OUPD101 RESUBMISSION
LEVEL 04 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.
I did, however, have a lot more learn and looking back at first year I can see that I have achieved a great deal with developing my skills as a designer. Although I did a bit of screenprinting on my foundation course, the time I had during my elective really improved my skills in print. I was introduced to a wide range of printing methods such as letterpress and monoprint and I now feel confident enough to use the printing facilities that are provided at Leeds college of Art. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I aim to continue to develop these skills at level 05, as I personally love the finish that is achieved with a good quality screenprint.
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. Doing so will help me to improve my time management and allow me to stay organised.
Another weak part of level 04 for me was time management. I’ve had to pay a lot of attention to it over the year and it’s had a significant effect on my time on the course. 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 it’s really opened my eyes to how crucial it is in the design industry
Something I’ve found really helpful is the side projects that got set during first year, from book-making to colour theory. These things have massively helped me to develop as a designer. I truly enjoyed applying these skills in my designs, such as the hotdog-fold books. It’s nice to have that new knowledge when it comes to design as not only does it broaden my skills as a designer but also it helped me gain an appreciation of the different skills required in design. I’d really like to take my colour theory knowledge further at level 05.
Something I’ve found really helpful is the side projects that got set during first year, from book-making to colour theory. These things have massively helped me to develop as a designer. I truly enjoyed applying these skills in my designs, such as the hotdog-fold books. It’s nice to have that new knowledge when it comes to design as not only does it broaden my skills as a designer but also it helped me gain an appreciation of the different skills required in design. I’d really like to take my colour theory knowledge further at level 05.
Since September I’ve found my ability to discover key sources has improved. I’ve really enjoyed looking at contemporary 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. 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. 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.
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. Along with InDesign, 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.
More specifically, there’s a few areas of graphic design that caught my interest nearer the end of level 04. 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 also 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.
More specifically, there’s a few areas of graphic design that caught my interest nearer the end of level 04. 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 also 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.
Before I take that more self-directed route, I aim to significantly develop my ideas for communication through type and image. I experimented with this in the 'Speaking from experience' brief but I've still got a lot to learn.
The type and grid workshop really helped me with this. At level 05, 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 sharper and more sophisticated design work. Alongside this 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 type and grid workshop really helped me with this. At level 05, 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 sharper and more sophisticated design work. Alongside this 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.
My time at level 04 has been improved on the key skills I need to develop as a graphic designer and at level 05 I plan to make the most of my studio time. The quality and quantity 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. Although I’ve learnt a lot in a creative sense, I’d say the main thing I’ve walked away with is an appreciation for professionalism. I’ve learnt to manage my time and work at a more efficient rate. Thanks to the tutors on (Ba Hons)Graphic Design I’ve massively developed as a designer and it’s really been an amazing experience. I’m so excited to begin level 05 and truly make to most out of the opportunities that are provided.
