My final module of this year is to create my portfolio for leaving the course and trying to work in the industry. This includes going back and revising my old work, and also creating new pieces.
Strengths
Something I believe will aid me when making my final portfolio is the fact I have already created a portfolio for university. Though this was done with little help, I feel this experience has allowed me to understand what goes on in creating a portfolio. I also feel that having already completed work and handed in to receive critique and feedback will also be beneficial to my final portfolio. Having feedback to work with allows me to understand areas which are not strong and need work, and those revisions will be easier to create.
Weaknesses
A weakness for this module will be my time management. Running alongside is PPD, and with only a week between the deadlines I will need to manage my time well. As the work is my own it is often difficult to see areas which need improvement, and therefore I will need to ask for guidance and advice on different pieces in order to make sure my designs are the best they can be.
Opportunities
As I am creating a portfolio, this is an opportunity to devise home study pieces to add and show that I can work without guidance and without a given brief. This is also an opportunity to enhance my work and revisit pieces which need revision, allowing my portfolio to hopefully be of industry level and therefore be able to show future employers and gain placements.
Threats
A possible threat is to not have the files saved correctly, and therefore need extra work to create a better final outcome. Another threat would be losing files, and not being able to manage my time correctly to print. As I need to use the heat press and other machines, I will need to make sure they are working as without could be detrimental to my final outcomes.
Editorial Design Applications
Sunday, 1 March 2015 • Editorial Design Application, Progress, SWOT Analysis
In my last module I set myself a target for this module to use Illustrator within my project. I used illustrator within my Alternative Techniques module, but not enough to feel more confident with the program. Therefore it's necessary to continue to grow my skills and continue using the program as much as possible. Editorial Design does not really require this use, so I will need to find some way of integrating it. Below I have created a SWOT analysis to evaluate my progress so far, and where I would like to be following this module.
Strengths
I believe InDesign is a strength as I feel confident when working on the program. I also believe my idea generation has become a strength due to my sketchbook work at the beginning of the year, and therefore I feel my project will be stronger when compared to last year’s Editorial creation.
Weaknesses
Again, I want to use illustrator and expand my skill set on the program whilst I still have the opportunity for help through experts, such as my tutors. I believe Illustrator is still a weakness of mine. Researching and creating my own body copy is something I have found difficult in the past, but I would like to create something quite interesting and therefore my research is an important step.
Opportunities
The brief has been set to be quite open, allowing me to choose my own creative directions alongside the subject matter and content. I feel this is the opportunity to experiment with something I wouldn’t usually, such as creating posters or cards. The brief allows me to deviate from what I usually perceive to be “editorial design” such as a brochure or magazine spread, and is reliant solely on the use of a grid system and layout.
Threats
Computer malfunction will be a threat so it is important to back my work up regularly. Time management and organisation is a threat to this module as it includes research, idea generation, collating body copy and the creation of the final outcome so it is necessary to create a plan to follow. As this will be created using InDesign, saving the files correctly is essential. Packaging files will mean the threat of losing and misplacing images will be reduced.
Strengths
I believe InDesign is a strength as I feel confident when working on the program. I also believe my idea generation has become a strength due to my sketchbook work at the beginning of the year, and therefore I feel my project will be stronger when compared to last year’s Editorial creation.
Weaknesses
Again, I want to use illustrator and expand my skill set on the program whilst I still have the opportunity for help through experts, such as my tutors. I believe Illustrator is still a weakness of mine. Researching and creating my own body copy is something I have found difficult in the past, but I would like to create something quite interesting and therefore my research is an important step.
Opportunities
The brief has been set to be quite open, allowing me to choose my own creative directions alongside the subject matter and content. I feel this is the opportunity to experiment with something I wouldn’t usually, such as creating posters or cards. The brief allows me to deviate from what I usually perceive to be “editorial design” such as a brochure or magazine spread, and is reliant solely on the use of a grid system and layout.
Threats
Computer malfunction will be a threat so it is important to back my work up regularly. Time management and organisation is a threat to this module as it includes research, idea generation, collating body copy and the creation of the final outcome so it is necessary to create a plan to follow. As this will be created using InDesign, saving the files correctly is essential. Packaging files will mean the threat of losing and misplacing images will be reduced.
Alternative Techniques
Wednesday, 14 January 2015 • Alternative Techniques, SWOT Analysis
Within this brief, we are required to participate in the D&AD New Blood Awards. A competition brief is something I have not yet tackled, and therefore I have little to no experience working on one in comparison to a client brief. Though quite similar in their format, there is quite a big difference: working with a client is limited, and the focus is constantly on meeting the requirements of the client. A competition brief on the other hand allows me the opportunity to push my design boundaries and to really dig deep into the brief, and get into the depths of creativity and imagination.
With this being something incredibly new to me, I created a SWOT analysis to aid my plan and targets, and evaluate my strengths and weaknesses to make my work the best it can be.
Strengths
This brief allows me to work as a pair. This could be viewed as a strength as it is not only myself, but also another creative combining to create a solution. I also believe I have learnt a lot of organisation skills in my previous projects which will aid me.
Weaknesses
Product design is something I have not yet tackled and therefore it may be quite difficult to understand. I want to challenge myself and add something different to my portfolio and therefore I feel it’s essential to undertake a brief I wouldn’t usually choose. Working as a pair may also be a weakness as it is difficult to combine ideas and create one solution. We may also clash and therefore have different directions we want to take. I would also like to strengthen my weakness by using Illustrator within this project, and gaining more skills on the program.
Opportunities
I have the opportunity to work on a competition brief, which in turn could allow my work to be viewed by many in the industry. I also have the opportunity to work as a pair, which will allow me to experience what it is like working in the industry.
Threats Working as a pair is a threat as it is not just solely me: I am reliant on another, and managing our time whilst also meeting outside of college hours could be difficult. This could be easily rectified by creating a plan and scheduling meetings which is similar to industry work.
My goal from my last module was to experiment with sketchbook work and create a sustainable plan. I will check in soon and update how it's going!
With this being something incredibly new to me, I created a SWOT analysis to aid my plan and targets, and evaluate my strengths and weaknesses to make my work the best it can be.
Strengths
This brief allows me to work as a pair. This could be viewed as a strength as it is not only myself, but also another creative combining to create a solution. I also believe I have learnt a lot of organisation skills in my previous projects which will aid me.
Weaknesses
Product design is something I have not yet tackled and therefore it may be quite difficult to understand. I want to challenge myself and add something different to my portfolio and therefore I feel it’s essential to undertake a brief I wouldn’t usually choose. Working as a pair may also be a weakness as it is difficult to combine ideas and create one solution. We may also clash and therefore have different directions we want to take. I would also like to strengthen my weakness by using Illustrator within this project, and gaining more skills on the program.
Opportunities
I have the opportunity to work on a competition brief, which in turn could allow my work to be viewed by many in the industry. I also have the opportunity to work as a pair, which will allow me to experience what it is like working in the industry.
Threats Working as a pair is a threat as it is not just solely me: I am reliant on another, and managing our time whilst also meeting outside of college hours could be difficult. This could be easily rectified by creating a plan and scheduling meetings which is similar to industry work.
My goal from my last module was to experiment with sketchbook work and create a sustainable plan. I will check in soon and update how it's going!
The Entrepreneurs Forum
Wednesday, 7 January 2015 • SWOT Analysis, The Entrepreneurs Forum
Whilst completing my work based learning module, I created moodboards for each sketchbook I was required to create. I found this way of researching was a great help: I was able to keep the ideas I had and the inspiration and influence I had found within my research at the front of my mind. The moodboard above was created for The Entrepreneurs Forum.
Now moving into my digital skills application module, I feel it's important to keep this focal as I won't be conducting much more research, solely moving my final idea into it's digital form. My idea is to experiment using reprinting techniques.
Below I have created a SWOT analysis in which I am able to gather my thoughts around this module, and what I wanted to achieve following:
Strengths: After creating sketchbooks on certain briefs, we have now been given the opportunity to continue on from what we researched and create a final outcome. I believe this will be a strength as it will allow me to bypass research and idea creation, and allow me to focus solely on the final outcome. I have chosen to continue The Entrepreneurs Forum as I believe I am quite strong when working on InDesign.
Weaknesses: My skills on Photoshop are still quite limited, although I believe I am better with this program in comparison to Illustrator. I would like to gain a better understanding of editing images using curves and the likes, but believe this is partly my weakness in this module.
Opportunities: I have the opportunity to work on a live brief whilst also expanding my knowledge and skills of different programs that are essential to the project. I also have the opportunity to be in contact with the marketing director of the Forum, which allows me to grasp a greater understanding of the brief whilst also working with the client, which is great experience for working in the industry.
Threats: Malfunction of computers is a threat on this module and therefore it is essential to back up all work as it’s created. Resolution will also need to be kept in mind as it is important to create a high quality body of work.
My goal with this module is, instead of using mockups or mounting the spreads on card for presentation, I will actually create the brochure. I think this will challenge me as I haven't yet done such: and will allow me to gain knowledge and research into the world of printing. Having stuck with the college printers until this point, it would be great to see what companies work in Newcastle, and also use websites such as the newspaper club and ex why zed, and have a higher quality print. When I finish university and move into the industry, I won't be able to rely on college to create my prints, and therefore it will be great experience for me.
Work Based Learning
Friday, 26 September 2014 • SWOT Analysis, 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.
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.