OUGD104 Evaluation

1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?

Since the start of this module I have learned to create a much more direct, and impactive message delivery when using image. 

Although my work may not be as firmly focused as it should be, I think that the early stages of this module have taught me a great deal, by crafting my imagery, I was made to make informed decisions. In effect, how the actual meaning of my image would come across to a wider audience.
On another note, I do greatly enjoy the handcrafting side of design, and with my new work ethic, my new skills had paid off. (I got recognized! - competition)

I have been getting to grips with a more formal way of thinking in terms of material usage and composition, which was evident when developing an understanding of symbolism, and iconography. I have come to grips with aesthetics of type, how it can be applied to themes, feels, or tone of voice in accordance to briefs/decision making, and have burning hate for impact.

I now know I am obssessive compulsive when it comes to researching and I think by my recognizing this, I have become more independent in my decisions as a designer, also I think I have not taken advantage as much as I would of liked in workshops, and weekends, as alot of what happens out of college affects my work. But I hope to continually better myself with the new challenges ahead.

2. What approaches to/methods of research have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

My methods of research always include many cross-referencing, to ensure maximum efficiency of knowledge, as to not get caught off guard in questions, as I learnt early in on the course that you must be well-informed! I have now, tried to implement such facts into fiction, or rather pictoral myths, within my development, as I soon realised that the research process ALWAYS influences the end target audience/viewer, and design process.

The development of research along with design becomes evident when ideas join 'hand-in-hand' with each other, and the once sticky, unresolved idea that was functionless, combined with the correct research, be it a quote, some statistics, or even something pre-existing which proves to suit a purpose, can bring a project off the ground.

I believe that I have also gained some knowledge that by researching too much and not making directive, formalized decisions it can have epic repurcussions on my work.

3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?

I believe that I have gained alot from not being able to be in access to suitable programs of design all the time, as it has given me time to get to grips with more functional layout considering type, and the basics of handcrafted design. I say this in confidence, as along with some of my other fellow peers, I was a runner-up in the Recognitionday competition.

But despite this, I would seriously like to expand on this aspect of design, as I have been itching to use more cardboard and mixed media into my design work (where appropriate) and I think with the easter holidays, I will begin to experiment with my own ideas, and create something that I can happily call my own.

I would also say that in conjunction with question 2, I feel as if another major strong point in my work would be the research element, as a keen reader, and enthusiastic when considering book design. I do think that by making more informed desicions earlier on based on a medium quanity of research rather than maximum quantity, I could achieve alot more, by doing a lot less.

4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these more fully?

I would say the digital aspect of design, I really feel as if by almost dismissing the digital tools available, I am becoming more and more distanced from the basic elements of contemporary design methods.

I think that to improve on this, - as I said previously - is to spend time over easter getting to grips with the relevant software more, and to read up on some basic tutorials, as to make sure I dont go through great lengths to achieve something when it shouldnt.
I would say, focus, and direction. 

I have a habit of 'going-off-on-one' or being disjointed and erratic in my method of delivery. However, in admitting this, I feel that although I have had a turbulent year so far, I am confident that I can prove myself better by keeping a focus, drive and designer mentality that should steady my work.







5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?

1. TIME MANAGEMENT - I know you hate it, but its true for me, the travelling thing exhausts me, and the fact I work too much, but have recently cut down my hours has given me more breathing space. I would also start things when we get set them to avoid great stress and worry on my part.


2. KEEP A FOLDER - on me at all times to ensure that i keep all briefs on me and am aware and reminded of deadlines constantly.

3. READ THE BRIEF, AGAIN, AGAIN, AND AGAIN - To fully comprehend my directive and my awareness towards a target audience, I must always refer back to the brief. This is apparent with the what is a line brief as I spent alot of my time in sketchbooks, researching, and not knowing what I was doing, simply as I forgot to look at and find the brief.

4. PRESENT MORE CLEARLY AND EFFECTIVELY - As to make sure that other people know what I am on about, and to boost my professional practice performance.

5. SPEND MORE TIME FINDING REFERENCE TO MY WORK - This will greatly impact my visual impact/aesthetic/style and will also keep my blog from looking like a jumble sale of disjointed and loosely connected threads. By spending more time researching visual references to my work such as artists/designers, it will benefit my knowledge of the design world.


6.How would you grade yourself on the following areas:

5= excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = poor

Attendance = 4

Punctuality = 3

Motivation = 4

Commitment = 3

Quantity of work produced = 1

Quality of work produced = 3

Contribution to the group = 3