Before LCA I studied at CCAD during a Graphic design (Btec) diploma for 2 years, this wasn’t the start of my Graphic design journey however as I had studied it at GCSE level during Graphic Design but that is where my interest started. I originally wanted to become an animator but I was discouraged by the course program for it and Graphic design was something more to my flavour. From then end of college, I since then have come to study on the BAGD course and It’s somewhere I really feel comfortable been at.
Iím a very History-Culture person; Iím really interested in whatís happened in the past, I could say politics too because Iím interested the ones that have happened in the past such as the ones involving the events around the Russian Revolution. One particular event that really enjoyed learning about the most this year. Living the city I really miss however, been able to walk everywhere. Itís was my way of getting inspiration been in the fresh air, Iíd like to be able to have that when Iím in work hopefully as it relaxes me.
Shortcuts I learned throughout the year have particular came in helpful, especially one such as CMD + V when using Illustrator to select back to the Selection arrow while CMD + A gives me the Point Selection arrow so I can easily switch between them. Its shortcuts such as these that help me out. It’s thanks to these that I was able to work effectively while using the software and save so much time instead of going through the menus and toolbars, memorising what they are as I use them by going over them saved me.
I found blogs to be a huge help throughout the course program, I had previous been following Behance regularly but it was mostly for inspiration. I have come to discover my favourite designers however because of that, the following been them: Sagmeister & Walsh, Jon Burgerman and Nozine. Because trends also exist in Graphic design, they’re something I try and avoid, I know I may be susceptible and I take it all in, I want to try and be original as I can by avoiding them but I know it’s not something that’ll be likely.
I’ve found information to be incredibly useful throughout this year, I dismissed it at first thinking It wouldn’t help me but I was been incredibly naïve in doing so. I discovered this through Speaking from Listening where they bother heavily decided how my final outcome looked. Because of this, information has been where my visual ideas have sprung from, I base what I know of the information I have on the topic and it’s something I want to continue to develop, my research/ information collecting.
I’ve found as part of my development role I always have to come to consider a few very important factors that then dictate my outcome and my methods of producing the graphics, these being Stock and print choice. I haven’t so far used the print screen facilities, as of yet and it’s something I want to use but I haven’t decided it’s something I want to use yet, or found suitable. I have however found that I can have a better produce overall value be perceived as much higher by using better stock as opposed to printer paper, also by which printer I want to.
Throughout this year, a lesson I have learnt is to how to handle money, mostly due to it been a limited amount I’ve found myself been tight with it because It’s a suddenly a lot of money and I have to live of it too. I’m happy because of this, however as it allows me to spend it on things I’d enjoy a lot more. Along with the independence I’ve gained by been here, cooking is also another week I’ve gained from not been at home. I do miss been there however, I just appreciate what I have there a lot more now from not been there.
When it comes to making my final products, this year I’ve tried to be cheap as I can in production of my outcomes, but in respect of that not going for the cheapest material possible but just trying to budget how much each one costs, so far my pop-up book has beAen the most expensive just down to how many things went wrong. I really try to plan my time, but sometimes I over do things and it all goes to mess, I try to keep it up however throughout group work, experiences so far haven’t been so great but I do like it.
One of my main skill sets I will say is drawing and illustrating, It’s something I really enjoy and I try to include in most my work. I find it a lot easier to read, such as lists I find easier if I have them drawn as read them faster. I think it’s something that really helps me with graphic design as I need to be able to read images correctly. I have found I really enjoy making patterns and it combines well with my illustrations, It’s something I want to develop next year as well as stickers too. I find they go well together.
I’ve really enjoyed doing booklets and the sorts, mostly now that I’m starting to get a little bit more confident in InDesign. I think it may be one of my developing skill forms and It’s something I can see myself doing a lot more later in second year. This comes from doing the Animal spreads, the 10 things to know about graphic design and also into my context doing the pop-up book. This is mostly down to know my knowledge with grids which came in really helpful and it makes sense really because grids bring it together.
One thing I got a big interest in that I have developed throughout the year from such blogs as Dribble is web and app design. I attempted an app making for my Shining fact file but having it an actual app was not possible because of the cost of getting it onto the app store made it impossible. During the summer and into second year I hope to be able to develop web skills as well as getting more into photography which I hope would hopefully allow me to combine the both as I would have example to use on the web.
I’ve really, really enjoyed making my pop-up book and I got really good at making them to the point I was able to create my own pop-ups at the end of it without having to look up the mechanics because once I knew how they reacted I was able to develop from there. I found it really interesting. Paper craft is something I would to get into as I’m relatively good with a scalpel and I think It’s a skill that translates well into other areas too such as book binding etc. I would like to be able to bind books better and it’s something I want to do next year.