Guarantees
Technology
This year I have learned so much about the technology that is used to creative graphic design. Through projects, I learned different tools in the software; every project taught me something new. In my first project, name typography, I learned how to manipulate type and convey an image strictly through fonts. In my final project, non-profit advertising, I learned how to use InDesign to set up body text and make large bodies of copy interesting to read and look at. I have learned so many other things about technology as well. Recently, I have learned how to make mockups. Mockups are so important for portfolios because they show how the project would look finished. There was also some difficulties with learning new software. InDesign was foreign to me until this year but by the end I felt comfortable using it to make print media. Overall, I think I have learned the most about software and technology this year than ever before. Having knowledge of all of the tools in the software will help me next year and in my future as a graphic designer.
Collaboration
While there were no partner projects this year, I learned how to collaborate while doing separate work. Throughout every project the class would have critiques in small groups. These critiques provided a time where collaboration was a must. Critiques got a large group together and introduced new ideas to make projects even better. These meeting taught me how to take other people's ideas and suggestion and combine them with your own vision to get out phenomenal work. For example, on the rebranding project there were several things that I changed because of my instructor's and other classmates' suggestions. I got 2nd place at e-Magine for that project and I know that I wouldn't have achieved that without the help of critiques. This year also taught me how to ask for help on my own without being in a set up critique. Often, people around me and I find ourselves asking each other for help in pairing fonts, choosing a color, and other details. I have learned so much from my classmates and the collaboration in our classroom has directly benefitted everybody's projects. Collaboration is definitely a skill that I will use onward in both graphic design and other situations.
Communication
Communication also played a huge roll this year. Every aspect of graphic design must communicate a message. I learned a lot about the communication of messages through design in my rebranding project. The color scheme, fonts, logo, everything had to communicate some message. It is so important that projects communicate something because it catches the audiences eye and makes them think about the project. The other aspect of communication is communicating with clients to fit there needs. While I did some work for friends, I only had one big client project. This project taught me the importance of meeting with clients and fully understanding their wants and needs. This client did a great job showing me examples and some of the decorations for the event I was designing an invitation to. However, she had a very quick deadline and was unclear as to when she needed them done so that caused some minor confusion. Everything ended up going well but this taught me the importance of having clarity in everything for a client. The prom poster design was another project where we had to fit the clients needs. The junior committee presented their ideas for the prom poster and we made some options for them to choose from. Meeting their vision was super important because they voted for the posters that went along with their theme the best. Communication within the design and communication with clients are both very important skills that I have learned this year.
Project Management
Project management was an important skill to obtain this year. There were several deadline throughout each project that we had to meet to critique, print, or put on our portfolios. While I believe I met every big deadline, I still had some struggles that taught me how to do better in the future. On a few projects I had to work at home to complete them. Doing the projects outside of school is something I want to try more next year. When more time to pay attention to details is taken, the project could end up being 10x better. While some projects were done in a bit of a time crunch, I think that it's alright because attention to detail is what caused them to take longer. Balancing client work and class projects was a new form of project management that I experienced this year. While I was doing client work, I didn't have much time to spend on my class project for about a week. This caused me to have to design some of my brochure at home. The skill of completing projects to the best of my ability on time and balancing client work with class projects were both skills that I have obtained this year and will continue to use.
Leadership
Leadership was reflected this year through critiques. For the first part of the year I think that my leadership skills struggled. During critiques I generally laid low unless there was a direct suggestion I thought would be really helpful. The reason for this is because I did not feel confident in my knowledge of skills to make suggestions often. First semester I was still learning and with a classroom that had experienced seniors, I let them do most of the talking because I trusted their suggestions more than mine. However, by second semester I felt confident in giving my input in critiques because I had learned enough to know what to suggest. It's so important to give input because that advice could help fellow designers learn and make their projects better.
Strengths and Weaknesses
I learned a lot about my self and my abilities this year - including my strengths and weaknesses. I think that branding is a great strength of mine. I really enjoy using my creativity to make a brand and a theme for that brand. I also think that overall I'm pretty creative in my projects and I am good at finding new ways to convey messages. Collaboration is also a strength of mine. I have always asked other for help and suggestions on small details like choosing between two different shades of green to more obvious things like picking between title fonts. While I have some strengths, I also have weaknesses. I struggled a lot with packaging my logo for my rebranding. I had the vision but I just couldn't get the logo packaged right. With the help of classmates I came to a solution. I think this year I have learned how to be creative in solving problems. Given the challenge of making that logo now, I think I could have found a solution easier. However, I still do need to work on leadership. Next year, I will be a senior and I will need to be a great leader to help junior learn just as much as I have learned this year. That is definitely a skillI want to improve next year.
Changes
Given the opportunity, there are few things I would change. Everything that has happened this year has shaped me into the place that I am at right now. Every process was a learning experience and I'm happy that I needed help at times because it taught me so much. The only thing I would change is my outside of class work. I really want to become endorsed but I only had about 35 hours this year. The goal was 50 so I am slightly disappointed. This summer I want to try to find some projects to do so that I can possibly get to 50 hours before the school year begins. Next year I want to actively ask classmates if they need help with designs and ask my instructor if there are any projects if I feel that I am not getting enough hours. Other than that, I wouldn't change anything.
Future
Next year I'm going to use everything that I have learned this year. All of the technological skills will help me greatly when I can combine them all next year. I'll continue to communicate and manage my projects well. I also will be a better leader since I will be a senior. I am planning on being a graphic design and going into the marketing industry so everything that I am learning now will help me in college and eventually in my career.
Conclusion
This year has been a great year full of learning and expressing skills. From my first project to now I have grown so much. I learned so many new tools and how to keep a great portfolio. I also got to do some real client work which is such an important experience. I can't wait to express all of my new skills and learn more next year. E-comm has been so beneficial to me not only as a designer but as a person because all of these skills can be applied very day. All of my experiences have made me better and I look forward to learning more next year.
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