Things I have learnt...

Before I began Graphic Design, level 04, I had limited skills on both Photoshop and Illustrator and thanks to the course my software skills have continuously improved over the last year. I’ve become comfortable designing using the software and I find myself discovering new tools and shortcuts that of course aid my work efficiency. However, I’ve still got a lot more to learn in this area. Looking back at my work showed me that I’d like to be a lot more experimental as I’d like to be able to use Photoshop/Illustratotor to aid some illustration and photography.

Due to the type and grid layout workshop, my understanding of the overall composition in a piece of design has been broadened. It showed me to be a lot more playful with the placement of type and image, along with having a much better understanding of clarity and order. Although I felt confident with layout before starting the course, my eye for design work has definitely improved as I feel much more aware of spatial set up, looking at negative spacing etc.

Gathering research hasn’t been one of my strongest points, however, this course has taught me that it plays a key role in design development. For me, collection 100 played a big part in the development of my research skills as it was a long brief that really required background information that ended up being vital in order for my brief to get to where it was.

Colour theory really emphasised the importance of the selection of colour within design. I’d really like to develop that professionalism with the use of pantones in my work, as looking back over my work from level 04, I don’t think I payed enough attention to this area.

My awareness of the choice of type used within a design also improved. I now have a better understanding of the specificity of type, as I’m aware that the smallest of changes to the build of a typeface can make quite a dramatic impact to the look of the design. During the ‘typeface’ brief I got a better understanding of actually how difficult it is to create a suitable typeface. I’d like to look at venturing into making my own typefaces at level 05 as it’s a skill that I’d really like to have as a graphic designer.

Blogging has been a weak area of level 04 for me. Documenting each stage of development through a given brief has been something that I’ve found hard to stay on top of. However, I’ve learnt it’s a vital part of the design process and I will be allocating time in order to get it done.

One of the biggest things I’ve learnt this year is time management. The professionalism of the course has truly taught me the importance of time management in the world of graphic design. Although it took some persistence, I eventually learnt to stay on top of things with ordered work and punctuality and I felt so much better for it. Efficiency is the most important thing I’ve taken from level 04 as its really opened my eyes to how crucial it is in the design industry.

Although I did a bit of screenprinting on my foundation course, my skills in printing definitely developed with my elective. Now I’ve improved my time management I’d like to bring print into my designs a lot more as love the finish of a print.

Since September I’ve found my ability to discover key sources, that will aid my design, has improved. I’ve really enjoyed looking at contemporoary graphic designers 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’ve also developed a big interest in brand identity and graphic design for fashion which I’m planning on looking into at level 05.

Anther key thing I’ve learnt is to answer the brief.  Reading through exactly what is required is something that I now take time over. I’d say the ‘opposite’ brief helped with this as specific task compared to some of the more open briefs that had been set.

Visual language really helped me find different ways of visually communicating through type and image. It aided my creativity skills such as book making and folding. These skills will be helpful to carry through to level 05.

Things I intend to focus on...

At level 05 I plan to make the most of my studio time. My work rate, along with the quality of work being produced, will definitely increase if I make the most out of the available workspaces provided. This way I can complete the briefs efficiently with a larger body of work behind them.

I’d like to be a lot more playful with stock, as I don’t feel like I experimented enough with it during level 04. With this I want to look at the relationship between type, image and stock to really get that sophisticated feel to my designs.

The main thing I aim to achieve is to significantly develop my ideas for communication through type and image. For image, I’d maybe like to bring photography/illustration into my designs as I feel like I didn’t pay enough attention to either at level 04. I intend to massively improve my knowledge on the appropriate application of type. If I could achieve both these things then I’ll have shaper and more sophisticated design work.

After the InDesign workshop I’m keen to learn more screen-based design. This will aid my briefs as well as allowing me to develop a wider knowledge with design possibilities. Moving image is something I’d like to learn as it’s a skill but more importantly I’d like to become familiar with web design. Both will prove to be very useful to me as a graphic designer and it will help me take a more self-directed role.

Illustrator and Photoshop are both vital pieces of software that I’d like to really like to master. Although my software skills have improved over the year there’s clearly a lot that I still need to learn and by doing so I’ll be able to improve my work standard, as it’ll help to achieve that professional look.

Group work is something that I’ve never been too fond of, however, it’s a pretty crucial skill that I’d like to improve. By doing so, I can also improve my professional practise which will play a big part in level 05.

Having print as my elective has really encouraged me to experiment with different printing methods. I like the concept of print as it adds that traditional and personal touch to the design and I personally love the finish you get from a nice quality screen print. I’d also like to produce some printed illustrative design work.

Promotion and packaging is an area that I’d like to develop a greater understanding of. They’re both another area of graphic design that I’d like to improve on as it’s something that will aid my development as a designer. Not only will it improve my knowledge but my practical skills too.

I will pay more attention to my target audience. Upping both the quality and quantity of my primary research within my briefs will do this. It will ensure I have a solid understanding of the brief requirements and have a large impact on the final outcome of the design.

I think I should put more time and effort into re-working or developing the projects after the studio deadline. This will help me to take a brief to its full potential as well encourage me to develop my ideas fully. As a result I’ll have a fuller body of work and an improved eye for the possibilities of design.

Blogging is definitely something that I’ll be staying on top of at level 05. Documenting my work development will help me to improve my time management and allow me to stay organised. It also simply allows me to view my work in an ordered way.