Graphic Design Semester 2

Semester reflection

What did you do this semester?

Prom:

For this project, the juniors in my class were assigned to make posters and tickets for our school junior-senior prom. We were given the theme and specifications that the committee wanted, and were told to make a poster and ticket based off of it. It took me about two weeks to complete this project; this included critiques and revisions. This project was a little harder than some of my other projects because I had never made a dance poster for the school. So this project was a little more difficult because we had to follow a specific theme, but at the same time have an individual-unique design; However, this challenge did not stop me from trying my hardest. I really found this learning experience really fun and different than some of the other projects I had done. I learned to really explore my options and be unique in this project. It was kind of difficult to do because many of my classmates designs were similar, so I really learned how to do research and explore the different options I could do in this project. I also really liked doing this project because I was able to get so many different critiques on it. In many of these critiques I was told to explore different color options, rather than sticking to a basic theme. I found this feedback very helpful because as a designer I feel that there are safe areas I can stay in, but also some areas I can explore and find new and different ideas. Although I thought my original idea was really good, I decided to try new color options that my evaluators gave me. After I made this change, I saw that there was an opportunity to make more changes in the future. After seeing the different things I could change, I really wasn't that satisfied with my final outcome. Yes I did like what I had, but I did feel like I could have made some changes. So overall this project was a great learning experience.

Service Company Branding:

In this project, my entire class was assigned to find a service or company (ie. dog walking, hair dresser, tattoo shop, daycare) to develop and brand as if it were a real company.  This took about two months for our entire project to be complete, including sketches, critiques and revisions. Some difficulties that I approached were making sure my designs and the look of my company matched what a real makeup artist would look like. This was a challenge because I had so much individuality in this project, so I had to make sure I wasn't making it look like what Mackenzie wants, but make it look like if I were a customer and was looking for a makeup artist. I learned that if I put myself in the shoes of a potential customer, it would help me think of things such as: what would I want to see? what would I want? how would I want to be treated? With these things in mind, I was able to develop a mentality that this wasn't for me, but for those who would spend money on my service, and who would pay attention to my service. This really helped me develop my company and the look of it. I also learned that its ok to get inspiration from things that as a customer, I like and would like to see in my project. Some feedback I got was to really try and explore new things. One thing I noticed among myself at the beginning and in my classmates was that there wasn't much of a difference in all of their components of the project. some specific feedback I got was that, its ok to have some of your pictures look different because you want to attract as many potential customers you can. It is really hard to do that if everything looks the same. so I really explored using different pictures, but still make sure it all connects and looks part of the same project. in conclusion I really enjoyed this project because I was able to pick a service company that I personally like and want to have in the future. This really helped me get my brain flowing and try new things. In the future I plan on changing things about it and revising it, because every project has an opportunity for change. Below is the link to the entire project on my behance.

https://www.behance.net/gallery/63985369/company-service-project

KC Metro College Expo Logo:

This project was kind of a unique one because I have never made a logo for a professional company such as this one. In the directions I was told to create a logo for the expo that will potentially become their new logo. This took about 1.5-2 weeks to complete. We didn't really have many critiques on this project, so this was kind of a difficult because it was really up to us to come up with something that we thought represented the company. Personally I had never heard of them until this project. So it was kind of challenge to come up with a logo. After a few brainstorm sessions and collaboration, I kind of got an idea of what I liked. I knew that I wanted to incorporate a traditional Kansas City look to it. After researching I found that doing a Kansas City royals theme would really take on the patriotic feel, and pride for our city. I also included a take on the Kansas City skyline. Although it wasn't an exact replica, I was very proud in what I created. However, I did get some feedback that I didn't necessarily agree with. Even though I didn't like it, I know that I should have had a better attitude and give both ideas. They really wanted me to make my logo look more like the Kansas City skyline, but I was really happy with what I had. I did change some of the other things they wanted me to do, but I didnt change that one thing. I do understand that I probably should have changed it, but show both ideas. In conclusion, this project really showed me the importance of being confident in your work, but at the same time being open to new ideas.

How did I use my time in class?

This semester, the projects we did in class took a little more time than the ones in first semester, so I only was able to do one thing of outside work. However, I did find this project a great learning experience! I was asked by a club sponsor (in which I'm enlisted in) to create a t-shirt design. this was very fun because not only do I participate in this club, but it was very fun to make. I spent extra time inside and out of class to make it. Although I didn't necessarily like some of the things they wanted on the shirt, I still made it and showed my idea/ concept. Because I did this, we were able to somewhat combine our ideas. I was also able to satisfy the sponsor. I do wish I could have spent more time on it, but I felt like I used my xtra time in class to do this. When I wasn't doing this, I was diligently working on my class assignment. At times I did get a little distracted, but I made sure I got back on track to complete my things on time. This semester I felt like I worked through each deadline and didn't let any extra time pass. I really tried to perfect each thing if time permitted. If I do have any extra time I do try and find things to fix about each assignment or I try and find new things to wrk on. I do try to get myself involved in different activities throughout the week, so that if I do get distracted, I have something else to work on.

What were your areas of strength as an employee or graphic designer?

As a designer I can confidently say that my strong suit is collaborating/communicating with others. In e-Comm and in the industry in general, communication with others is a huge factor to a successful designer. I know that I am able to talk and brainstorm and really communicate well with my clients and colleagues peers. I really utilize this strength of mine, especially when I feel like I am stuck or feel like I don't have any new ideas. The first thing Mrs. Burdolski would tell us is, before asking her or you manager, always ask your peers. This is always a better thing to do because the confusion or the rut you may find yourself in may be able to be helped without you as a designer seeming lost or unable to follow directions. I really try to us this strength to help me work on the others that may not be as strong.

What are my areas in need of improvement?

One thing I could really improve on is adapting to new circumstances better. Sometimes, only in certain situations, I have a bit of an issue starting or trying new things. Although some thing never change, some things are apt to change at any given moment. I not only need to be ready for these changes, but I need to have a better attitude towards all circumstances. To help me in this area, I try to always have a positive outlook on the circumstance. I also try to use my strengths to outweigh the weaknesses. One way I try to overcome this is by surrounding myself with positive colleagues and I try to keep myself busy with outside work or client work. Although this weakness is viewed as something bad, I try and use it as an opportunity for learning and improvement. 

Summary

My favorite thing this semester was overall, just the experience in each project I did. I felt like I had so much individuality and that I could really express myself as a designer. Another thing I like was that I had a lot more time to spend on the projects this semester. if I could change anything or do anything differently it would be that I wish I had more collaboration and was able to talk with my peers more, especially the seniors in my class. they had some much I could learn from and I really wish I was able to do that more, especially in their last month. I also would change that fact that there wasn't much of a transition process between Burdolski leaving and our new sub. I really do think my attitude towards things and projects would have been a lot better if there was more of a transition especially because my peers and I are upper class-man and we are used to certain things being a certain way. I do think the respect level among the class would have been better as well. The one thing though that all people should take away from new circumstances are the learning experiences. Every obstacle  and new course I got from this semester, I am using as way for me to set goals for the future. If I had not learned from theses experiences, I would not have a goal of exploration next year! In my last year of high school, I really want to try new things and meet new people and learn from past and present mistakes and accomplishments. This will not only help me develop into a strong student, but also a designer, and future employee!