OUGD502 Module Evaluation

End of Module Evaluation

Second year has been a big leap for me, at first I thought that second year might have been at the same intensity but its not. I became aware quickly that I needed to engage more with the course and with professionals out of college so I could put myself forward for when I leave, PPP has helped me progress in my confidence and approach to professionals. I think without the nudge from PPP I would never of reached as it feels very uncomfortable talking to someone in effect who is stranger – I learnt that in the future and even now this will be a regular thing so there’s no need to be awkward.

·      Taking care of business - working in a team was really new for me and challenging but I really enjoyed working with my team, this was probably because they were my friends! But I think if I was to create a partnership it would be. This project made me aware of money, business terms and even getting the brand right. Although I think we will not be perusing it in the future It has egged me on to consider creating my own business, be it by myself or with others.

·      For the creative report I tried contacting 3 people but was unsuccessful with 2 luckily 1 replied! This hasn’t deterred me from trying though because the only thing they can do is reply or not reply. I asked some really specific questions which I wanted to know rather than the generic questions, Andy (My responder) answered really thoroughly this meant I could really use what he said in my own practice my favourite question was ‘What advice he could give me?’ this was because he was very honest and to the point and spoke some real sense in his answer. After analysing my responses I created my creative report around Andy’s style, experimenting with brusho and folds – I decided to go with a simple poster fold design so it was pocketable but also could be used and kept. I really enjoyed this brief and will continue to get in touch with others for my own personal development.

·      My personal development – Its all about me! Its taken me a while to realise its just going to be me at the end of this so I really needed to consider who I am, I wasn’t completely sure this year where I was heading other than a specific area which is traditional print, although after some of the design practice briefs I decided I am not going to limit myself, because I believe I could takle almost anything and if not I can learn. So really I think that’s who I am ‘A Learner’ and im proud of that. I want to be able to know everything and be always on my feet – I think ive showed this through both my research, my designs, my inspirations and all round life experiences.

Overall I cant wait for next year to learn more, more about design and more about myself. Over summer I am going to continue talking to new people and engaging with designers. I want to visit more galleries and talks, and even apply for work placement for a few places. I’d ideally like to have some work experience at Elmwood in Leeds but they only take internships (finished students or 3^rd year) but I am working on that hopefully I can persuade them!

OUGD502 Brief 1/2 Berlin - Hort Visit

While we were in Berlin as a group we visited Hort, there studio on first appearance was really spacious and relaxed (no photos, respect privacy) I found out loads about the clients they have worked for and how they work and how it is different from other studios, they take hands on approach and that was really clear when visiting. Additionally they work the hours they want but have responsibility of finishing work for clients. I really liked this approach to time management so that if there was little to do you could work on your own stuff etc. Another thing that I loved about there studio was there large work space it was really light and spacious you didn't feel enclosed like a normal office, additionally one of the design team is a big fan of Anthony Burrill - Like me! he had some amazing Burril prints in his work space, I'd like some of these when I have the money.

OUGD502 Brief 1/2 - Berlin Trip

So rather than explaining and annotating all my pictures because there is quite a few, I thought it would be best to talk about my experience of Berlin. When we first arrived in Berlin I felt it had a modern and linear atmosphere and was not blown away by the architecture, My opinion soon changed when we found amazing pieces of art hidden away in streets. I loved the berlin wall and would definitely re walk this if given the chance. 

I think the thing I enjoyed the most about Berlin was the tube… I think we spent about 3 hours trying find our way back to the hostel we must of visited around 10 different stations - the map was very confusing but it was good fun and I managed to find an amazing bakery in one station that did apricot, chocolate and custard muffins! - amazing right? 

My least favourite thing in Berlin was probably checkpoint charlie we visited with expectation of something more and it was just a sign! but i suppose it is a capsule of history.

I probably wouldn't visit Berlin again because I didnt get the OMG connection, like I have in other parts of germany like Wurtzburg and The Rein. I really enjoyed the trip and learnt loads about the history of Germany and the Art connection!