OUDG603 - Module Evaluation

This module was a great opportunity to fully immerse myself in any design process I wanted. Keeping the project approach opened allowed me to look at ways I could push myself and create a varied amount of variables. Working with clients for this module was a really great experience to have before becoming a full time freelancer after University. I was able to develop stronger skills in time management and professionalism by setting up meetings and calls with the clients to discuss the commissions. To keep on task with the commissions, many deadlines were set, breaking content submissions down to, initial ideas, development, further development and final outcome - always leaving 3 days of time before the submission to have leeway for any problems that may have arose.  My commission work with Amahla was a great success as it resulted in getting a second submission to design Merch for her next big concert.

My time management for my projects were well kept to and adapted if there were any problems that arose. I left a 5 days before hand-in to cover design boards and any extra blogs or details that need to be added. I was able to complete 9 briefs that are all different from each other representing my multidisciplinary background. Originally 10 briefs were going to be complete however making a zine for MEND fell through, as I wasn't given sufficient amount of information about the brief in order to start it - and logistically it didn’t leave me enough time to approach it professionally with research and initial concepts to make a strong outcome.  I will however have the opportunity to work on the zine after University. During my time in third year I did have moments where I had to be more observant of my mental health following a tough start to the year with a family member getting severe cancer - however taking a little bit of time from Uni I was able to catch up all projects and manage my time more cautiously.

This year I did have difficult situations to handle at home, which made focussing on my work really hard, I learnt from this experience, taking away the fact that you can’t overwork to much or it will really affect your health. I was able to slowly get back to normal and carry on with my workload - but it did affect my time management plan setting my back a week late.

I learnt many new skills during this module, the most adventurous being how to make and set resin with object submerged into them; something I probably didn’t think I would learn when writing my statement of intent. The cover for my ‘Plastic Ocean’ book was a clear representation of think outside of the box and learning new unique skills that you wouldn't normally see Graphic Design students doing; another example being my Penguin book cover design where I hand cut and assembles the final design.

What I will take from this project is that there are really no limits when you put your mind to getting something done. Both the Tell a Lie and MassArts work were completed in the space of three days and were both successful outcomes in correspondence to the brief. I will take this whole module as a lesson to not limit myself to my creative ideas, and to always push myself.