BA (Hons.

) GRAPHIC DESIGN
Module Code Module Title OUGD301 DESIGN PRACTICE

LEVEL

06

END OF MODULE SELF-EVALUATION

NAME

Joe Warburton

1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them? This module has been a real eye-opener. A good eye-opener as Ive learnt a lot an enormous amount in fact. Ive experimented with a multitude of print processes and binding techniques that I would have otherwise ignored in the past couple of years and Ive enjoyed the process from start to finish. Envisioning a publication is simple but it is great to see this put into practice in the form of a tactile and interactive product. Every aspect of the module has been helpful in some form, whether it be through project management and learning how to prioritise my time effectively or discovering what stock is best for perfect binding it varied quite substantially. The projects I chose allowed me to explore branding in more depth, something that I intended to do from the start within my rationale as it is an area of design I seem to be most engaged with. Working on a live project with Luke OBrien (Creative Networks) provided an opportunity to work with with a client from the initial briefing to the final outcome with us having to set interim deadlines, pitch our ideas to the department and ultimately having our designs translated to a real environment which was a great success. The competition brief allowed me to be more playful with design through experimentation into format and interactivity within publication design.

2. What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process? Aforementioned, I have really tried to push myself in terms of experimenting with various methods of design production. In the Form and writing project, I was introduced to hand embossing, something that I thought would not be possible using the university facilities. This then informed my Reel film magazine project, as I was able to translate what I had proposed into practice. I noticed through completing my competition brief in such a short turnaround, that I thrive within short deadlines, as it is essential to make quick design decisions. I often dwell on decision-making and constantly require clarification on my ideas before I expand and develop what I have (or in most case, what I need to have). I rarely looked at book binding in the past but within this module, I have managed to create a fully completed and bound publication for the competition brief and a proposed bound publication in the form of my Reel film magazine. One key skill / lesson I obtained through the entire process, however, was to treat every project like a story or a journey. If it is a brand redesign for a client, for instance, I need to imagine how the consumer / recipient / visitor interacts with the material I create. For the Warrington Museum brief, I had to ensure I had an engaging concept that would incite a sense of mystery whilst still being informative. I needed to clarify why and what I need to do in order to create a successful brand overhaul.

3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these? In the final crit, I was commended on my presentation boards as the feedback suggested the content was well documented and communicated. With everything I do, I try to ensure I spend a lot of my time on the attention to detail and I believe (well, I hope) this is evident in my final outcomes. I previously lacked confidence with my work but I am starting to appreciate the amount of effort I put in after receiving feedback on my work in the form of studio visits and placements as well as from tutors and peers on the course.

4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future? In terms of experimenting with new techniques and processes, I rarely venture outside my comfort zone. Although I have managed to explore various print processes and techniques, I intend to expand on these within FMP to ensure I have a professional body of work that is diverse and engaging. Project management is essential when catering to 5 briefs at once and I believe it is something in which I lacked. For instance, I believed I could have sent my Reel magazine off to print well in advance, (though this was hindered by financial issues), but due to slow decision making, it was left too late. For the FMP, I will ensure I have a clear and strategic plan that I adhere to throughout the entire process, allowing time for variables that may change. I will aim to finish briefs early to cater for others and avoid having all projects finish at the same time.

5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these? - Photograph my work within a studio using industry-standard lighting and preferably shot by a professional photographer to ensure my work is clear, coherent and communicates effectively. - Ensure I project manage effectively to prevent rushing or delayed decision-making. - Explore a multitude of decision decisions within each project to achieve an outcome that is well informed and thoroughly developed. - Experiment with more print processes and techniques to ensure I have the relevant and necessary skills - Always think about expanding the range and proposing more products I need to try and explore as many routes as possible

6.How would you grade yourself on the following areas: (please indicate using an x) 5= excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = poor 1 Attendance Punctuality Motivation Commitment Quantity of work produced Quality of work produced Contribution to the group x x x x x 2 3 4 5 x x

The evaluation of your work is an important part of the assessment criteria and represents a percentage of the overall grade. It is essential that you give yourself enough time to complete your written evaluation fully and with appropriate depth and level of self-reflection. If you have any questions relating to the self evaluation process speak to a member of staff as soon as possible.