Assessment Sheets & Module Reflection

The following is a compulsory element of my Reflective Journal and Professional Practice module.

Please click the module links below to view their feedback.

Real World
Creative Meaning
Competitions
Student Set
Dissertation
Big Idea


The two modules I shall be reflecting upon are the Real world Module and the Student Set module.

Real World

The real World module was the first of the third year briefs. This was different from any other previous projects as it required us to work in teams of five, much like the studio of a small agency. Once placed in our groups we were briefed by Mike Smith of Elmwood via Skype. The deliverable was the visual identity, interior design and a ‘big idea’ for a Newcastle Youth Centre named 'The Link'.

The project required each group to choose a project leader and I was assigned that role for our group. As a group we approached the problem on a level playing field, all taking part in research, brainstorming, concept development and presentation visuals. The tone of voice set for the centre was fun, relaxed, mouldable, safe, warm and retro. The concept we settled upon was based around that of ‘Lava' from lava lamps. We thought this fitted the tone of voice descriptors well, It was youthful, flexible and could apply well to interior design as well as a visual identity.


At the end of the 4 weeks we then had to pitch the concept to Mike. Our Concept was unfortunately not the winning one. But we felt as a group we had worked well together and come up with some strong ideas and answered the brief with a strong response.

The feedback we received for the project was very good. It stated our concept of Lava was strong and fitting and that our ideas were creative and thoughtful. It also stated that it was presented to the client confidently. With regard to myself as group leader it stated that I had been dedicated, focused, organised and at times inspiring to work with. Something i was surprised but delighted to hear.

I found overall the project was demanding but rewarding at the same time. As group leader I tried to let the group run as smoothly as possible and this worked well with no disputes arguments occurring. I sometimes found that I would have liked others to work harder. But this is something I have since realised I cannot get too hung up about.


Student Set

The student set module was the second to last brief of my time at university. It was also five weeks long and a brief with the most creative freedom I’d encountered. It was entirely self-directed and this posed a lot of challenges and rewards. I initially decided I wanted my project to persuade young people to re-engage with politics. But as I researched further I began to find that providing a solution was perhaps outside the realm of graphic communication. With the looming May general election politicians were frantically trying to solve political apathy (and in large part failing) and I was becoming increasingly disillusioned myself.

I decided to change my focus, instead looking at the impacts of the Internet on society. From my research I discovered the term Citizen Journalism, a term I hadn’t come across before but one that was extremely relevant as most people these days are actually citizen journalists even if they don’t realise it. Particularly young people. 16-24 year olds became my target audience and my response was an animation that communicated the concept of citizen journalism in an accessible and easy to understand manner. The piece takes the form of an animation so that it can be uploaded onto Youtube and become a piece of citizen journalism in its own right.

The feed back i recieved for my outcome was very positive. I was told that the visual style was visually engaging and communicated my ideas clearly. As I only handed in a storyboard for the project I was told to create the animation for my exhibition and portfolio. This is something I’m currently working on and hope to finish soon.