BA (Hons.

) GRAPHIC DESIGN
Module Code Module Title OUGD203 DESIGN PRACTICE

LEVEL

05

END OF MODULE SELF-EVALUATION

NAME Luke OBrien

1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them? For me this project has helped me analyse and write briefs, nearly half the project I spent defining the brief, during the project I found that I would realise things about the briefs as I was going along and I think this has helped to make my work stronger. Another major skill I have learnt is collaborative practice, I now know that I can work well with the right person, during the YCN part of the project we worked very well together, we tackled the project methodically and ended up with an outcome I am very proud of, we managed to submit ahead of the deadline which was only possible because we worked so well together. I think for me the key to it was realising what each other are good at and knowing when to step back and let the other person take over. I set out at the start of this project looking for work that can really stand out in my portfolio as professional and I think I have done that. 2. What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process? Throughout both parts of this module, more so in the last brief I have found a really healthy way of working, and I feel like this has developed on from the modules this year. I have found that in the early stages of the project if I start off by jotting down ideas straight away and then conducting a lot of research, then go straight back to my notebook and adding as many ideas down to the first few as possible, I then go straight on to design sheets, then back to the notebook with more ideas. This process of constantly going back over my ideas, drawing them out and then going back to them has helped me to make quick descisions with my work. Then once I start to design properly using whatever medium is appropriate I have my notebook open at all times, to make lists and write down any ideas that come into play whilst doing the work. I really feel like I am beginning to develop my own personal approach to work and this project has left me feeling very positive about my work and going into the third year.

3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these? I think my work is simple and in that simplicity it communicates quite clearly. Sometimes perhaps my final outcomes are too simple, but I feel with my current design work I find that I create a better outcome if I keep things simple along the way, and this is all helped by my design process. To capitalise on this strength I am going to try some more similar briefs to the ones in this project and see where that takes me. 4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future? I think one of the week points of my work is photography, because it is really not a strength I have steered away from it and played it safe by doing very simple photos. I think in the next project I am going to spend a while trying to get better at photography and try and push myself to photograph my work to the best of my ability. I feel like I have been getting away with not photographing work up to now, and the time has definitely come to change that. Another weakness which is a constant gripe is my blogging, in the second part of this project I was much better, but in the first half I was awful, the project moved so fast that I didnt get on top of documentation straight away which has lead to a few gaps 5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?

Photograph my work, this is to help communicate my idea and I shy away from it too much. It can only help me to get better at photography.

Stay on top of blogging, I know I always write this is my evaluation but it is true, and I can always do more. Towards the end of the last project I lost motivation and this happens quite a lot, sometimes its hard to see the end, but I need to keep on the pressure right up until hand in, this is something I have to fight against but it will help me to stay focused on my goals. Parts of the point in doing this is to learn how to become a better designer and I think with this project I have tried to make my self look like a good designer rather than getting stuck in and getting my hands dirty with experimentation in the later stages of the project. Next time I will try to carry on experimenting as this can help to develop me as a designer.

Lastly I want to print more, I missed out on printing a lot of things this time because of the tight deadlines, but printing helps me to visualise my project better, something I am going to focus on next time.

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 5 Attendance x Punctuality x Motivation x Commitment x Quantity of work produced x Quality of work produced x Contribution to the group 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.