BA (Hons.) GRAPHIC DESIGN – END OF MODULE SELF-EVALUATION

Module Title: 'A day in the life of...'


1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?

Throughout this image module I have learnt to consider drawing differently and I almost have a different outlook on it. I have learnt to always look at different viewpoints in which objects can be drawn and how different strokes of brush effect the feel and asthetics. I have used ink before but only briefly so this module was a chance to perfect my skills in that area and I came to realise that I really like that media and may start using it in my work more in the future.

2. What approaches to generating work and solutions to problems have you developed and how have they helped?

I think I was constantly on top of all my work thinking about my concepts and trying to develop on them quickly and effectively in the time that we were given. For all the set briefs I made sure I researched and blogged inspiration to me which helped me and I have realised how important is to be constantly looking at what is out there.
I tried to step away from medias that I found comfortable I wanted this brief to be a chance to experiment with new design principles.

3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?

I think that I work really well with watercolours...back in college I always used to use them for everything but I kind of stepped away from them to try other medias when I came to Leeds College so it was nice to go back to them and use them for a brief that was really appropriate and I think the overall effect and style worked really well with my ink drawings...which was a new media for me but I think I used it effectively.
I think I drawing techniques are quite strong although like I said earlier I think I need to improve on drawing from my imagination instead of copying.
I really want to start combing type and image together more often and I think doing this module has given me the confidence to really go for it and start specialising and focusing in on areas of design that really interest me and I want to take further.
I think also I think I can quite easily think of concepts for design problems and can develop on them quickly.

4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how could you exploit these more fully?

I think that one weakness that I stopped almost straight away is that I am not very good at drawing from imagination...for me to be pleased with my drawings I have to copy from an existing image but I think through doing this module it has given me confidence in my drawing abilities and I think to exploit this fully I think I have to make sure I keep an on going little sketch book drawing maybe two or three images a day to constantly perfect my skills.
I think through crit discussions it became apparent that I lack direction slightly in my concepts and designs so in order to perfect that I need to make sure I take time in developing my ideas exploiting all possible outcomes so that the final is something that is clear and appropriate.

5. Identify five things that you will do different next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?

1. I would print my final outcome for my 'day in the life of...' on A1 paper as after reflection I feel that it would have looked more effective as a bigger format I think it would have created more impact.

2. I think again with the brief 'day in the life of...' I would have tried photographing my torn out pages from Hunters diary on say different surfaces instead of just the obvious desk...maybe like a bed or a park bench or something.

3. With my eyechart I would re print it on to A2 paper as as it is standing now it is made up of two A3 pieces of paper which does not look as professional so I think I need to become more precise and save up money for print credits.

4. I have never really been that good at working in 3D so I think I need to carry on experimenting and practicing in that area of design as I felt that other peoples work was really impressive.

5. I think I should keep a image sketch book to constantly draw in when ever I get the chance so that my drawing skills improve.