OUGD603 Module Evaluation

On reflection, the module and the briefs I have completed within the timeframe I am proud of. I have attempted a broad range of briefs and new challenges this year, with results I am happy with. I made it my mission to attempt a range of briefs, make use of the college facilities which would encourage me to leave my comfort zone and just go for it as its final year. Looking back over this module has made me realise that I have produced a good amount of work. I was initially concerned with the amount I had done, but everything seemed to fall into place in the last few weeks. I found that the workshops organised over this module, were extremely inspiring and helpful for me. I really enjoyed being able to speak to creatives and work with people who have years of experience in the industry.

I learnt about the importance of collaboration and have really benefited from working collaboratively within large groups, small groups and with other students on different courses and outside of the course. I enjoyed the constant feedback amongst one another, I feel that feedback is really important even when refining your own ideas. Also that research really drives design. However, if I were to have more time on the module, here are some things I would do differently:

• Blog as I go to save more time in the long run. I just find blogging the worst.
• Manage my time better, so I can achieve a higher quality of work in a short time frame. However, I already think I am good at working under pressure. 
• Set more time to produce design boards, I did not rush my design boards this year. However, they are a lot more time-consuming than you can imagine.
• Take more pictures of the processes involved in the development of my projects so that I can keep a visual record. I always forget to take screenshots and pictures of what I am up to. 

At the beginning of the year I admittedly struggled with motivation as I realised that Design is something that I do not necessarily want to do in the long run, so found it quite difficult to get my mojo and interest. Since adopting the gym last year gym a lot and I find it really helps with my attitude towards life as well as my degree, it keeps me calm and I find I do not stress and I can really find my focus. I simply can’t stand just spending the day sat on in front of the computer screen, I have to get up and do things. It has been a huge learning experience and I have finally started to come to terms with what I want to do when I leave!

My confidence in myself and design is something that has changed dramatically, I would never have thought I would be able to speak clearly and confidently to a room full of people. Since placement and receiving good feedback has made me feel so much more confident in my abilities and just feeling overwhelmed by the feedback, I have adopted "I am good enough mentality", and I honestly feel I've reached a new milestone. For this reason, I now feel ready to approach the world of work. Whereas in previous years, I felt I was as good as others people on my course. However this mentality has changed, and I believe that self-belief is everything, and so crucial if you want others to believe it too.

Overall, I am looking forward to work on the final show and produce something that I really happy with and am proud of, especially as it does not have to fit into any learning criteria. It will be really nice to let my creativity run free without any limitations, such as the blogging and design boards.

At this point in time though, I feel that I am concept-led Graphic Designer with a focus on branding and editorial. I strive to develop innovative and authentic ideas with creative solutions that will make an impact. I enjoy working collaboratively as a team in a busy studio environment. However, in the future, I hope to study a Masters in Business Marketing. This will really develop clear and conceptual thinking, as well as improving on analytical skills and strengthen my project management skills, as well as translating marketing theory into practice.