ppd

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.