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| The List we made Beginning of First Year |
From this, we were to look at what we had wanted to learn during the course. Looking back on what we put, we have to write a paragraph discussing whether or not we achieved these goals (Paragraph in italics):
5 Things I would like to learn during my time here:
- Understanding of Type
- How to use Software
- How to improve/ better myself as a Designer
- To learn how to enjoy Crits
- To learn what influences Graphic Design
During my time on the course, I want to learn how to use computer software as I'm hopeless when it comes to technical matters. Also, I want to understand the technicalities about Typography as I can appreciate the aesthetic but I dont understand the processes behind it. I want to learn how to enjoy crits as I want to learn how I can become a better designer and one of the ways I can do it is from crits. Not just on the practical side, I want to learn about the history of Graphic Design and what has influenced it over the years to what it embodies today.
In regards to what I wanted to learn, the Design Principles module was useful as I gained an understanding of basic Type anatomy and tones of voice. Using the software inductions, I began to use software within my work, taking every opportunity to use it and gradually I started to get better, taking enjoyment from using InDesign and Illustrator. I've started to see Crits as a tool to improve my work and for me to ask questions and clarify decisions, at the end of First Year even wanting to have them and making my own. Through PPP, I've reflected on what influences me as a designer and how I can continue to question my work and be self-critical to improve myself as a Designer.
5 things I want to Improve:
- Computer Skills
- People Skills (Communication)
- Ability to work Under Pressure
- Hitting Deadlines
- General Understanding of Graphic Design areas
There are areas that I need to improve on include the practical ( I want to learn to be able to use computer software so I dont always have to rely on non-digital methods of production) and the general, such as my overall understanding of Graphic Design. I need to improve on my ability to work under pressure as I get stressed when I know something needs to be done, especially when it comes to deadlines so I need to improve on my deadline anxiety. Plus, I need to improve my communication with other people as sometimes I don't think I explain myself well enough in discussion- I know what I'm on about but no one else does!
In regards to what I wanted to improve, my people skills have improved as I have been able to explain to printers my needs, ask for help from people when it is needed and even managed to contact people directly for information. I have managed to deal with the pressures of having close deadlines and large projects to hand in, whether they were successful briefs or not, therefore hitting my deadlines on time. My general understanding of Graphic Design is quite broad as I look at design inspirations daily yet my technical understanding needs to continue to grow, like in printing and software. My computer skills have improved overall but this is definitely something that is an ongoing improvement that needs to continue, but this will develop into this year.
From this, we have to think of 10 more goals/ things to list that I would like to achieve:
1. Studio Placement
Personally, I don't feel as though I am good enough to do a Placement just yet but I think it would be a good experience for me so that I could see for myself what it is like in a Professional Environment.
2. Print Techniques
I haven't had the chance to learn any new Printing techniques so I would like to try some out this year so that I can expand on my skills set and create some Hand Made as well as Digital work.
3. Faster at Producing Work
I need to get faster at producing work so that I can make more work and push myself. I'm quite slow due to the fact that I like to do things perfectly and like to make sure it's right so I need to speed up without loosing my work quality.
4. Web Design
I have always wanted to try Web Design as I want to know how to do it, what its like and what it entails. I like the fact I will be learning something new and trying something I haven't done before, therefore learning a new skill.
5. Live/ Competition Briefs
I am very unconfident at the idea of people seeing my work as I don't feel as though I'm good enough to do a brief for someone outside of work. However, I think it would be good for me to get some practise and get stuck in so I can get some experience.
6. Staying Later In The Studio
I am always in the Studio early in the morning because I'm more of a morning worker but I think it would be ideal to stay a bit later into the day, trying to get myself focused into a task or perhaps getting some Blogging done in the Studio.
7. More Workshops
It would be a good idea to take part in some Workshops this year which I didn't take advantage of last year, especially with a Print-based focused Module which gives me an excuse to try some different different techniques.
8. Trying New Things
Linking to the last few points, I'd like to take the opportunity to try some new things this year. I'd like to try at Web Design, Print and I'd like to make a book/ try Bookbinding.
9. Confidence in Presentations
I am not very confident at Presentations, in particular, talking to a large group of people where all of the focus is on me. I know it is an important aspect of Design to be able to discuss and present my work to a high standard and looking at the floor and not the audience is not the way to do it. I'd like to get better and feel more comfortable doing this.
10. Quality Control of Final Pieces
I don't feel that the Quality of my work is as good as other people and thus holds me back. This year, I want to really focus on producing work that is something to be proud of.
