Work Based Learning

My first module of the year kicked of rapidly, on the first day being back to the course following a long summer. To get our minds focused and in gear, we were given the task of creating one quick brand identity for a butchers. It was difficult to create something in a very short space of time, but it was extremely beneficial as it is how the industry works: extremely fast paced. Therefore it was a great opportunity to really open myself to creating quick ideas and jotting them down. We were then introduced to our work based learning module, within which we will be creating four sketchbooks, excluding one for the butchers we initially created on the first day. Each will require research and idea generation up until the point of a final idea expanded to a near digital level. Sketchbooks are not my forte, and I prefer to work digitally to generate my ideas and experiment, so this will be great practice and hopefully benefit my idea generation in future modules.

Strengths
I think time management will work in my favor in this module. In the past I have had difficulty organizing my time wisely, but after learning this skill and creating a plan, I believe this will be my strength. I also think my strengths lie in Editorial design as it is the area I am most interested in.

Weaknesses
Sketchbooks have always been a weakness of mine due to being a perfectionist and finding it difficult to put down my ideas on paper, preferring to jump straight into digital. I hope this module will allow me to break this habit and be more creative with my idea creation, therefore allowing my final idea to be stronger.

Opportunities
As I am undertaking a collection of live briefs, we have an opportunity to have our work seen by a client and possibly used in the future. I have the opportunity to experiment solely with idea creation, as there is no final outcome required. Finally, the briefs are all different subject matters and design aspects such as editorial, branding and clothing design: this gives me the chance to experiment out of my comfort zone.

Threats
Creating one sketchbook a week will be difficult to manage. A benefit is that there is little to no threat of computer malfunction. I believe my biggest threat on this module is organizing my time correctly, and not reading the brief in depth. The answer often lies within the brief itself, and with such little time, I may miss what is written in front of me. I hope that by re reading the briefs and writing them out will help me see clearly and truly get an understanding of what is required.

goals for 14/15

It’s important that I set myself goals of what I want to achieve through this up coming year, so that I know which areas I would like to improve and pinpoint what I feel were my weaknesses last year, whilst working to grow them into strengths.

My main goal for this year is to grow my confidence using the program Illustrator, as I feel last year I avoided using the program and believe my work would benefit tremendously with more use. I also feel it is an important skill to have when working in the industry.

I aim to plan each module proficiently and organise myself well, focusing on my time management. I have bought a diary and aim to use this to keep myself on track, and have also bought a desk so I can have an area where I can focus on my work.

Another goal of mine, which ties in with the previous, is to not leave my modules until the last minute. As I work 20 hours a week it is difficult to find a balance between university and my job, but my university projects need to come first. This may mean dropping my hours or looking for another job which is more flexible: that requires updating my CV, which will be good practice for my creative CV.

A goal I feel necessary to my progress on this course is to speak to industry professionals, and listen to their advice on how to reach the next step in my career. I feel it’s important to attend all industry talks and to also reach out to professionals beyond my course through interviews and emails.

Something I would like to work on is my sketchbook work: I would like to grow my idea generation as I feel I am currently limiting myself by not spending enough time working on my ideas and expanding them. My focus has been, up until now, on my final outcome. I believe by spending more time with my sketchbook my final outcome will benefit. 

I aim to create a UCAS application and continue my degree for the final year, graduating with a BA Hons in Graphic Design. This will take preparation and research, and require meeting deadlines therefore it is important to begin looking into this early. I will need to write my personal statement and also attend interviews, which means my portfolio will need to be created.