My aim for this module was to learn the ins and outs of screen-printing. I wanted to learn the technical process from scratch and incorporate my artwork in to it from there. Through a variety of ways I have learned what I consider to be the entire basis of screen printing. I now have a more than component knowledge and understanding of what goes in to the process as well as what I can get out of it, both personally and professionally. I have also learned a lot about the way in which I work as a creative. I realized throughout the duration of the module that I work better when I have taken the time to research what it is I want to do and what I am aiming to achieve. From that, I can go in to learning a new technique or process much more comfortably and much more confidently.
My reasoning behind wanting to learn screen-printing is that I feel I am now at the stage with my graphic design skill where I am becoming complacent. I seem to get bored very quickly with doing the same kind of briefs for the same kind of client and I am slowly becoming less inspired to do that sort of work. Instead of constantly designing work for print and sending it to a printers or client, I would now like to take a step in that direction myself and really learn the process. I think by doing this it will only improve the quality of my work as my understanding will be much broader and I will be more aware and careful in my practice. I think by learning the process, it could inspire a new style of work from me and in turn it will give me a whole new medium to begin exploring.
I found the best way for me to learn the process was to research the techniques and processes involved first and foremost. Then with this general understanding, take that forward in to the print room as oppose to diving in there head first and trying to absorb all the information at once, as I am so used to doing. By doing it this way round, I found that what I was learning stayed with me much easier. Following this method up with further research also helped as I could apply what I had been learning directly to artists and designer I have admired previously, but perhaps not fully understood. Unusually for me, I found reading articles and interviews of use too. Reading for long periods of time is difficult for me but I realized that I was much more inclined to try because I was so excited about the subject matter.
At first, I found approaching tutors and technicians uncomfortable and sought the help and advice of fellow students instead. I believe this is because I felt more at ease discussing matters with them. However, once I had developed a solid comprehension of what I was doing, I found talking to technicians much easier. I think this is because I felt like I was being less of a burden to them, although I now know they are primarily there to help. I found comfort in researching online and in magazines to begin with and I felt by doing this first, it gave me the confidence to overlook this issue and in turn I got a lot more from it. I found Roger to be a rather intimidating character at first and I felt uncomfortable when I first met him, but after consulting another student about it, who has already formed a relationship with him, they explained its nothing personal and he just likes to get things done in his own way. Once I actually stopped worrying and listened to what he had to say, I learned a lot. He has a very direct and no nonsense approach to work and I think this worked well with me, as I was being too hesitant at first. It gave me a kick in the right direction and helped improve my attitude and approach.
I think I struggled with my confidence during this module and it in turn hindered the speed of my development. I am initially hesitant to learn new things in fear that I will be no good at it. My ability to ask for help was none existent at first and I’m still unsure if that is down to me enjoying learning it for my self or simply a self-confidence issue. Either way, once I got over that, I saw a dramatic improvement in my development. I think I was struggling personally throughout the course of the module with matters such as my current living arrangements and finances causing distractions. I think I balanced the work well with this though considering the circumstances. I still cannot see much improvement in my time management skills and seem to be stuck in a damaging way of working, leaving things until the last minute and inflicting more stress on myself in the process. I seemed to also have some difficulty when it came to the more complicated printing processes. There was a lot to consider and I was so focused on not making a mistake, I inevitably did, as I was not thinking about what I was actually doing at the time. I think I made some mindless mistakes at times because of this.
If I had more time to practice this module, the main area I would continue to work on is my time management skills. I think because I lack in this ability, it inflicts upon the quantity and quality of work I know deep, down I am able to produce. If I could go back and start again, I would still work in the same way I did, except I would make it much more concise in order to give myself more time to practice my newly acquired skills. I felt like I was rushing myself through the processes so I could ultimately try and fit more things in but I just became stuck, until I had to rush something else.
All in all, I think the module was extremely important for my personal development. This was the perfect module for me to start the second year with, partially for the new skill I have acquired, but mainly for developing an effective learning process that works for me. I believe I can now take what I have learned throughout Communication Technology 2 and apply it to my future personal and professional development.
