Self Evaluation

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

1. What have you enjoyed most about the course?

a) I have found that one of the most enjoyable aspects of the course is the creative freedom it allows. By being a Graphic 'Communication' course as opposed to Graphic 'Design', the emphasis is nearly always on the message or idea rather than solely the form. Therefore I have felt an ability to continue with the experimentation that I thoroughly enjoyed at foundation level. 

b) I have also thoroughly enjoyed input from some fantastic tutors and fellow students.  The range of tutors all with differing specialisms has been a huge plus. Over the three years the course has felt like a Graphic Communication family and one that I have felt lucky to be a part of.

c) Lastly I have enjoyed the wide range of talks and conferences the course has organised and arranged. I have found listening to professionals talking extremely inspiring. Also the strong links to industry the course has is fantastic, particularly in relation to work placements and opportunities.

In what ways do you think you've developed or changed during the last year?

a) I feel in the past year I have encountered experiences and scenarios that have helped me grow into a more confident and self assured designer and person.

b) I feel I have become more clear in the directions I wish to pursue in the future. This has been helped by undertaking a number of work placements.

c)  I feel I have grown creatively. I feel I am able to approach briefs with a greater knowledge and imagination than in previous years and as a  result the standard of my work has improved. My software skills have greatly improved and I'm generally a faster and more resourceful designer.

What do you think your strengths are in relation to Graphic Communication and becoming a designer or working/ training in a related area?

a) I feel I have particular strengths in idea generation and concept development. I also feel I have strengths in understanding and realising the requirements of a brief.

b) I feel I have developed into a versatile designer who is comfortable working across a wide range of design disciplines.

c) I think I also have strengths in presenting and communicating with people (or potential clients).


What has hampered your learning?

a) I feel the only thing that has really hampered me is my own perfectionism. I have sometimes spent far longer than needed on briefs when i needed to just let go and finish it,  because there is no such thing as perfection, only close to.
 
If You work outside college (voluntary or paid) what skills do you think you have gained or developed through doing this?

a) I have worked part time in the catering industry for two years. This has taught me the value of customer service. From working in catering I have realised that designing is only half of the service, the other half is how you do it and maintaining good relationships is key. You must leave the client happy and satisfied with the care attention they've received or they will go elsewhere. I like to think catering has made me a more polite and considerate individual with greater people skills.

What plans do you have after you finish the course to continue your development as a designer or related profession and make further progress in your field? 

a)  My plan is to be a graphic communicator. I hope to work in agencies that cover a broad spectrum of design in a number of different countries . I wish to travel with my degree as it fills me with energy and inspiration. It also allows me to gather more perspectives. My immediate plan is to undertake a work placement opportunity in Perth, Australia.

b) I shall continue to build a strong portfolio of work over my career, both digital and print.

c) I shall continue to keep a reflective blog. To help fuel inspiration, reflect on my progress and experiences, and continue to be a part of the online design community.