Who Am I? Why Am I Here?

5 things learned so far on the programme:

• The importance in developing a range of distinct/varied ideas.
• A higher level of design theory and principles - especially typographic (typesetting, size etc.)
• Realising / fully establishing my own design style direction (luxury).
• How working in the industry will be like (multiple briefs).
• More developed ability in process technicalities.

5 things I want to know more about:

• Editorial design - more complex understanding.
• Available print finishes.
• Working in the design industry.
• Freelance work / working for yourself.
• Internships / placements.

5 skills considered as personal strengths:

• Perviously developed understanding of design principles and theory.
• Clear identification of my own style/desired design direction.
• Design skills - experience in a range of processes in print/finishes/binding etc.
• Comfort / experience in use of Adobe Creative suite.
• Ability in writing and professional written documentation of work.

5 things that you want to improve:

• Time management.
• Speaking/presenting in front of/to others.
• Equal effort put into all modules/brief as opposed to focusing on one and neglecting others.
• Knowledge on editorial design.
• Being less 'safe' and being able to 'let go' and be less restricted.

Identify 5 practitioners / companies that demonstrate your interest in Graphic Design:

• Craig Ward
• Maricor Maricar
• G F Smith (paper stocks).
• Pressision.
• ORO design.

Identify 5 websites/online resources that demonstrate your areas of interest within the creative industries:

• Its Nice That.
• Creative Bloq.
• Pinterest.
• Instagram.
• DIY tutorials.

OUGD502 - Level 4 Reflective Analysis

Throughout level 04 I felt restricted by the briefs as I believe they did not allow me the opportunity to design in my desired style as they had been curated to allow for everyone on the course to experience all aspects of design, though following two years of A-Level Graphic Design and a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design thereafter, I had already began to identify the sort of work I wanted to produce before starting the course. I missed the freedom of more open briefs that could be interpreted any which way I desired, and being able to select the outcomes' form/point of delivery. As a result of this, I didn't hold much confidence in the work I had produced in the first year - excluding my self branding in response to this module.

The above is not to say the first year of the course was not beneficial, nor that I didn't learn anything, because I without a doubt learnt a tremendous amount. I believe I started the course with a moderate foundation of knowledge, which allowed me to develop and progress without being overwhelmed by the abundance of new information and theory being delivered through the taught sessions, study tasks and lectures.

Presenting work last year is something I found extremely difficult. I easily become overwhelmed when faced with presenting to a group of people as a result of my lack of self confidence and reluctance to be seen. I anticipate that presenting will be something that I have to do much more throughout level 05, and therefore plan to try and develop my skills in this subject and coping mechanisms to relieve the anxiety I associate with the task.

Feedback received in relation to Personal & Professional practice last year detailed a greater engagement with the industry would have resulted in a higher grade. In level 05 I hope to achieve this through identification of emerging industry/sector news and attendance of events that are relevant to my practice.

At the end of last year, I was able to identify that my passion within graphic design is ultimately hand crafted, luxury pieces and perhaps most typically in an editorial setting. This year, I hope the work I produce will allow me to further identify and establish a practice predominantly concerned with the luxury sector and bespoke, crafted design. I had also identified through self-analysis that my self confidence and belief in myself as an individual and designer needed to be worked on. I hope that this year I will be able to build confidence, find progress in my abilities as a designer and produce portfolio-worthy pieces of work.