OUGD505 EVALUATION

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

I think one of the main skills that has developed are my skills in the print room. I have an ever growing interest in print and have been looking for excuses to push my screen print practice. This module allowed me to experiment and play with glow in the dark inks which has been a really fun and rewarding process. I had quite a few problems in the print room initially, I had bought glow ion the dark phosphorus powder online which turned out to have quite thick particles ion which didn't exactly fit through the screens. It managed to give a covering of paint but the ability to glow was quite poor with this powder. Fortunately one of the technicians had ordered some proper glow in the dark binder to test something out. She was kind enough to let me use it for my prints.

My time management skills have definitly been on form this module. I havn't been stressed out at all to be honest. I have planned and organized my time to allow room for errors. I managed to get all my illustrations completed in a few days of solid work which set me on track to get in the print room. I had left myself loads of time after printing in order to set up my exhibition. I was all set up and photographed last week so these final few days have been very relaxed
 

2. What approaches to methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

Trial and error has helped along the way in all the briefs for 505. I created around 4 different walls until I got it right. This took up allot of time but was worth it in the end, I ended up cutting the mirrored sections out wrong twice which was a shame as there are not as many mirrored bricks as I would of liked. This has taught me to double check everything as simple mistakes like that can cost hundreds of pounds in the industry.

This module has really helped develop my conceptual thinking. At the start of the year It was all about producing good looking work, but as the year has gone by it become apparent that a good concept beats a good design any day, but its getting the balance of a good concept and good design that is important. The workshops have helped to expand my creative thinking of how a brand can be extended and pushed through all different kinds of media.

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

Once again time management has definitely been one of my strong points, this meant that I have been able to produce a substantial amount of work for each of the briefs to a professional standard. Giving myself a good amount of time for a brief will ensure that the final outcome is well informed and as good as it can be. Next year I hope to keep up my work flow as this has helped me allot. Designing is more fun when you are satisfied with the outcome.

I think another plus is my curiosity to try something a bit different, I feel too many people rely on james to print stuff out when sometimes it can be more fun or relevant to try different production processes. This module I have experimented with the laser cutter and screen printing, I have gained new knowledge about each of the process which will help with future projects.

I have gathered an extensive amount of research this module for 505 and it has definitely helped along the way, after researching for what is good I felt like I was an expert on glow in the dark, this made it easy for me to explain and talk about my concept in crits as I could cover every question asked.

4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?

This module has gone great to be honest, if anything has let me down it will be my analytical writing, I could probably write more but some times I just dont know what to say. I guess this will just improve with time. 

Presentation Boards are not one of my strong points, I think I need practice presenting information as I often feel my concept boards look unprofessional. Experimenting with different grids could improve the layout of my boards. I sometimes use too many images and don't take advantage of the white space.

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

Time Management 

Time management went great this module, but I did find I had to work on some small tasks way past when I should of. It didn't come as a problem though as I had left myself enough time to get it done. But next time I will do my work when I get it depending on what over work is due in.

Experiment with Different Programs

I think it will be useful to get to grips with programs I have not given much time such as After effects and photoshop. I find it hard to mock things up as my photoshop skills are not up to scratch. Sometimes it can make a big difference showing how your work can look in context so this is something I would like to develop.

Developing a Concept

My concepts have become stronger over the course of the module, and I have begun to think more about the message rather than the aesthetics of the design. It is important to keep pushing ideas to try and produce clever work.

Photographing Work

Allthough I did develop my photography skills over the module I still think there is room for improvement as not all the photos I got of my products were great. I think it makes a huge difference taking nice pictures as it makes the products looks professional and sometimes can emphasise the finish.

Better Design Boards
My design boards arn't up to scratch and definitly need improving. The better the design board the clearer the message.

6. How would you grade yourself in the following areas?

(5 = excellent, 4=very good, 3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = poor)

Attendance = 5

Punctuality = 5

Motivation = 5

Commitment = 5

Quantity of Work Produced =5

Quality of work produced =4

Contribution to the group = 4