PPP Evaluation

PPP has been incredibly valuable to me this year. My achievements , goals dreams have all been documented in this module and blod and has been really beneficial in allowing me to see where I want to be. This module has enabled me to think beyond designing in the studio and behind the screen and has encouraged me to get involved with the design world, go to events, network with people and inform my practice.

I completed a two week placement at BigWave Media, a successful marketing agency in Devon. Never thought I would actually be able to get work experience so I was ecstatic. Working in a team of designers, developers and marketers are all housed under one roof which allows us to work closely together to create dynamic and creative marketing solutions. Whilst I was there I learnt some valuable skills which will be so useful when it comes to industry/work:


 Being a tidy designer - Had a chat with Ronnie who is head of marketing services. In the design world, it's a business and time is money so you can't spend ages hunting around looking for files/fonts/images for the client. So everything is coded into client files, job numbers and months. Something I will take away with me.

• Working to protocol - Learning new systems, how jobs/times are clocked working with the account manager
• Working within Brand Guidelines and working on other designers work
• Working with Clients - understanding the clients needs and exactly what they have specified, re-reading things etc. 
• Working as a team of designers 
• 8.30-17.30 infront of an iMac on the Adobe Software was a learning curve
• Working on up to 30 Design Amendments a day
• New Shortcuts 
• Improved Adobe Software skills 

As well as this throughout the academic year I have been on visits within the UK, Amsterdam and New York. Not all of course have been Graphic Design related, however going gallerys and exhibitions really showed me the importance of being aware of other creatives fields. They are in important place for inspiration whilst really broadening my interests and both personal and professional practice. I really enjoyed the MoMa exhibition in New York as well as Van Gogh in Amsterdam.

My confidence in myself and design is something that has changed dramatically, I would never have thought I would be able to speak clearly and confidently to a room full of people. Since placement and receiving good feedback has made me feel so much more confident in my abilities and just feeling overwhelmed by the feedback, I have adopted "I am good enough mentality", and I honestly feel I've reached a new milestone. For this reason, I now feel ready to approach the world of work. Whereas in previous years, I felt I was as good as others people on my course. However this mentality has changed, and I believe that self-belief is everything, and so crucial if you want others to believe it too.

At this point in time though, I feel that I am concept-led Graphic Designer with a focus on branding and editorial. I strive to develop innovative and authentic ideas with creative solutions that will make an impact. I enjoy working collaboratively as a team in a busy studio environment. However, in the future, I hope to study a Masters in Business Marketing. This will really develop clear and conceptual thinking, as well as improving on analytical skills and strengthen my project management skills, as well as translating marketing theory into practice.

Overall, PPP has made me feel super ready to enter the world of work, and I am ready to leave the Leeds College of Art Nest.

PPP Portfolio

This is where I am at with my portfolio. For the sake of submission I have handed it in, as I am not overall happy with it.  Ideally I would have liked to have had more time spent on layout and type. Also I would like to add in a few pages so this is something I will do for the End of Year show! as well as getting it printed. 

Overall, I am pleased with the volume of work I have managed to produce this year.  

Time Management

Throughout the module my time management has been good in comparison to previous years. I think this is due to having better motivation and ambition as this is final year. Using calendars and to-do lists , have really kept me on track!

What I am handing in for PPP and why!

Design Stratedgy file which contains: 

• Module Evaluation
• Contacts I have made
• Correspondance emails, regarding placement and for my dissertation 
• Replies 
• Overview of my work placement at Big Wave Media
• Reference
• Cover letter example  

My Current CV 

Designed Invoice - I plan on doing some freelance work as I find work and also work! this is an example of how I can invoice people. 

Hyperloop Designboards - showing what I contributed in the group 

Where am I at?

10 Briefs

1. Dr. Me done
2. Christmas Cards done 
3. Heir done 
4. Hillview Honey done
5. La Petite Maison done 
6. Secret Seven done 
7. LCA SU done 
8. Feathr done 
9. Olivia's Deli finishing up
10. Oblivious to do! 

I still have a lot to do, regarding blogging/design boards but I like to work under pressure! 

End of Year Show

End of Year Show 

For the end of year show Helen and I are extending Olivia's Deli. Extending it for the end of year show will give us plenty of time to create lots of elements such as a laser cut menu, screen printed bags, as well as packaging for preserves and pasta. We had grand ambitions for the brief but with looming deadlines, we could not do everything we wanted to do. 

For End of Year show I simply wanted it to be interesting for people to look at, I didn't want to just produce a poster and stick it up on the wall, woow. Below, is a quick sketch I did of a potential set up. A rustic looking counter would provide a surface for all the food packaging to sit as well as clipboard menus, shelves to the left will hold a range of different branded mugs and takeaway cup. We also have ambition to create a laser cut menu to go on the wall behind. We also plan on having a roll of brown paper which has specials etc. 

Photograph from Olivia's Deli for Extended Practice 

Applying for Jobs

Faculty Marketing Assistant
Location: Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service: Faculties of Arts / Perfomance, Visual Arts & Communications
School/Institute: Arts / PVAC Faculty Offices
Category: Clerical Support
Grade: Grade 5
Salary: £21,605 to £25,023 per annum
Closing Date: Thursday 19 May 2016

Reference: ARTPV1000

You will support and develop Faculty marketing activity, across the full range of our activity which is diverse and includes education, research and enterprise and knowledge transfer, with a focus on the delivery of successful student recruitment campaigns and assistance in the delivery of effective marketing opportunities across all our markets, including UK, EU, and overseas.
You will provide tactical support and focus on the delivery of integrated marketing activities, including developing our digital marketing communications, to support student recruitment and to promote the research and innovation agenda of the Faculties.
You will be educated to A level standard (or equivalent) or with two years’ experience of working in a marketing function/as part of a marketing team. Skilled in writing copy for promotional materials and web you will have excellent editing and proof reading skills and a strong attention to detail. You will be required to work the occasional weekend and/or evening.

I came across this job going at Leed Uni, as a Marketing Assistant that I feel would be a great opportunity for starting a career in Marketing. Unsure whether I would get it, but I would love the chance to have an interview. I have good A Levels, a design degree as well as work experience in a Marketing Agency so I do feel quietly confident for an interview. The job application was rather tedious, but I now know what to expect. I plan on applying for a few jobs a week.