Study Task 1 Why Am I Here - What do I want to Learn?//ANSWERS.

Responses and feeback from Study Task 1.

IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN 5 REASONS WHY YOU CHOSE TO STUDY ON THIS COURSE

- I always knew that I loved Illustration, but from visiting several Illustration courses, experiencing open days and interview, I didn't know if this would be quite enough. I was blessed with the enthusiasm and excitement for learning new things, and I felt that studying on a graphic design degree course would be an excellent way to expand my knowledge and skills whilst still remaining faithful to my Illustration roots.

- A major factor in deciding upon which course I studied at University was based upon Industry support and education. Whilst learning skills and software was, of course, a very important factor, what I felt was important went beyond that. For me, I was focused on life after Uni, and felt it was very important to learn about the industry, marketing and the business aspect of Graphic Design. This course promised all this and more, and seemed very faithful to their plight to make the most of, and support their students.

- Coming from a reasonably rural town in Shropshire, Leeds felt like a great change for me. Not too big, not too small- almost a small-scale, and far friendlier version of London. Plus, one of Leeds' largest industries in print- one of my greatest interests within Graphic Design practice. To choose the Leeds College of Art Graphic Design course to apply to from the three major Universities was a no- brainer- it was the cream of the crop.

- The course boasts an exceptional alumni despite it's "tender years"- the work ethos of the tutors, which is driven into the students has resulted in fantastic portfolios of work that have gone on to achieve great success, and even greater industrial placements.

- During my interview (with head of the degree) I was really inspired by Fred's attitude and genuine passion for Design. He gave me full encouragement that I would learn a great deal on the course, and could go on to achieve great things once I had graduated. The day I was accepted onto the course I was deliriously happy.

IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN 5 THINGS YOU WANT TO LEARN DURING YOUR TIME ON THE PROGRAMME

- Although my understanding and knowledge of industry-standard software has undoubtedly improved (in leaps and bounds!) since enrolling for my first year on the course, I still feel reasonably behind in terms of where I feel I should be. I want to perfect what I already know, and tackle some of the completely new software programmes (to me) such as Flash and Dreamweaver that are utilised for screen-based design.

- I would like to perfect my screen printing skills. Although I have had a reasonable level of experience/workshops, I need to immerse myself in some screen print sessions and jump in at the deep end (without assistance so I can learn for myself/be completely independent) and make myself the master of the screen- not the other way round.

- Although it is certainly progressing throughout my design practice, I would like to develop a far wider range of contacts within industry- not only for work experience, placements, and internships but also printers, fellow designers, promoters, agents etc. By the time I graduate, I want to be 100% prepared for "the real world", as opposed to having to bluff my way along each day, pretending that I know what I'm doing.

- Though dabbled with in college and my own personal time, I would really love to make a (good) animation, preferably hand-drawn. One of my greatest sources of design inspiration comes from animation- such as, particularly, the stunning work of Julia Pott (MA Animation graduate from Royal College of Art).

- Being a huge photography fan, I would love to develop my skills in this area. Whilst studio and lighting equipment is available to me for free through the University, I would really love to exhaust these facilities personally, as well as collaborating with other Photography students.

IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN 5 THINGS YOU THINK ARE YOUR STRENGTHS

- Hand-rendered illustration has always been one of my strengths. However, due to learning new software and vector-based programmes this year it hasn't been quite so readily utilised as a final outcome as it would have been in college. However, I am now learning how to use my hand-rendered illustrations in software programmes and perfect and stylise them with computer-aided technology, as opposed to being one or the other.

- I definitely seem to work my best, and receive best results when I create projects which are either light- hearted or humorous. I completely thrive when working with terrible puns and, on the whole, loving what I'm doing.

- Networking. Not to blow my own trumpet, but when it comes to networking, I'm on fire. However unusual it may sound, one of my favourite aspects of the Graphic Design course is researching, and this bodes very well for seeking out companies and designers, as well as putting my work out into the world and self-promotion.

- Business and accounting. True, I am a beginner, but I really enjoy the accounting and business side of my design practice (my Grandfather was an accountant, must be in the blood). I have been fortunate enough to have a little success with my online Etsy store throughout the summer, as well as establishing a relationship with two shops- one in Liverpoool, 'Nook & Cranny', which are currently stocking some of my items, and a gifts and home ware boutique in my hometown of Shrewsbury, which will be stocking my designs in the near future.

- Presenting. Although half of the time I would much rather run and hide in a dark place, I feel that I can forge confidence reasonably well, and can deliver confident, and, hopefully, concise presentations and pitches.

IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN 5 THINGS YOU WANT TO IMPROVE

- Self- confidence within my work. This may be quite normal, or it may be a slight neurotic tendency in myself alone but I definitely go through peaks and troughs when it comes to my confidence in my own ability. I need to man up and consider that everyone makes mistakes- and that they aren't always a bad thing. It's on my to-do list.

- Visual communication. Last year I had a consistent problem with this and seemed to unwittingly insist on over-complicating everything. I need to snap out of this and stop trying to be clever (even if it is unknowingly doing so)- I need more self-awareness and evaluation of what I'm doing at all times.

- Tax and accounting. Sure, I enjoy it (as aforementioned) but I am no means (yet) an accountancy wizard. Again, it's on my to-do list. Enterprise lectures and sessions through PPD this year will be invaluable.

- Decision making and critical analysis. I'm still at the stage in my practice where I often feel I need reassurance with my concepts and design ideas. Again, I'm sure this is a confidence issue- which will undoubtedly ease with time and practice.

- Understanding of type and image- very vague in terms of what I want to improve, I know. Really, I just want to improve my understanding and application of both throughout my work, and to be able to transform my designs from student work to a professional standard.

IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN 5 WAYS YOU WILL EVALUATE YOUR PROGRESS


- Every day I make to-do lists. This ensures I stay on top of my work and makes sure that I always stay on target for my work/life balance. (Though the life bit is pretty scant).

- Consistently going over my blogs to look at old work, consider my development within projects and to write written assessments of my thoughts at the time (for my PPD blog).

- Ask for feedback from my peers and tutors on a constant basis, to develop as many opinions and views as possible. Hopefully not so much that they'll get sick of me though.

- Create semi-regular check/aim lists of what I aspire to achieve- setting goals for myself will give me more determination to pursue different areas within my design practice.

- Post blogs/design work onto networking sites such as twitter- getting an outsider's opinion for (hopefully) perhaps a slightly more brutal, but completely honest view of my progress.


IDENTIFY 5 THINGS YOU WANT TO FIND THE ANSWER TO


- How feasible is it to go straight into freelance work immediately after graduating? Although I know that industry experience would be very valuable, I am fiercely determined to work freelance as I am, admittedly, very independent. Although I know fierce determination doesn't always pay the bills.

- What is the average amount of time that Graphic Design students spend in internships, and at what point in their education is this usually undertaken?

- What is the average yearly salary for both an intern and a freelance designer?

- What percentage of LCA BAGD graduates are currently freelance, and what is their success/portfolio standard?

- How to create a mind- bogglingly awesome and irresistible CV. Mine's perfectly okay at the minute, but I want it so good that it brings tears to the eyes of design agencies. Please.