BA (Hons.) GRAPHIC DESIGN Module Code
OUGD504
Module Title
Design Production
LEVEL
05
END OF MODULE SELF-EVALUATION NAME
Joe Leadbeater
1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them? Concept Building – After several concept workhops, I feel I have improved working with concepts and applying them aesthetically. This has been proven by Studio Brief 2, where the my exhibition’s branding followed the rules of monozukuri, and worked with the concept of deconstruction. I also liked how my poster for Stufio Brief 3 had a strong concept behind it, unlike the existing, very literal posters for the film. Craft Skills – Studio Brief 2 allowed me to work more on my craft skills, as did Studio Brief 1. Both were on the topic of Japanese craft, so I wanted the end product to reflect such high craftsmanship. I feel this was achieved, not just with the publications produced for each, but also the envelope produced in Studio Brief 1.
2. What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process? - Applying vinyl. This was the second time I have used vinyl (for Studio Brief 1 & 2). Instead of sticking each piece in place at a time, I’ve learnt how to peal the vinyl off with the use of sticky tape, ensuring each piece of vinyl is in the right place. I also feel that my use of vinyl has been done much more professionally, I was particularly pleased with the plastic bag for studio brief 2. - Creating two custom logotypes (in two different languages). This is something that has been new to me this year, and from studio brief 2, I now feel really confident when working with custom letters and kerning. - Working with spray paint. This was done for studio brief 2 and 3. I learnt how to mask off and spray paint edges of paper (as seen with the two sketchbooks and business cards). - Iconography / Wayfinding. Before studio brief 2, this was entirely new to me. It was fun to try something new, and I intend on working with both more in the future. I would also like to physically produce it instead of working with mockups.
3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these? - Taking risks and experimenting. With all of the briefs, I did things that were new to me and outside of my comfort. I was impressed that I could digitally print onto canvas (for the exhibition guide), as well as 540gsm mount board for the business cards. I experimented with a variety of
binding techniques, which were all successful. - Designing Mockups. I feel that my efforts to mockup products I could not produce physically were professional and imaginable. - Knowledge of processes. I’ve learnt much more about what I can print on, and the correct way of applying vinyl. Both of these will help in the future when coming up with ways of printing. - Photographing / Editting. I ensured I had time to photograph all of my projects by the module deadline. Unfortunately I could not find many suitable backdrops, so they are all on the same. However this strangely makes the module consist. - Concept Building. All of the projects for this module have had a good core concept. This helped when considering the aesthetic I was going for. The main influence for Studio Briefs 1 and 2 was the Japanese design I was featuring. - Research. I feel that for all the briefs, I ensured a sufficient amount of research and evaluating as needed to work with a concept and aesthetic.
4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future? - Time Management. This was fine for studio brief 1 and 3, but I feel that studio brief 2 was left too late, meaning I did not have as much work at the final crit as I wanted to. - Sourcing stock / tools. I was lucky with the stock I have used, but in the future I would like to spend more time considering stock, and purchase some from either GF Smith or Fedrigoni. - Printing. I had issues with printing the postcards, as I had no print slot and they were a last minute addition. In the future I shall organise my work load better and book print slots.
5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these? - Organise my time better. This will be done through the use of a calendar. - General organisation. A few times I misplaced paper in the studio, and woul - Book a print slot much earlier. By booking print slots earlier, I can give myself plenty of time for cropping, photographing and preparing final boards. - Blog on time. Blogging late always causes a build up, which means stress. By blogging on time in the future I shall be much less stressed.
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
2
3
4 x x
5
Attendance Punctuality x Motivation x Commitment x Quantity of work produced x Quality of work produced x Contribution to the group 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.