OUGD503: Responsive Evaluation

Overall, I have found this module enjoyable and it has definitely improved my confidence in my skills and handling briefs on my own. So far it has been my favourite module! I thought this was especially apparent in the collaborative brief as I felt that I took control and managed the project fairly well as a creative partnership. I enjoyed the freedom to choose my own briefs so that I could do things that I am interested in.

My software skills have definitely improved. As well as this I also used the Photography studio for the first time and the knowledge I gained from experimenting with different lighting and using the DSLR camera will be extremely useful in future briefs in order to make my work look more professional. I feel that I really improved the overall look of our collaborative brief. I also learnt how to manage my time, by setting myself time limits on some of the smaller briefs to make sure that they were finished on time, without cutting too much into the time I spent on work for other modules.

A new experience for me was working with a client for Patrick Hayne’s music production logo, the back and forth conversations about my design work were really beneficial.  As well as this making sure they are happy is the most important thing, which made me work a lot harder. 

My favourite brief to work on was Penguin Book Cover brief; I enjoyed the entire creative process from studying the characters, themes and motifs to actually designing a conceptual cover to appeal to a contemporary readership.

However, unfortunately I feel I have not shown my full potential with this Responsive module as I was ill for over month with tonsillitis and psoriasis, and still now receiving on-going treatment at the hospital. In hindsight really I should have spoken to the tutors about what was going on with me health wise and in my personal life and applied for an extension on my deadline as this is what the Doctors continually told me to do. However, me being stubborn as I am, and not wanting to ask for help, I wanted to hit the deadline and hand in with the rest of my peers. However, despite this I am pleased with the amount of work I managed to hand in.

Overall I feel more confident after finishing this module in terms of time management and my own work. I now know how I can manage my time better and be independent by picking my own briefs and balancing the time needed to finish briefs, which will be convenient going into third year. I know that I could have developed concepts and pushed the possibilities further for certain briefs, which I will keep in mind in the future. 

OUGD502: Photoshoot

I have not made use of the excellent photography studios we have at college! As a practice run of setting up a photography studio (lighting etc) me and a couple friends practiced taking photographs of previous work. It was really beneficially to me, I can use the photos on my personal website to show of previous work. It has also been good because it has made the projects feel more completed and adds professionalism.

OUGD502: New York

I have just booked my flights to New York! I'm going at the end of august for a week with my boyfriend, I haven't been to nyc for 5 years its going to be great to go back as its one of my favourite cities. Thinking ahead, I think it would be a good idea to think about contacting some studios for a visit. 

Ahoy Studios (New York) 

Ahoy means more than hello it means 'watch out! 'and 'pay attention' and thats what they do. Attention is the key ingredient. Ahoy specialises in communication for everyone seeking to make the world a nicer place.

I was attracted to ahoy because I liked the amount of vibrancy they show. I also contacted them for a project around this time last year and they responded! They do a lot of causes and campaign work and say that every cause needs design like every design needs a cause. Working from digital to print, advertising, interactive design, animation and more. They say that it is important to be consistent among all platforms, this is something that I really like. I think it is crucial to be consistent and always produce the best work possible.

Examples of work: 

Website

Alfalfa Studio. Growing Fresh Ideas.

Alfalfa Studio is a branding and graphic design firm that knows how to position clients to their best advantage with smart strategy and high-impact creative. Their philosophy? Make the idea clear and simple, the design surprising and beautiful.  A branding and communication firm, they collaborate closely with their clients and offer a full set of services, including brand strategy, brand identity, animation and film, interactive and web design, publication design, and dimensional design.