My to do list...

Recently we were told to note down 10 things we would like to achieve this year throughout our graphic design course. Here are mine:

• I would like to think of using the computer within my works as a pleasure rather than a chore.

• I would really like to be able to use illustrator to a good degree.

• I'd like to use new techniques throughout my course, whether that be on computers or not.

• I'd like to be able to use a range of new and exciting mediums within my designs.

• I'd like to have a catalogue of inspirational artists rather than just a few I find myself repeatibly referring back to.

• I'd like to become more self assured, and be confident in the work I produce.

• To get into the habit of carring a camera and notepad with me always to be able to catch inspiration at any given moment.

• To really buy into my subject, sign up to the magazines, to visit places of inspiration, to dedicate my life to it.

• I'd like to vary my approach to work, as it is prodominantly hand drawn/written.

• Perhaps research traditional methods used within graphic design and put them into practice.

HOW TO...self evaluation

What role did you take on in the group?

Within the group I felt I provided our group with several idea's to work with, along with taking other teams members idea's into practice. I also provided some typography within a few designs by others.

How well do you think you performed in the role?

I tried to get many relevant idea's across taking into consideration others wishes and idea's, sometimes adding elements to other peoples idea's.

How well do you think you worked as a group?

We were all able to put foward ideas, and produce designs considered effectivly, taking everybodies design opinion and criticicms in a positive light putting them into use. We all found our strengths within the group, we all found we were helping one another within the design practice.

What were the positives of working in a group?

If you were ever unsure of a design, reassurance and critical opinions were available. In some cases help with techbology was needed. Even our final outcome, our solution was to be printed onto tote bags. I didn't know the process of heat transferring but two of my group members did, which was brilliant.

What were the negatives of working in a group?

Sometimes situations did get a bit difficult, if somebody was passionate about an idea, they would ask others for reassurance, in some cases it wasn't agreed that this idea was appropriate. But no matter how much they felt this idea was good, they couldn't really use it as it wasn't agreed as a team that it was. It was also difficult when other team members weren't as prepared as other so time managament was difficult. Some of us  were ready to print our final designs whilst others weren't.

What will you do differently next time?

For our brief we each worked on a piece each, next time I feel it would be benefitial to combine all our efforts into one product to make the best we can of time, the combination of our skills and effor.

Where could you have improved your resolution?

I don't feel we were direct enough with our resolution, it was based around the problem rather than direct.

What were the strengths of your presentation?

Unfortunatly I was unable to make the presentation, but I do know we were fully prepared with notes, mount boards, and aware of our approach to the problem.


HOW TO: Rational