WHO AM I? // Tell me your secrets
// Danielle Muntyan Age: Location:
// CREDENTIALS
20 Leeds 12.08.1992 UK // Education: A Levels: Fine Art A* Graphics A* English A Degree: BA(Hons) Fashion Marketing & Branding NTU 2010/11 BA(Hons) Graphic Design Student Representitive LCA 2012 -
Blog/Porfolio: // d-muntyan1215.blogspot.co.uk Email: // danielle-muntyan@hotmail.co.uk Instagram: // daniellemuntyan
GRAPHIC DESIGNER // ILLUSTRATOR // Design Work: Editorial Design Publication Design Branding & Identity Promotion Art Direction Digital Collage Digital Illustration Photography // Skills:
Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign
// Strengths: Time Management Presentations Public Spreaking Digital Design Work Blogging Research Details Organisation Motivation Commitment
Level 4 of the BA(Hons) Graphic Design degree at Leeds College of Art has taught me invaluable lessons and skills as a designer, a learner and as an individual. I have had the opportunity to show my creativity and passion for design through the set briefs and live briefs. Although being hard work it has been thoroughly enjoyable and gave me the motivation, work ethic and appreciation for the basic design principles which will be invalubale throughout level 5 and beyond into industry. This informative book will reveal how I have changed, progressed and developed, as well as show work I have done, and where I’d like to progress to in the future.
// what have i learnt? Contextualizing design theory into practice. The history of Graphic Design and the importance of the Bauhaus, modernism, designers such as Walter Gropius and the postmodern world of design as a contrast. The importance of basic design principles being applied to design. The principles are as follows: Typography & Type Anatomy. Layout & grid structure. Fibonnaci & cannons. Colour theory. Application of colour. Pantone colour matching. Editorial & Publication design.
Time keeping is the key to successfully complete a brief to a deadline. Organisation allows for effective allocation for various briefs and tasks which need to be carried out each day. Making to-do lists on a daily basis with ‘fun’ activities helps the day run smoothly allowing for a treat before the next project. Team work and delegation is very important and in group briefs. This was learnt through 3 week briefs, allowing for the team to achieve and deliver great results. This will continue to develop and will remain vital for industry. The balance of work and play.
Developing software skills with the Adobe suite have enhanced my designing and allowed me to complete work to a high standard. Never using Illustrator before, I found this to be the most useful programme for many briefs. My knowledge on InDesign & Photoshop has also expanded and will continue to do so with time and practice. Delivering presentations to a class of 50 people and several tutors can be intimidating. At first this was the case, however due to practice and improved confidence since starting the course, I feel comfortable and articulate when talking to a large group.
Since the beginning of the course I have learnt the importance of keeping upto date with design blogs, current affairs, news and design trends, as we are partly persuaded by this when we design. I have learnt I am very driven by political issues and carried out 2 briefs regarding current news stories. Attending lectures and guest talks has been a great insight into the industry and the ideas behind such great design work. I plan on seeking more to visit in my own time. Being able to make friends and colleagues of all ages has been beneficial and insightful.
An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail. // Edwin Land
I would like to further apply current affairs such as politics into my briefs, as this is a topic which drives me. Futher contectual knowledge which can be applied through design practice and synthesis, by researching the topic at hand. Improve design skills by not being afraid to fail. Constantly improve design software skills to improve overall skill set and design aesthetic.
// how is this to be developed in the future?
Speed up design process and practial elements, to leave time to review and alter. Team work, confidence and public speaking skills to be developed through group work, placements and live briefs. Improve confidence and network by seeking out and applying for a placement or internship at a design studio.
“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” ― William Faulkner
// how have i changed as a learner? Throughout Level 4 I feel as though I have learnt so much valuable information in a short space of time which I am applying to my design work on a daily basis, and will continue to do so . The skills I have learnt are basic fundamentals of the design practice. By using these on a regular basis, I am gaining more knowledge through failure and repetiton; especially with software. I have become patient and more tolerant when dealing with issues, thinking of innovative, creatve ways to solve a problem without delivering the obvious. As a learner I have become very thorough with my approach to my design process. I have gathered structure, organisational and time keeping skills proving invaluable. I now have the ability to plan my college work with my personal life, creating a happy balance which was never achieved before. Being on such a prestigious course gives me motivation to be the best student and designer I can be. Through contextual studies I have learnt to be opinionated and outspoken. As a learner overall I have become confident and willing to work hard.
// Who Was I Before? Stronger fine artist than designer. Perfectionist. Unaware of the importance of design blogs and keeping upto date with current affairs. Closed-minded to design aesthetics & styles. Organised. Motivated. More of an independant worker, than a team player. Unsure of route to take within graphic design. // Who Am I Now? Confident with design, the process and the contextual background. Better thinker; conceptual and design ideas. Knowledgable with designers, design studios and blogs. Confident of a design path I’d like to aspire towards. Outspoken. Opinionated. Strongminded. Motivated. Driven. Passionate. Organised and efficient with working under pres sure and to deadlines. Confident with design software and print processes.
// how AM I INFLUENCED AND INSPIRED? By being more attentive with design books, lectures, online blogs and design studios, I have been inspired as a designer. What blogs do I like to read? // BLOGS:
Who am I inspired by? // DESIGNERS, ILLUSTRATORS & STUDIOS:
Victoria Design Blog Behance Designspiration Smashing Magazine Editorial Design - Served Pinterest Jacket Mechanical MrMcqueen The Dieline Ambalay Creative Review Design Week Inspire Design Blog Instagram Owt Creative Blog Brand New Branding Indentity Design Vigor Branding Blog Mag Creative Shillington Design Justified Mag Nicanel Graphic Porn Flat Studio BeType
Kate Moross & Studio Dawn Gardener Rodrigo di Filippis Nicola Starr Mash Creative Jessie Draxler Randy Mora Cless Jet Set Experimental Headbangers Ball Lotta Niemnien El Lissitzky Sadie Thompson Tom Crutchley Fuel Design Applied_ Brand Culture Walter Gropius Isabela Rodriguez S.P.D. Owt Creative Man VS Machine Pentagram Wolff Olins Bestermachen Design - Studio Pure Publishing
learning never exhausts the mind.