to name a few. In fact, I saw strong similarities between my own experiences and the symptoms listed on the various research collated.

From this research I gained a better understanding of how it impacts differently on others, which through creative exploration i.e. scenarios, sequences and metaphorical imagery, can be applied within the project. It allowed me to reflect on causes, symptoms and treatments which I could incorporate into the project through the visual and audio content. Although I have found this research beneficial and somewhat informative, moving forward I think the most credible source of information, in order to convey this subject into animated sequences, will undoubtedly be from myself, reflecting on my past and current experiences with this condition.

I consider mood boards to be an important part of exploring ideas from a storytelling perspective. For me it is about accumulating all the information (research, artistic inspirations and personal notes taken) and looking at how I can solidify ideas and grasp a sense of the tone I want to achieve through the exercise of drawing. I also use a mood board whenever I am struggling to think of scenes and sequences as there is something within the visuals, reflecting on all the work present which initiates a creative flare.

Research:

Please note: All Harvard referencing for this research can be found on the post titled 'Harvard Referencing Research' within this blog Alternatively, please select the link below:

https://danevansanimation.wixsite.com/dan-evans-animation/post/harvard-referencing-research

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Mood board:

Please note: All visual work within this mood board slideshow is not included in research. I produced all content.

Mood Board