OUGD503: Evaluation

Throughout this year I have learn't I am much more productive, proactive and interested in design when it is not for myself. I see little value in the work I produce unless it has a purpose, its all very well and good to produce a fancy book for myself but unless that will be distributed for others gain or personal profit, what is the point? By doing collaborative work I have improved knowledge of dealing with clients and have since been selected for paid jobs just from word of mouth and how fairly I treat clients, which has been more beneficial than anything. By being proactive on the collaborations page and taking control of my own learning, I have networked vastly amongst LCA, getting to work with a range of photographers and fashion students- my two main areas of interest carrying my practice forward. Interviewing Kate made me realise that typography is not an area of advertising, so perhaps it is outside of advertising where I needed to look. 

I have learnt that by knowing history, knowing historical references and the work produced by influential designers, the appreciation for good design increases vastly. By observing design in detail, both critically and contextually you can apply those ideas and thought process onto your own design, allowing influence and room for play. The aspect of aesthetic quality is just as important portfolio wise as a strong concept, as the visual is the hook for a deeper conversation. By exploring collaborative work I have had to be more proactive about project management and improving my time keeping to manage around other uni led briefs. The experience this year with D&AD has been really enjoyable, after researching them at the start of the year I felt they would just be a blood sucking money corporation, however after attending the festival and seeing some mind changing speakers, it was clear they really do want to help put design students and professionals on a raised creative platform, which is something I want to strive to be part of in the future. The collaborative aspect introduced me to New Blood, a competition I am most proud of which also aided to my development in project management. Incorporating photography and illustration, the Monotype brief was a perfect representation of the power of collaboration and how I had a role in a group, which is something I've often questioned until now. The photographic aspect made me consider a much more technical aspect, as well as editing under time restrictions and painting standards and protecting concept throughout- all of this has led to me having much more confidence in my knowledge and ability, both technically and contextually. 

Last year I mentioned how my illustrator skills were not that strong, and this is something I have worked to improve throughout the year. After attending the Life After College Business program in summer, it was clear Graphic Design was a business- and how to make that business work for you is the most critical point I wanted to explore. Finding my way in the creative industry is a maze, however I feel the direction I am going in IS a direction, and is directly revolved around visual imagery, typographic and illustrative content. The emphasis of fashion is something I need to incorporate more, as looking to the future I want to be working in and living that kind of lifestyle. Ever since I was young I have wanted to work in fashion, and I feel by not pursuing that route it would be giving up on something which could be a possibility with enough effort. 


My personal experiences throughout the year have taught me to be much more skeptical of people, including clients and collaborative partners, whom (if negatively chosen) has the possibility to increase stress to maximum levels- something not needed when clashing with university deadlines. However, ironically I have discovered project management and helping others is my forte, I can use my skills of networking to benefit others by putting them in contact with other necessary collaborative partners, which could lead to a graduate creative agency, helping make these connections.  Interests in typography have also progressed this year, inspired by Paula Scherr and Michael Wayne have come through more in my practice this year, starting more computer based and moving away from the screen over time. The jewellery making course was another invaluable experience as it allowed me to focus on craftsmanship, something I set myself as personal goal in the 504 brief. This can develop into 3D typography and creating opportunities for myself to create branding, online shops to generate a business and a way to offset the course work with something less concept driven and hands on.

The Studio Brief 02 part of the moduel has given me the confidence to continue contacting practitioners in the future, documenting and recording all interviews with the possible hope of producing a full, decade spanning archive of talks from creatives throughout my career. Advertising is already starting to be an area I am loosing investigative focus in, but know that the possibility of working in advertising provides a decent salary and access to a global platform to help shape positive ideologies, harnessing advertising for good.

I have also learnt that getting your work out their and getting interest in you as a person is extremely important, so partaking in additional briefs to aid your portfolio is essential. I also want to attend more crit's and be proactive if necessary in organising crit's. The aspect of project management has been something I have come to consider as a key skill I have developed, having learnt the ability to manage large groups of people logistically, improving time management and organisational skills. I enjoy the responsibility of leadership roles, and when there is some pressure on my shoulders I feel the need to preform well is heightened, motivating me to do the job well. The responsive model was hard for me, as I was prioritising the freelance work for other briefs and aspects (e.g.: jewellery), so it was hard to focus on the Greenall's brief especially as I was prioritising that last due to the far away deadline. Remembering this in the future, I need to consider time plans for university work as I do for collaborative practice, as that seems to be the area's I can thrive in. 

In conclusion, in one way it is good that I am more motivated by other people's work than my own, as when working in industry this will be the case. Over the summer I plan to partake in personal projects, including the collaborative fashion zine, my first jewellery collection, personal branding and potential placements. I have applied for aprox 13 placements at the minuit, mainly based in London using Kate's advice. Looking back at D&AD, I regret not taking the opportunity to ask Craig Oldham some preplanned questions, not just stumbling and being quite unorganised. It would have been good to get Craig's email or get him to remember me somehow, in order to contact as a Northern contact, investigating both scenes. Furthemore, by doing the recent experimentation in the ZOG branding process, I have discovered deep interests in typography and real enjoyment through attention to detail. I am quite a messy person, all of my work is never fully perfect when conducting my own practice, yet when the output changes and the purpose is for the client, there is a real shift in my perception towards the brief and my senses to design heighten to consider more aesthetic details, something I have learnt the value and necessity of through visiting talks from influential designers, including Stephan Sagmeister, Mike Rigby, Kate Allsop and Ruth Johns.  I have honestly done so much this year I don't have the time to blog about it all, which again is something I need to improve in Level 6 to fulfil my academic potential.