Module Reflection
The third module of my second year visual communication degree was Contemporary Practice. The module consisted of two main briefs, the first compulsory one with B-Hive and the second a self-selected live brief. This module is before we begin to officially write our final year dissertation so a task was set to write a draft proposal with research and structure on how we plan to write it. Alongside these briefs we had several other smaller tasks to complete which were to complete a A6 Sketchbook, interviews with a practioner, a one-day brief, work placement plan, graduate+ bronze award and 3 skills workshops.
The first brief was set by B-Hive. There were several briefs to specialise in and I chose branding design. I created a food trail for along the chosen train line company C2C, from London to Essex. The campaign was designed to encourage people to use the train service for leisure and have places to go when arriving. I felt my idea was unique and is something that everyone could get involved in. This brief made me think outside the box to come up with an idea that no one would think of the make the campaign recognisable. After entering the competition, I got shortlisted to presented in front of a six-person panel and got offered a two week paid placement by the company 383!
The second brief which I selected was by Amazon for the D&AD New Blood Awards. This project involved crating a campaign encouraging the use for the new service AmazonFresh. Creating an identity was key to this brief as people have yet to hear about the service. I used my photography skills to create colourful flat-lay images to become to centre of attention in the designs. I really enjoyed this brief as it allowed me to gain a better understanding of two of the graphic principles type and space.
For the dissertation proposal, the chosen topic is how dyslexia in design is perceived. Having the learning disability myself, this area interests me and will keep me intrigued throughout the process of researching. I have already begun finding designers, facts and figures about dyslexia in design and which is uncovering many more studies on the area.
Researching and interviewing designers in the industry today has given me insights in to which area of study I would like to specialise in. Areas which I have narrowed to are branding, advertising and visual effects. I have chosen visual effects as it is an area in which I can combine my passions for graphic design and photography, putting both skill sets to use. Research will be carried on into design areas to see which interest me and I can develop on. Also, the extra tasks that were set have made me have better organisation and time management skills in order to complete all tasks on time. They allowed me to really think about all the daily tasks I complete which help towards my degree and also to have fun in my sketchbook.
This module was designed to push our boundaries and begin our journey into specialising a design area. I believe this something that has definitely happened as I have got a placement and more idea of the area of design speciality I want to head towards when finishing university. I really pushed myself and I am proud of the work produced in the module.