- identify and explain 5 reasons why you chose to study on this programme.
From asking around and attending open days I was aware the course has a very good reputation and I was drawn to it because of this.
The course has amazing facilities which gives me the opportunity to help me work my way toward my full potential and present my work in the best possible way.
The college facilities also drew me to this programme because it meant I could maybe learn a technique I hadn't used before or when I needed something like a camera I'm able to go borrow one.
The fact the tutors have experience in the industry was also a plus because I'm able to ask questions that they are highly likely to know the answer to and they know exactly what it takes to make it in the working world.
My general growing interest in graphic design was also really important because I wouldn't have looked at this course at all if it wasn't for that.
- Identify and explain 5 things that you want to learn during your time on the programme.
I'd like to learn about more designers i've not really heard of to expand my knowledge of graphic design and the current talent that is out there.
I have little knowledge of printing processes and costing so i'd also like to learn more about that as its obviously a massive part of graphic design and will be needed within my own practice.
I'd like to visit graphic design studios to learn more about how they are run and how each separate studio operates as this may differ. It will give me an idea of what to expect in the future.
I want to improve my software skills this year and also learn how to use new software that will help extend my skills.
I'd like to learn more about myself as a designer. Im already aware of where my skills lie, I just think I need to come out of my shell a little bit more and grow in confidence.
- Identify and explain 5 skills that you think are your strengths.
Time management is one of my most valued strengths because if I didn't manage my time nothing would ever get done and i'd never meet my deadlines, which is really important whilst being on this course.
Organisation is also another key thing. I tend to write everything down when I get it where tasks are concerned and make sure everything is done at least a few days before its needed so I don't have to worry about it.
A willingness to work is a good strength to have because again, nothing would ever get done without this. I admit, I do lose motivation sometimes but soon pick this back up again.
Punctuality is another strength as Im always on time, if not a little early as attendance is another key thing on this course.
Seeking feedback from peers is something I tend to do quite a lot because sometimes they might be my audience so I can get an idea if the direction i'm taking my work in is working.
- Identify and explain 5 things that you want to improve.
Talking to tutors more is a massive thing I need to improve upon, I've already started with this, this year but I hope to carry on having many more conversations just to make sure i'm not going completely off track and so they have an understanding of what i'm working on.
Thinking outside the box/ taking risks needs to happen more this year because I might not always be wrong but I won't find out if I don't try taking risks.
I need to resolve a problem and then resolve it again because the second resolution might be better than the first.
I also need to be willing to make more mistakes because this is one of the ways I will learn and improve as a designer. Making a mistakes isn't always a bad thing!
I also need to experiment with more types of resolutions such as packaging because this isn't something I worked with last year and I need to be more aware of things like this.
- Identify and explain 5 ways that you will evaluate your progress.
If I speak to people about my work this will give me an idea of how i'm progressing because you'll be able to see a fall or rise in the quality of my work.
Looking back on previous blog posts will also be another good way of evaluating my work because I'll be able to see what order things were done in and see definite progress.
Looking at grade feedback will give me an honest opinion on how my work is going and if my tutors think i'm improving and what can be done to take this a step further.
Reading my own evaluations after each project will tell me how I think i'm progressing if at all and will also guide me so I know what I need to improve upon.
Re-doing this task a few times throughout the year will help me evaluate wether i've done some of the things I said I would and also what I have left to do to meet my targets.
- Identify 5 questions that you want to find the answer to.
What do I want to do in the future? (Which area of graphic design do I want to work in?)
Do I have a favourite type of design or should I not limit my interest?
Do I work better solo or as part of a team?
Will I ever take a liking to editorial?
Have I given my best?
