Graphic Design End Of Semester 2019 Reflection

Graphic Design End Of Semester 2019 Reflection

The Guarantees of e-Comm

Technology: Something valuable I learned about technology was that I work better using illustrator than paper! It really has advanced the way that media is portrayed. I wouldn't be into advertising and graphic design if it weren't for technology. Technology has also become such a huge part of our world, and using it in e-Comm really sets us up for careers that could impact the future around us.
Collaboration: Graphic design involves the perfect balance of independent work and collaborative work, which is something I love about it. I have gotten more comfortable with asking my peers for their opinions, and for areas that I could improve. Something that I took away from "collaboration" was being able to gain inspiration from my peers, as well as help them out, and have them help me.
Communication: Something that we focused on this semester was conveying message through color, shape and contrast. For example, with my gingerbread cookie design, I intended to make the viewer want to bake, because of the different colors and images displayed on my pattern.
Project Management: We were given a lot of time for this project.
Leadership: I learned valuable leadership experiences in class this year because I learned skills and tools that I shared with my classmates. I felt really happy sharing my newfound skills and helping my classmates learn them.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of my biggest e-Communication strengths is time management. I understand project deadlines and do my best to reach them. Out of all of the people at my table, I was one of the first to complete my subscription box patterns, as well as complete my pattern boards in class. I feel as if I also have a deep understanding of Adobe Illustrator's function and tools. I helped classmates around me work with axises, commands, and other various functions under the "object" tab, and "window" tab.  One of my weaknesses is coming up with creative and cute ideas on my own. It doesn't come naturally to me I guess. Another one of my weaknesses is giving poor feedback. I could definitely improve on giving good, constructive feedback, but I think that it will come easier the longer I am a graphic designer. Another thing that I could improve on is accepting critiques. I tend to be very hard on myself and my pieces of work, and accepting critiques and understanding that they are being given to improve my work could lead to a happier semester.

What I Will Do With My New Skills

I think that making patterns is super fun, and applicable. The creative process involved with this project really did help me have a new outlook on how to better create designs from scratch. The 20 sketches exercise provided original work for us to scan into illustrator and use to form our patterns. It is something that I will utilize when creating new patterns, and other projects as well. Pattern is a useful skill as well. Pattern can be used on furniture, blankets, clothing, stationary, and decorations- showing future employers and internships that I know how to create patterns may just come in handy! 

Changes?

The one thing I would change about this semester was the pacing. I wish that we would have done more projects, and that we would have had stricter deadlines. Other than that, I was pretty happy with how the semester went. Next semester I hope to be less critical of my work, and I hope to learn how to accept long term projects- I tend to get bored when working on the same exact project for over a month at a time. Last year we worked on many different mini-projects throughout the semester, and this year, the fact that we had worked on one BIG project over the course of a semester kind of threw me off. One of my weaknesses was critiquing others; next semester I hope to become more useful to those at my table by offering good advice on how to improve their projects- but only if they ask! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, I feel like this semester went well. We collaborated a lot, laughed, got our work done, and had a safe space to work and express our creativity. I enjoyed the class very much, but wish it was paced a little faster with stricter deadlines. Nonetheless, I am very excited to see what next semester holds, and for more projects. :)