OUGD602: PPP- Module Evaluation

Throughout the my final year PPP has been its most valuable as it has allowed me to understand who I am as a designer at this current moment and what I want to achieve after graduation. Completing two design placements was part of this process as it allowed me to understand what type of studio environment I do not want to work in but also what I enjoy too. Throughout this year I feel as though I am beginning to understand more how I work and who I am as a designer. Over the extended practice briefs I have found that I enjoy creating branding and packaging amongst various other briefs but the main focus of my work is impact. My use of colour and want to create bold and interesting graphic design is across all of my projects. Through completing Brief 1 (self branding) I have been able to create a CV and business cards/ portfolio that I am proud of and this will enable me to network at the end of year show and penguin design awards. Working on collaborative briefs throughout PPP and design Practice has ensure that I am able communicate my ideas effectively and I am starting to gain confidence working with other people as up to this point I have only enjoyed working on projects by myself. Overall PPP has taught me to be confident about myself and my designs and to keep trying to share my work with studios. This will hopefully lead to a paid role in a studio where I can continue to learn and develop as a graphic designer. 

OUGD603: Brief 9- Working collaboratively

Within brief 9 of extended practice I worked collaboratively with Natasha who owns a new custom made candle store called SUNDAY.

Working with her was a great experience as I was able to gain an understanding as a business owner what she needed to achieve to progress her sales. Finding design solutions to this problem of her packaging not catching attention was a fun task. Packaging design is something I would like to continue with in the future as it is a different process to flat design. 

Working collaboratively with Natasha was a completely different experience compared to other university projects. However learning how to communicate with others and explain concepts and ideas is a brilliant way for me to gain my confidence in design. Over summer I aim to continue with completing small freelance projects to continue this learning process.

OUGD602: Job Applications

http://onlystudio.co.uk/contact-only/

This morning I applied for the design Job at Only. This is a studio I have contacted previously on the phone to attempt to gain work experience with. I sent a covering letter and CV with samples of my work so hopefully I should hear back from them. Regardless having completed Brief 1 for self branding I feel more confident in being able to send over my work and over summer I will continue the job hunt. 

OUGD603: Brief 8. Working with Jacqui.

Within extended practice I worked Collaboratively with a company called the Practical Printer to create laser cute wedding stationary for them to sell online and showcase their new purchase of a new laser cutting machine. 

Working for a paid live client is entirely different to working on university projects as there is an added pressure on time management skills to complete the project in order to keep the client happy and receive payment. Jacqui was a pleasure to work with and she was incredibly clear what the company wanted to achieve. Jacqui was also incredibly complimentary and he emails just had an aura of joy, this pleasant nature and happy attitude is absolutely brilliant and something all designs should use, its incredibly infectious and makes you positive and excited about the project.

In the near future this could potentially also turn into an ongoing project as they are in the beginning stages of setting up a website to sell the printed products on. Once they have created test prints I will be able to receive printed hard copies of my designs in the post on various stocks which will be great!

OUGD602/3: My Design Practice (BRIEF 1)

Throughout this year I have been gaining more confidence in my designs and pushing myself to show how each brief can be across a range of collateral. Gaining feedback from design studios has been a great way for me to become more confident about my work and I am hopeful that eventually I will be able to work in a job that is both fulfilling and enjoyable. Using Behance as a digital platform has been really useful as I have gained many contact experiences from it and it is a great way to send a quick link to a profile.

OUGD602: PPP, BRIEF 2: Junior Designer Jobs

I created a CV/ application on 'JobLab' which claims to be one of the best ways to seek work as a student/ graduate. So far I haven't heard any responses or opportunities but I will continue to keep looking as one of my sources for junior designer roles. 

Job Application: 

Whilst looking online for Junior Designer Roles I came across this graduate role at a marketing company in the city centre. From looking on their website I loved the playful tone of voice and general aura of the studio so therefore I sent in an application. I will be contacted by the design team within the next two weeks to discuss work and my application. 

OUGD602/3: PPP BRIEF 1/2 Portfolio Review with Robot Food!

Robot Food

Julia & Ben the senior designers came for portfolio surgeries 

The pages I printed to show Robot Food: I chose my most recent and current pieces as they are more up to date and I am confident with the success of these designs. 

Feedback: 

Their favourite pieces were Penguin, tumtums and Rio Sol. They also showed an interest in the Macaroons brief. Overall the feedback was really positive and they expressed that I had some great simple ideas. They really liked viewing the artwork on the tablet too on Behance and suggested that for interviews I take the tablet with me. They also suggested better ways to describe my work and how to present it with more confidence. 

The experience was really good and I am now feeling a lot more confident about my pieces for my portfolio. There wasn't necessarily any negative feedback only to always think of new ways in bringing a brand to life especially with new briefs and to keep doing work over the summer for myself to keep building my own personal skills and concept thinking. After speaking to Robot Food it has made me think positively about the end of year show and how I can push myself to create the best brief I possibly can.