EVALUATION

This project has been a very interesting combination of a huge amount of learning and then a sudden rush to realise that I am in fact a designer not a researcher.

What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?
This module has been a huge test on making effective notes in various sessions! It has been a chance to look at the realistic process of being a graphic designer. From looking into how different works are printed and the amazing variation that can be achieved I now feel that my professionalism in Graphic Design has been knocked up a level as I am able to see where it is heading. I have learnt a lot about the way I work when it comes down to research and how I take in information. It is very important for me to blog information as soon as I have heard it so that I can immediately refresh my mind and make full understandable notes on what I have learnt. I have a tendency to overcomplicate things which in fact are very easily done and simple.

Although i have been learning a lot about print processes I don't think I pushed myself enough in letting my product reach its potential when it comes to format. I do feel though that I really took into consideration that which I learnt in the photoshop, illustrator and Indesign sessions. They were extremely practical and a boost in my knowledge of the software. Being more aware of colour, how images are moved from one programme to another. Also I feel I made sufficient notes which I will always be able to look back onto in the future. As well as the print processes we also look closer into typography which again broadened my understand of the field which extremely simple concepts. We were told on many occasions that the things we were taught we really already know but it is just important to always be aware of them. These sessions will always come into use in the future.

What mistakes have you made?

My mistakes in this module have mainly been caused due to time management. On many occasions I felt overwhelmed with all the information coming my way and struggled to manage this. Of course it has been a huge learning curve for me. I don't feel as though I was lazy more along the lines of my attention being focussed on the wrong things for the wrong amount of time. I struggled therefore after the initial research process to head straight into designing. My creativity did not flow as I hoped, but again, this is all part of the learning process and I now know that it is very important whether we are researching or designing I always need to make sure I am doing things to be inspired.

I think due to my struggle in balancing the various areas each therefore lack content. My research could have been a lot more thorough to begin with and of course this effects the rest of your work.

When it came down to the final product I do feel like I worked really hard to design something of quality but this stopped me really creating a sufficient range which was of course part of the brief. I have a tendency to feel that what I design has got to be usable in todays society but sadly by thinking this it limits my creativity and I create boundaries for myself. This of course means that the process takes longer and in effect not everything wanted is achieved.

Another mistake would have been a lack of trying and testing practical ideas (embossing, nets etc) Even though I actually really love this it has been at the bottom of my list which of course was a mistake. I think I need to realise that I need to cover all areas because it would be really beneficial for the development of my work, not just because I have to.

What have you enjoyed the most?

I have actually really appreciated and enjoyed researching into other designers and work relating to mine. On most projects last year I really struggled to write about and look into other work. Yet I feel I have overcome this hurdle. It is very important to be inspired and aware of what is around you and how design is progressing in this context.

Also I have loved designing the calendar and seeing the final thing come together as I put a lot of work into it. There is something about seeing a project through, the progress of it, which is very fulfilling.

What now?

I think from making so many mistakes I have in fact ended up more than ever. I want to be able to analyse my notes sufficiently and put into practice that which I have learnt in all seminars. I also feel the final product was of some quality but want to raise the bar in designing work which looks extremely professional. I think I have questioned my ability on many occasions throughout this brief due to comparing my work to those around me but I feel it is more important for me to realise that that just takes up more time and it is more important to get something down on paper, work through ideas, doodle, do thumb nails and ENJOY it as much as I can so as to pull from this course everything I can.