VIS4017, Exploring Meaning Through Narrative;
At first when we discovered what the brief was, I found it really exciting that we were going to be doing something āhands onā as opposed to digital. I felt that this was a nice break from all the digital work we have previously done, but still showed me that graphic design doesnāt necessarily all have to be done on a computer. The one part of this brief that I have probably found the most interesting, and helpful to me, is task 4 ā āArea of Practiceā. I have really enjoyed researching into this, as it has helped me discover what I am passionate about. It has led to me finding about different companies, and even contacting them and having a conversation about their approach to graphic design. I am so pleased that I now have a clear mind heading into second year about what discipline I would like to go into, and consequently my work can then be pivoted around this. Through this module I have also started to promote myself as a designer ā through setting up a Behance account with some of the pieces of work I am proud of, and I am also starting to do some branding work for a client. I am finding this all really exciting, and it is helping me to enhance my skills and bulk up my portfolio.
Ā For the first task of redesigning a book I chose to do Frankenstein. Having previously read it numerous times, I had a clear vision of how I wanted the book to appear. I wanted to make the book look very tactile, and āput togetherā to represent the physicality of the monster. Within the novel there is also a notebook of Frankensteinās, which can also be used as a reference to the appearance of my book. As a twist on the novel, I chose to add a feminine touch to my book. This was achieved by turning the monster into a female, and having highlights of purple throughout my book. When it came to binding the book, I did not feel that any of the techniques I had learnt in workshops were appropriate. This is because they are all very neat and slick, and my book is the opposite. Instead, I chose to just simply tie the pages together using string.
Ā The environment was the theme for my second book, because it is something that I care about and I believe that everyone should play their part in protecting our world. I had quite a bit of fun while creating this book, because of the thought process that has gone into it. The positioning of the pages corresponds to the position of the continents on the globe, and each statistic on that page relates to the continent. Originally, I thought about doing this book digitally, as a way of enhancing my skills however after a discussion with my tutor she said to not think that I HAVE to do something digital, but to do what feels appropriate. After this I then decided to do the book physically, again making it tactile. I feel this is more appropriate now when reflecting on the situation, because I chose to have recycled materials incorporated into my book. This book did not take as long as to produce as I was expecting, therefore it meant that I could take my time and focus on the details.
Ā A particular feature of this module I have enjoyed has been the numerous lectures we have been given about the core principles within graphic design. I believe that these have helped me gain a well rounded understanding of the principles, that I can now apply within my work. Understandably those that are already aware of these principles may not have found this as interesting as me, however personally I found it extremely insightful. These lectures should definitely be included next year!
Ā If there is anything that I could change about my books, I would probably have liked to have taken advantage of the print room a bit more. It would have been nice to have produced a hand crafted book full of skills from the print room. Of course I have attended many a workshop over the year, so I have an understanding of the techniques, but I have not yet used them in my work. Hopefully in second year I will be able to produce some work using these techniques; such as screen printing. If not, perhaps in my free-time I can book some sessions and build up a portfolio of work. Ā
Ā Something I feel I have improved on this module is my decisiveness. I have been able to work on something and then decide myself when it is time to stop and move onto the next aspect. This is a skill that has developed since the last module. Also, throughout the year I have also learnt to talk confidently about my work. This module has defiantly proved that I can talk knowledgably about the work I have done ā for example, in feedback sessions and in a more recent presentation session. Now, if someone asks me a question about my work I can confidently answer giving reasons, and justifying the choices I made.
Ā Overall, through first year I have gained many skills that I have not realised until this point. To name a few:
Ā Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā I now have a solid understanding of the Adobe software
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā I have learnt print and binding skills
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā I can talk confidently about my work
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā I have started to promote myself in a professional manner
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā I have begun to do freelance work for clients, using the branding skills I learnt in module 3
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā I also have a clear direction in which I want my work to go in for second year
Ā I was hard to see while active in the modules how much I have learnt, however now on reflection looking back on the year I am amazed. I have definitely learnt valuable skills that I can now carry with me, and I am looking forward to a summer of creativity ready for next year!
