Work Based Learning Evaluation.

Within this module I was required to create five sketchbooks on different briefs within five weeks. My sketchbook work before this module was quite weak as I am a perfectionist and I didn’t like to work in a medium without the option of deleting and rearranging. Before this module I undertook a SWOT analysis, which allowed me to outline my goals from the module. 

I wanted to experiment with my sketchbooks and create something quite different to what I am used to. Using means such as collage and illustration, alongside researching via different mediums such as books and magazines has aided me to generate a good body of work. 

Before this module, I relied heavily on the likes of Pinterest to research and find inspiration upon. During this module, I explored different websites such as Behance, Designspiration, ThisIsCollate and CargoCollective which enhanced the inspiration and influence I was finding. I want to continue this throughout the year. 

Rewriting the briefs and highlighting aspects which appear predominant and dynamic allowed me to really focus on certain features which in turn aided my work tremendously: this is something I have really lacked within my workings out. I often push the brief aside when I believe I have an understanding, but I have found in this module that revisiting the brief allows you to consider new aspects, refocus your attitude and reevaluate what you are trying to achieve. This is something I will continue to do in projects ahead. 

One area I found difficult was time management. In previous projects I have found my time management to be quite variable, working well for some briefs and finding difficulty with others. With this brief, I found myself working too heavily on one project and uninterested in another. Within the industry I will be given briefs I may not enjoy, but I will need to focus on each fairly. This was a great learning curve for me and I believe I have a greater understanding on the balance I will need to create a consistent body of work. 

I am happy with the body of work I produced. Scrapping my perfectionism, I allowed my workings out to be created on paper and I feel my work has enhanced due to this. Allowing myself to scribble a consciousness of thoughts as and when they happen, rather than annotating after allowed my ideas to be generated then and there and was beneficial to my work. 

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.