Sunday, 22 May 2016

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 fee
l super ready to enter the world of work, and I am ready to leave the Leeds College of Art Nest.

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