PPD REPORT
In order to really look at what I’ve learnt at level 04, I
must first look at the skills I had when I began the course. I’ve always been
determined to study on a creative, art-based course. It was only after my BTEC
Foundation Diploma at UCA (University of the Creative Arts, Maidstone) that I
discovered my suitability for Graphic Design. Balance, composition and layout
have always been of high importance to me and I this most likely came from my
interest of photography. I wanted to take photographs further in order to
communicate. Graphic Design allowed me to do so, as well as using both
illustration and type which for me was ideal. I gained the basic skills in the
appropriate software and felt comfortable starting the course at level 04. When
i compare my graphic design skills to what they were three years ago it’s very
clear that i’ve developed as a designer. I begain graphic Design during my
foundation year. Originally i thought i was going to choose photography as it’s
always been something i’ve been interested in and it inspired me to take
photgraphy further to do graphic design.
In first year my ability to discover key sources improved.
I really enjoyed looking at graphic design studios, as a lot of their work has
been inspiring. By the end of level 04 I had developed a far greater
understanding of other designers and the different areas of graphic design I
could aim towards. I also developed a big interest in brand identity and
graphic design for fashion. My ability to gather research hasn’t been one of my
strongest points, however, this course has taught me that it plays a key role
in design development
During second year,
developed a strong interest in print-based design. I think this derived
from the satisfaction of having a well-printed, finalised design in my hand,
whether it’s from screenprint or digital. OUGD203 allowed me to print onto
textile, which was a new challenge but after I got the hang of it I really
enjoyed it. The second thing I took from level 5 is my passion for working with
image and colour. During the collaboration for Fedrigoni I thoroughly enjoyed
playing with image and finding that balance of image with type and as a result
I was happy with how the finalised designs came out.
Third year has allowed be to find myself as a designer.
I’ve always felt a bit lost with graphic design but level 6 has allowed me to
find areas of design that i like and be a lot more experimental with layout,
colour and processes. Although i don’t tend to be happy with the work i
produce, i feel like i’ve become a lot more content with my designs. If i put
the effort in to take a brief to its full potential then I’m a lot more
satisfied with the final designs.
My biggest inspiration this year has to come from Richard
Robinson art direction and design studio. They’re based in London and
specialise in design for music and fashion, which are the two main areas that I
see myself specialising in. I find their work so visually pleasing, with strong
applications of colour, typography and balance. Their work is new and
innovative and this is clearly recognised with the studio winning at least 15
prestigious awards since 2004. Richard Robinson gives me something to work
towards with my designs and I’ll hopefully be making a studio visit this
summer. Other studios that have inspired me this year include Heydays, Build
and Tappin Gofton. Making studio visits and potential placements will really
help with my industrial experience and design skills.
Also Sawdust studio has inspired my work, with their disciplines
including custom typography, image-making, identity and art direction across
music, culture and fashion. Their approach has earned them a worldwide
reputation for creating visually striking work that is thoughtful, innovative
and meticulously crafted.
Non-Format has been a studio I’ve been watching for a while
now.
Together they work on a range of
projects including art direction, design, illustration and custom typography.
Being image based myself, I really admire the experimental image work, especially
within the music artwork. Photography also plays a key part in this design
studio. Inventory studio Inventory Studio is a place for serious and considered
play. They take on projects they believe in, aiming to always produce well
researched, intelligent, thoughtful and concept driven work.
Since my time on the course, time management has been my
downfall. I’ve tried changing it and I’ve definitely
improved, however, I still struggle with it. I work quite well under pressure
and so maybe having so much time to do a brief doesn’t work for me. My strength
from this year has to be variation. I’ve designed a wide range of logos,
created experimental image work which I’m quite happy with and explored print processes.
Although graphic
design has been a bit of a struggle for me, I’m definitely glad I did it. It’s
allowed me to be creative and think visually. The only problem I have with it
is sitting at a screen for too long which is something I can potentially work
around. I haven’t made any sold plans for next year as I’m making my mind up. I
think I’ll apply for a year’s course on photography in London. I feel graphic
design would aid this and it could open up a lot more opportunities for me
within the industry. That’s the good thing about graphic design; you can relate
it back to almost everything.
