What skills have you developed throughout
this module and how effectively have you applied them?
This module has
ensured myself a path within graphic design, which is primarily branding and
identity. I have developed my ability to identify a concept and ensure that it
is a running theme throughout me designs. On top of this I have taken much more
care over my choices of stock and the quality of my printed materials. I have
found that this year I have been striving to push myself further in terms of my
designs and also my ideas. I have tried to always ensure innovation in my
designs and make them completely unique.
Working with a range
of clients has made me much more aware of how to work in industry, and has
improved my ability to identify the wants and needs of a client. Similarly,
after the interim submission I have been striving to pay more attention to my
target audience, and what they want from the product or event. My skills
relating to layout have greatly improved, as well as paying attention to detail
in mocking up images.
This module has been
most successful in defining where my strengths lie, and leading me on a path
that I feel I can excel on. I have developed a lot of existing skills with has
resulted in me producing work that, for the first time on the course, I am
really proud of.
What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed
and how have they informed your design development process?
This module I have
tried hard to pay more attention to the context of my designs, and thinking
about the placement of the products or posters and the setting in which they
will be presented. This in turn has informed my approach to much of the designs
I have produced this year, as I am more aware of the manner in which my
audience will see them. Similarly, given that a lot of my briefs were focused
around brand identity, I have become aware of the importance of researching
into the ethos and ideals in the brand. This is something I learnt while
completing Brief 2 (Born Free) as their mission statement and ethos of the
foundation are evident in all of their campaigns.
I have found myself
spending a lot more time on the initial stages of development, which was an aim
of mine for this module. This has ensured more variety in my options and has
also ensured that I have chosen the best option to pursue.
While another one of
my aims was to develop my skills at designing for on screen purposes, I have
since realised that this area is not one of my strengths, and so I have been
more focused on print based design.
What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you
capitalise on these?
I have been able to identify that
my biggest strength is in branding and identity, and promotional design, and
most of my briefs have been centered around these two aspects of graphic
design. I really love the outcome to Brief 1 (Cannes) which was a brief I
pulled all of my energy into and tried to ensure not to restrict myself. I have
realized that when it comes to promotional design I can work to a very short
timescale, and this has actually improved my work, as with no room for error, I
find myself making fewer mistakes. By ensuring these two aspects to design are
evenly weighted, as well as the incorporation of typography, I have been able
to produce a varied portfolio.
While much of my work falls into
the branding and identity bracket, I think that there is enough variation
within this to show that I approach every brief differently, and avoid
similarities in them.
I have managed to develop the
manner in which I deal with client briefs, and have found myself doing the
appropriate amount of research to be able to interpret their ideas well. I have
also found that I have developed my patience skills when working with clients,
and with groups, as has been evidenced in some of the more difficult briefs.
What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you
address these in the future?
I have found that in
several instances I have struggled with constructing packaging. One of my aims
of this year was to improve my crafting skills, but when it came down to it I
still found myself struggling to put some designs together. This is something
that I am going to try and spend time practicing, as I think where I am
struggling is in not doing enough test pieces to get it right. While I am aware
that this skill may not be relevant for the field I aim to go into, having the
understanding and ability to perfect this skill will always be beneficial.
I have at times
struggled with having confidence in my work and wanting to present it to people.
This year I have produced work that I have found myself taking great pride in
and I am much more comfortable with people seeing my work. This module has
taught me to understand the way in which I work and how to apply that
effectively, which has resulted in me know feeling confident enough to apply myself
to the industry.
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