The following is a compulsory element of my Reflective Journal and Professional Practice module.
Please click links for Professional Practice handouts and other course sheets and presentations.
Please Note: The following content is property of the Cardiff School of Art and Design. Any duplication without prior permission of the owner is strictly forbidden.
Perfectionism
Assertiveness
An Approach to Design Process
Portfolio Photography
Self Evaluation
CV Construction Kit
Creative Job Search
Creative CV's
Futerra: Greenwash Guide
Futerra Design: presentation
Thomas Matthews: Sustainability Booklet
Design Trust: Business Start Up Guide
Print Processes
Ink management
Print Finishing
Visiting Speaker: Lou Cameron
Lithography, print, Professional Practice
Interviews and Portfolios Presentation
Interview Techniques
Interview Feedback
Interviews and Portfolios Hand Out
Hourly Rates
Printing Processes: Gravure
Getting Paid
Showing posts with label Reflective Journal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reflective Journal. Show all posts
19/05/2010
Colour Management Exercise
The following is a compulsory element of my Reflective Journal and Professional Practice module.
Please click the link below to view my response to Neil Angove's Professional Practice colour management exercise. A4 Leaflet contains photography and graphics with correct colour output for print.
Colour Management Exercise
Please click the link below to view my response to Neil Angove's Professional Practice colour management exercise. A4 Leaflet contains photography and graphics with correct colour output for print.
Colour Management Exercise
Covering Letters
The following is a compulsory element of my Reflective Journal and Professional Practice module.
Please click the links below to see the covering letters. The first is for a job with Inventory Studio, a design agency in London. The second an email requesting a work placement with The Entente, a design agency in Brighton. Document includes The Entente's reply.
Covering letter - Inventory Studio
Placement request e-mail - The Entente
Please click the links below to see the covering letters. The first is for a job with Inventory Studio, a design agency in London. The second an email requesting a work placement with The Entente, a design agency in Brighton. Document includes The Entente's reply.
Covering letter - Inventory Studio
Placement request e-mail - The Entente
Portfolio Visuals and CV
The following is a compulsory element of my Reflective Journal and Professional Practice module.
Please click the links below to see portfolio visuals and my CV.
Portfolio Visuals
Curriculum Vitae
Please click the links below to see portfolio visuals and my CV.
Portfolio Visuals
Curriculum Vitae
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.
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.
Sustainability
The following is a compulsory element of my Reflective Journal and Professional Practice module.
My Understanding of the term sustainability is that it is the ability to sustain the way things are at any given time. It is a term hot on the international agenda at present due to scientific discoveries on Global warming and Climate change and it is a term that at times is controversial and divides opinion. Sustainability has also come into the conscience of graphic designers and as a result has laid founding principles in some agencies, including London agencies Futerra and Thomas Matthews for example that pride themselves on creating thoughtfully ‘sustainable’ solutions for their clients.
One of the big issues within graphic design and in the wider field of advertising is the issue of green wash. This is the problematic concept of companies making unaccountable and false claims to be sustainable with the use (and abuse) of science to convince the consumer that their products and services are ‘sustainable’. This is because from research they think that most consumers will buy something they believe to be sustainable over something that its not. The danger of this is that if the term sustainability is used as a lie than people will go on believing sustainable solutions are being reached when they’re not, and so they never will be. Futerra have published an interesting and thorough account of greenwash and can be viewed here.
Reaching more sustainable solutions in graphic design may consist of using, recycled paper, using low VOC inks or opting for the digital solution as opposed to the printed.
Personally my position on sustainability is that it is a positive thing. I do understand however that sometimes sustainability can occasionally provide obstacles in which case common sense and priorities must be re-evaluated. I realise that technology sometimes takes issue with sustainability as holding it back, and while this is true in some cases I do not see why the world cannot continue advancing but with a more sustainable mindset.
Last year professor James Woudhuysen gave a very interesting talk on how he sees the future entitled ‘future proofing’. He made some very powerful and relevant points regarding sustainability, mostly opposing the term. He argued his discontent with sustainability with the example of people suffering from Malaria in Africa who are denied the right to certain medicines by western authorities as they are unsustainable, and are instead are given much less effective mosquito nets. In this case I feel priorities have to be re-considered and sustainability has to take a back seat over the wellbeing and immediate survival of large numbers of human beings. There was one statement he made however I disagreed with. Regarding sustainability he said ‘The more I think about my grand children the more I hate them’ I think this was quite an outlandish statement to make and one that I think was effectively a lazy and selfish excuse to not care about the physical health of the world that he comes from.
I recently saw the C4 series ‘Slumming it’ with Kevin McCloud, who lived with families in the slums Mumbai for two weeks. In these slums the people recycle 80% of waste, a figure that puts the west to shame. I do not see why if they can recycle so much, why we can’t. As a graphic designer and in large part large-scale user of resources I feel keeping sustainability in mind is an important thing. However as we move towards a more digital world, I feel sustainability may become less of issue.
My Understanding of the term sustainability is that it is the ability to sustain the way things are at any given time. It is a term hot on the international agenda at present due to scientific discoveries on Global warming and Climate change and it is a term that at times is controversial and divides opinion. Sustainability has also come into the conscience of graphic designers and as a result has laid founding principles in some agencies, including London agencies Futerra and Thomas Matthews for example that pride themselves on creating thoughtfully ‘sustainable’ solutions for their clients.
One of the big issues within graphic design and in the wider field of advertising is the issue of green wash. This is the problematic concept of companies making unaccountable and false claims to be sustainable with the use (and abuse) of science to convince the consumer that their products and services are ‘sustainable’. This is because from research they think that most consumers will buy something they believe to be sustainable over something that its not. The danger of this is that if the term sustainability is used as a lie than people will go on believing sustainable solutions are being reached when they’re not, and so they never will be. Futerra have published an interesting and thorough account of greenwash and can be viewed here.
Reaching more sustainable solutions in graphic design may consist of using, recycled paper, using low VOC inks or opting for the digital solution as opposed to the printed.
Personally my position on sustainability is that it is a positive thing. I do understand however that sometimes sustainability can occasionally provide obstacles in which case common sense and priorities must be re-evaluated. I realise that technology sometimes takes issue with sustainability as holding it back, and while this is true in some cases I do not see why the world cannot continue advancing but with a more sustainable mindset.
Last year professor James Woudhuysen gave a very interesting talk on how he sees the future entitled ‘future proofing’. He made some very powerful and relevant points regarding sustainability, mostly opposing the term. He argued his discontent with sustainability with the example of people suffering from Malaria in Africa who are denied the right to certain medicines by western authorities as they are unsustainable, and are instead are given much less effective mosquito nets. In this case I feel priorities have to be re-considered and sustainability has to take a back seat over the wellbeing and immediate survival of large numbers of human beings. There was one statement he made however I disagreed with. Regarding sustainability he said ‘The more I think about my grand children the more I hate them’ I think this was quite an outlandish statement to make and one that I think was effectively a lazy and selfish excuse to not care about the physical health of the world that he comes from.
I recently saw the C4 series ‘Slumming it’ with Kevin McCloud, who lived with families in the slums Mumbai for two weeks. In these slums the people recycle 80% of waste, a figure that puts the west to shame. I do not see why if they can recycle so much, why we can’t. As a graphic designer and in large part large-scale user of resources I feel keeping sustainability in mind is an important thing. However as we move towards a more digital world, I feel sustainability may become less of issue.
Work Influences
The following is a compulsory element of my Reflective Journal and Professional Practice module.
In terms of work experience while at university I have been lucky enough to undertake three placements, two in the 2009 summer break and one in Easter 2010.
The first placement was with ‘See What You Mean’ a digital creative communications agency based in Cardiff bay. I was given this opportunity by one of See What You mean’s designers Matt Joyce who spoke to me after viewing my animation in my second year show. It was fantastic to have some praise from a professional in the in the industry. A few days later I went down to their studio with my portfolio to show Matt the rest of my work and thankfully he fixed up a weeks work experience for a few weeks later.
See What You Mean are a small company of only five designers and their work has found a real niche, working exclusively in digital, they mainly create slick customisable corporate presentations which often contain a strong element of animation and motion graphics. My week was spent sketching concepts, working on rich pictures in flash and in the times when there was little to I worked on creating my own online portfolio. During the week I began to realise that the work see what you mean do though primarily requires an ability to come up with good ideas, a certain level of software knowledge were needed, and my knowledge was not up to that level, particularly in Flash and After Effects. So this sometimes limited my involvement. None the less the week was a great opportunity and one I learned a lot from.
My second work experience was with Brand Union in London, a placement I had also fortunately gained through my second year exhibition. This time it was for two weeks and also included the exciting prospect of living in London for a fortnight. Brand Union was a totally different experience to See What You Mean; instead of 5 employees there were 80. My first brief was with the packaging team on a project to totally re-brand the face wash Clearasil. Packaging was something I hadn’t tackled before but was a curious and exciting prospect. The concepts I produced I was really happy with and one of the designers Lauren said that while they not use them, the designs would make a good addition to my portfolio. Other projects I worked on included a research project for Vodafone, staff wall calendars, client PDF presentations, blog headers, an identity for an eastern European bank and inevitably lots of cups of tea. The experience was fantastic and one that taught me a lot about what it’s like to work in a large fast paced company. In the future I would like to work in a smaller studio as sometimes due to the size of the clients, creative freedom was hard to come by. The experience left me with a sense of professionalism including a faster pace of working and greater resourcefulness, which I believe I have carried through the third year.
My third placement was with Burning Red in April 2010, a design agency in Cardiff bay that covers a broad spectrum of design. From branding and print to web design and animation. It was something I thought I needed after being a student for the previous eight months as I knew it would give me a sense of what’s to come after graduation and what I’m on this path for. The week was very enjoyable and the five staff were very friendly. The initial thing that struck me as it had in the previous placements was the pace required. Suddenly your not working for your own portfolio in a sense but for a client who’s paying for an outcome, and time means money. Therefore a level cooperation and selflessness is required. I spent a large part of the week working on projects for CLIC, an organisation providing information for young people in Wales. This is an age group I had never designed for previously and this was at times a challenge, often conflicting with my preconceptions of what is aesthetically pleasing design. However this experience taught me to see more through the eyes of others and not just my own, and I think this is one of the most important skills a designer can have.
I have found that in all the placements I have undertaken there are times when there is little to do and a level of patience is required. You are not actually on their pay-roll, and that’s why it’s called ‘work experience’. However I feel it is invaluable to design students as it gives us glimpses into what the future could be like and essentially why you’re doing a Graphic Communication course. It has helped me realise the sort of company I want to work for, where I want to work and the type of work I want to do.
In terms of work experience while at university I have been lucky enough to undertake three placements, two in the 2009 summer break and one in Easter 2010.
The first placement was with ‘See What You Mean’ a digital creative communications agency based in Cardiff bay. I was given this opportunity by one of See What You mean’s designers Matt Joyce who spoke to me after viewing my animation in my second year show. It was fantastic to have some praise from a professional in the in the industry. A few days later I went down to their studio with my portfolio to show Matt the rest of my work and thankfully he fixed up a weeks work experience for a few weeks later.
See What You Mean are a small company of only five designers and their work has found a real niche, working exclusively in digital, they mainly create slick customisable corporate presentations which often contain a strong element of animation and motion graphics. My week was spent sketching concepts, working on rich pictures in flash and in the times when there was little to I worked on creating my own online portfolio. During the week I began to realise that the work see what you mean do though primarily requires an ability to come up with good ideas, a certain level of software knowledge were needed, and my knowledge was not up to that level, particularly in Flash and After Effects. So this sometimes limited my involvement. None the less the week was a great opportunity and one I learned a lot from.
My second work experience was with Brand Union in London, a placement I had also fortunately gained through my second year exhibition. This time it was for two weeks and also included the exciting prospect of living in London for a fortnight. Brand Union was a totally different experience to See What You Mean; instead of 5 employees there were 80. My first brief was with the packaging team on a project to totally re-brand the face wash Clearasil. Packaging was something I hadn’t tackled before but was a curious and exciting prospect. The concepts I produced I was really happy with and one of the designers Lauren said that while they not use them, the designs would make a good addition to my portfolio. Other projects I worked on included a research project for Vodafone, staff wall calendars, client PDF presentations, blog headers, an identity for an eastern European bank and inevitably lots of cups of tea. The experience was fantastic and one that taught me a lot about what it’s like to work in a large fast paced company. In the future I would like to work in a smaller studio as sometimes due to the size of the clients, creative freedom was hard to come by. The experience left me with a sense of professionalism including a faster pace of working and greater resourcefulness, which I believe I have carried through the third year.
My third placement was with Burning Red in April 2010, a design agency in Cardiff bay that covers a broad spectrum of design. From branding and print to web design and animation. It was something I thought I needed after being a student for the previous eight months as I knew it would give me a sense of what’s to come after graduation and what I’m on this path for. The week was very enjoyable and the five staff were very friendly. The initial thing that struck me as it had in the previous placements was the pace required. Suddenly your not working for your own portfolio in a sense but for a client who’s paying for an outcome, and time means money. Therefore a level cooperation and selflessness is required. I spent a large part of the week working on projects for CLIC, an organisation providing information for young people in Wales. This is an age group I had never designed for previously and this was at times a challenge, often conflicting with my preconceptions of what is aesthetically pleasing design. However this experience taught me to see more through the eyes of others and not just my own, and I think this is one of the most important skills a designer can have.
I have found that in all the placements I have undertaken there are times when there is little to do and a level of patience is required. You are not actually on their pay-roll, and that’s why it’s called ‘work experience’. However I feel it is invaluable to design students as it gives us glimpses into what the future could be like and essentially why you’re doing a Graphic Communication course. It has helped me realise the sort of company I want to work for, where I want to work and the type of work I want to do.
17/05/2010
Reflection On My Development
The following is a compulsory element of my Reflective Journal and Professional Practice module..
Since arriving in Cardiff for my first day on the BA Graphic Communication course I feel I have come a long way. Fresh faced from three months of traveling around Australia I felt extremely excited about the prospect of embarking on a creative course again. The three months of self dependence and travel had geared me up well for ‘uni life’ and I couldn’t wait to meet my course mates and start ’creating again’. Something I hadn’t done since finishing my foundation course in Plymouth.
I found the early projects fantastic as they introduced me to a subject I really had very little knowledge about beforehand. Previously I knew of the designers Neville Brody and David Carson, but that was the extent of my design knowledge. The introductory typography brief set by Ruth Dineen really helped to clarify what design was. Designing letterforms and learning about the fundamentals of layout, white space and ‘path for the eye’ were essential and eye opening. In hindsight without that first module my work since would certainly have suffered. It is knowledge that has always been called upon since and shall continue to be throughout my professional career I'm certain. During this first project I was told by my tutor Ruth I had a ‘natural flair for design’ This came as a real surprise but acted as huge impetus for me to kick on try to become a good graphic communicator.
Throughout other first year modules which included projects on animation, image making and typography I tried to continue working with the same passion and enthusiasm I had put into the first. I found I was really enjoying the breadth of design and creative freedom provided by the briefs. This was something I was used to from my foundation course and although constraints were tighter and had a need for communication element, I still found them open enough and enjoyable. I was finding the constraints more and more enjoyable throughout the year and I began to feel a real purpose to what I was doing. The first year ended with a nine-week ‘Narrative’ module. I decided to undertake an animation based on the concept of memory but unfortunately my time management was poor and I ended up rushing the outcome. In hindsight I think 9 weeks was too long for a first year module as focus was something that constantly wavered. However on the whole the first year was an extremely positive experience. I had found my path, and my work was only going to improve.
After working in catering all summer the second year couldn’t come fast enough, and relief and excitement were the main emotions on returning to Cardiff in September.
I found projects in the second year more professional in a sense, the Film4 Eight Greats brief and Splotlands web design project opened my eyes to the realities and sometimes banalities of commercial graphic design. Though I did not completely enjoy the restrictions placed by these briefs I knew that the knowledge I was gaining was useful and essential. Having to cost jobs and design for disabilities were things I had never had to consider before and the reality of design as a means to make a living really dawned on me. I had always thought that all that mattered to a designer was creativity but in fact there is a definite and essential business element to design too. Mid way through the year I had a slight dip in enthusiasm helped by the inconvenience of writing CCS essays but then came the ‘Portrait’ project. An open brief that allowed a lot of creative freedom.. I thoroughly enjoyed this project and created a successful animation for my portfolio.
Following this came the Easter holidays. Though this was no ordinary Easter holiday as this time myself and four course mates were heading to Kuala Lumpur for a month to study Graphic Design at the Malaysian institute of Art. An opportunity none of us could pass up.
This experience was beneficial so many ways. But perhaps most importantly it taught me how great curiosity can be greatly rewarded. Simply by having the interest and guts to place yourself in a positive and completely ‘other’ environment for a month is only going to improve you as an individual. Sitting lectures half way round the world, collaborating on design briefs and discussing design with Malaysian students over lunch were really rewarding experiences. Traveling Malaysia in our time away from the MIA Provided us with masses of new experiences and inspiration. The trip has really reiterated to me the importance of travel and that it is something I need to do in my life and career.
On returning to Wales the final project ‘Persuasion’ taught me a lot about the rewards of undertaking socially driven work. And I feel my response reflected the level of knowledge I gained about Homelessness from meetings with the manager of Huggard homeless centre Richard Edwards. A successful piece for my portfolio and a piece, which featured in my end of year show and incredibly won me a bursary placement with Brand Union in London.
After a summer of patchy research for my dissertation and two good work placements which really taught me about the design industry, The first project of the year provided a challenge in that it required us to work in teams of five. But it was a positive one that has taught me a lot about the importance of cooperation and teamwork. Completing a dissertation alongside studio work was occasionally problematic and stressful, though in large part beneficial and enlightening. The briefs following this have rolled by with increasing speed and degree of self-direction. I feel my outcomes have been largely successful, all of which can feature in a fairly high quality portfolio of work. In march I took the opportunity to present at Cardiff's first Pecha Kucha, a presentation of 20 slides with 20 seconds allotted per slide. In this I spoke about my experiences of Malaysia and fortunately it went down well with the audience. It was fantastic to talk alongside some brilliant professionals including the great Michael Johnson from Johnson Banks.
I feel my main strengths in relation to Graphic Communication lie within idea generation, versatility across design disciplines, and presentation skills. Areas I need to improve are still my time management and software knowledge. I feel I also need to address an occasional lack of assertiveness when it comes to decision making, which has sometimes slowed me down. Overall the three years have been hugely positive, They have helped me grow personally and professionally and I shall take much of what I’ve leaned in Cardiff with me throughout the entirety of my professional career.
Since arriving in Cardiff for my first day on the BA Graphic Communication course I feel I have come a long way. Fresh faced from three months of traveling around Australia I felt extremely excited about the prospect of embarking on a creative course again. The three months of self dependence and travel had geared me up well for ‘uni life’ and I couldn’t wait to meet my course mates and start ’creating again’. Something I hadn’t done since finishing my foundation course in Plymouth.
I found the early projects fantastic as they introduced me to a subject I really had very little knowledge about beforehand. Previously I knew of the designers Neville Brody and David Carson, but that was the extent of my design knowledge. The introductory typography brief set by Ruth Dineen really helped to clarify what design was. Designing letterforms and learning about the fundamentals of layout, white space and ‘path for the eye’ were essential and eye opening. In hindsight without that first module my work since would certainly have suffered. It is knowledge that has always been called upon since and shall continue to be throughout my professional career I'm certain. During this first project I was told by my tutor Ruth I had a ‘natural flair for design’ This came as a real surprise but acted as huge impetus for me to kick on try to become a good graphic communicator.
Throughout other first year modules which included projects on animation, image making and typography I tried to continue working with the same passion and enthusiasm I had put into the first. I found I was really enjoying the breadth of design and creative freedom provided by the briefs. This was something I was used to from my foundation course and although constraints were tighter and had a need for communication element, I still found them open enough and enjoyable. I was finding the constraints more and more enjoyable throughout the year and I began to feel a real purpose to what I was doing. The first year ended with a nine-week ‘Narrative’ module. I decided to undertake an animation based on the concept of memory but unfortunately my time management was poor and I ended up rushing the outcome. In hindsight I think 9 weeks was too long for a first year module as focus was something that constantly wavered. However on the whole the first year was an extremely positive experience. I had found my path, and my work was only going to improve.
After working in catering all summer the second year couldn’t come fast enough, and relief and excitement were the main emotions on returning to Cardiff in September.
I found projects in the second year more professional in a sense, the Film4 Eight Greats brief and Splotlands web design project opened my eyes to the realities and sometimes banalities of commercial graphic design. Though I did not completely enjoy the restrictions placed by these briefs I knew that the knowledge I was gaining was useful and essential. Having to cost jobs and design for disabilities were things I had never had to consider before and the reality of design as a means to make a living really dawned on me. I had always thought that all that mattered to a designer was creativity but in fact there is a definite and essential business element to design too. Mid way through the year I had a slight dip in enthusiasm helped by the inconvenience of writing CCS essays but then came the ‘Portrait’ project. An open brief that allowed a lot of creative freedom.. I thoroughly enjoyed this project and created a successful animation for my portfolio.
Following this came the Easter holidays. Though this was no ordinary Easter holiday as this time myself and four course mates were heading to Kuala Lumpur for a month to study Graphic Design at the Malaysian institute of Art. An opportunity none of us could pass up.
This experience was beneficial so many ways. But perhaps most importantly it taught me how great curiosity can be greatly rewarded. Simply by having the interest and guts to place yourself in a positive and completely ‘other’ environment for a month is only going to improve you as an individual. Sitting lectures half way round the world, collaborating on design briefs and discussing design with Malaysian students over lunch were really rewarding experiences. Traveling Malaysia in our time away from the MIA Provided us with masses of new experiences and inspiration. The trip has really reiterated to me the importance of travel and that it is something I need to do in my life and career.
On returning to Wales the final project ‘Persuasion’ taught me a lot about the rewards of undertaking socially driven work. And I feel my response reflected the level of knowledge I gained about Homelessness from meetings with the manager of Huggard homeless centre Richard Edwards. A successful piece for my portfolio and a piece, which featured in my end of year show and incredibly won me a bursary placement with Brand Union in London.
After a summer of patchy research for my dissertation and two good work placements which really taught me about the design industry, The first project of the year provided a challenge in that it required us to work in teams of five. But it was a positive one that has taught me a lot about the importance of cooperation and teamwork. Completing a dissertation alongside studio work was occasionally problematic and stressful, though in large part beneficial and enlightening. The briefs following this have rolled by with increasing speed and degree of self-direction. I feel my outcomes have been largely successful, all of which can feature in a fairly high quality portfolio of work. In march I took the opportunity to present at Cardiff's first Pecha Kucha, a presentation of 20 slides with 20 seconds allotted per slide. In this I spoke about my experiences of Malaysia and fortunately it went down well with the audience. It was fantastic to talk alongside some brilliant professionals including the great Michael Johnson from Johnson Banks.
I feel my main strengths in relation to Graphic Communication lie within idea generation, versatility across design disciplines, and presentation skills. Areas I need to improve are still my time management and software knowledge. I feel I also need to address an occasional lack of assertiveness when it comes to decision making, which has sometimes slowed me down. Overall the three years have been hugely positive, They have helped me grow personally and professionally and I shall take much of what I’ve leaned in Cardiff with me throughout the entirety of my professional career.
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.
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.
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