My first semester in graphic design was loaded with projects for class as well as outside work. As a class, we learned and developed our understanding of the various Adobe programs and created works that could possibly be used in a portfolio in our future. This semester we really tried to hone in on professionalism and the production of high quality artwork by motioning through the steps of design. We discussed design essentials and what goes into an appealing design through the introduction of the Gestalt Principles. While we focused a lot on working as a team and strengthening those relationships, in the process our individuality progressed as well. As a class, we were assigned many projects. First, we created the Name Plates, where we took our name and maipulated it to express a key trait of ourselves. Next was the Homecoming Package, where we created a poster, flyer, and tickets for ONW's Homecoming dance centered around Trick of the Lights. Then, we were broken down into small groups and I became the project manager for the Junior Powderpuff T-Shirts. Although our design wasn't chosen, we still accomplished big things. Next we played with Expressive Typography, using typography to communicate a message. Following that we had the Branding of a Mock Company, where I chose to create a pottery and ceramics store called Mosaic. And lastly, we had the Branding of Our Personal Business, where we individually branded ourselves and who we wanted to be as a designer. Indivually, I also did the Legally Blonde Package, event invitations for multiple clients, the Choir T-Shirts, Choir Event flyers, and began progress on the Winter Formal dance posters. Through these projects and the process along the way, I have acquired a greater knowledge and understanding of the impact and influence graphic design has.
Reaction:
Some of the main events we came accross were the Homecoming package and the branding of our personal business, because of their impact on all of our perceptions of graphic design. The Homecoming package was a huge deal. With client meetings as well as frequent critiques, we were grasping and understanding of how important this project was. We came to the realization that our designs were not only to be looked at by our class or our teachers anymore. This was our first opportunity to show outsiders what we had been working so hard on. Some conflicts that arose were the time restraints we were put under. Many designers did not even have their package considered due to the lack of time we had to package and mount their work. While it was fun to have some what of a competition to see who's design would be chosen, it also created some tensity within the individuals of our class. This was a prime example of what the graphic design industry is like in the professional world, and that's what I believe is the main point to be taken from this.
Another main event we undertook was the branding of our personal businesses. This was quite the jump from designing for others to designing for ourselves. One of the hardest things a designer has to do is design for themself. While it is easy to get feedback from a client and interpret their wants and needs, its a completely different situation for designers designing something for theirself, and that is something that was apparent when critiquing our classmates. We learned about the challenges a graphic designer faces every single day and this project in particular gave us an understanding of what the professional world is like. If you can't design for yourself, how can you design for others? I loved the opportunity to get to create something under no constraints with my own input. No matter how much critique I recieved, ultimately it was my design for me and no one could change that. I'm so thankful for the opportunities presented to me in this class due to their exposure and possesion of influncial knowledge.
Evaluation & Analysis:
Some elements that worked in particular were the critiquing of our classmates, the implication of outside sources, and the pre-project sketching. Critiquing our individual work was always beneficial as it allowed insight from other perspectives and communicated what impact they left on others. Without these critiques, we would all be designing work that wasn't living up to its full potential. The implication of outside sources such as the lady from KU, collaborating with the Olathe Print Shop, exploring JCCC's design department, and the use of Behance has improved our design skills individually. All of these sources provided insight to new ideas and concepts, and allowed us to branch out and explore design as individuals rather than as a class. Outside of class sources provide unique experiences and opportunities to enhance our perspective on design as well as give us inspiration for new works and opportunities. Pre-project sketching is a blessing. Without the strongly-advised sketches put into a design, many of our works would be boring or not planned out well. I know personally, without sketching over 15 designs for every project, I would not have come up with the designs I loved so much. For example, the Homecoming poster was something I never would have initially brought to the computer. That design came directly from my sketches. This only goes to prove just how influencial sketching can be.
Learning & Action Plan:
Many different concepts were covered over the course of this semester. Whether it be branding, typography, using multiple artboards, sketching, or using white space, we learned and applied many of the key concepts of graphic design in this course. In this class, we have surpassed (but not forgetten) the basic concepts of color, spacing, lines, type, and shape, and have progressed to intricate and refined subjects. We also increased our knowledge of the Adobe Suite software used in this class much more than we have in the past. After this semester, I know how to create patterns with an image, create print ready copies, apply brush packs onto Illustrator, as well as a plethora of other random tools. Personally, I have really taken control of file management and have created for myself the most organized folder on the server, in my opinion. Along with the very literal technical skills, we have all increased our soft skills such as collaboration, communication, project managment, time management, and leadership. Individually, the oppotunities to lead several projects has served as an opportunity to better myself as a designer and a leader. At the beginning of the year we were somewhat lost and falling behind as a class, but now we all have a better understanding and responsibility to us that has allowed us to grow and prosper.
Action Plan:
In order to improve next semester, I will attempt to set aside even more time to produce higher quality and more professional work, because before now I have been giving myself about an hour to work on graphic design at night, but I often times find myself focused on other things. Next semester, I hope to learn about magazine design, packaging, and calligraphy because I believe all three concepts would be both enjoyable and beneficial to our graphic design class.
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