As part of my self analysis and evaluation in preparation for putting together my pre- Level 06 presentation within the next couple of days, I decided that an important practice was to look at my design practice and mentality both before and after the summer, and how events that have occurred, such as placements, have helped me to develop as a designer, and has taught me a great deal more about my practice.
The written content below comes from (an adapted) evaluation form that we were first presented with in Level 04, and it's amazing to see just how different my answers are now, and, clearly, how much I've developed as a designer.
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PRE/POST SUMMER
EVALUATION 2012
List practical skills that you have developed during
the summer. When have they proved useful?
A developed understanding and practice of branding. Working at two different branding studios in Newcastle/Gateshead, and actively working on live projects, as well as working collaboratively with a branding studio has helped me to learn the important analysis, meaning and understanding of the practice of branding, and has inspired me to explore it a great deal further as a potential design specialism both within my projects next year, and in my future design practice.
My research skills have greatly developed from this time last year. My research and findings are now a great deal more focuses at professional outcomes, and I aspire, this year, to look far more at the quality of my research posts as opposed to quantity, as I would accuse myself of doing so in the past.
List transferable skills that you have developed.
What have you used them for?
Giving and receiving feedback with Creative Directors has certainly been of huge benefit to me this summer. Getting regular, daily feedback from the CD, Dave Burdon, at Glad, in particular was a very enlightening experience, and I feel, as a result, I got to understand the brief far more effectively, and now will actively accept, and look for feedback from my tutors and peers as much as possible.
Also, at Glad, I was fortunate enough (to my amazement) to have been trusted to offer my own feedback in terms of their briefs and submissions into National design awards, which I felt truly flattered by.
At University, I think at times, whether it be my own lack of confidence which has caused it or not, some situations, particularly feedback sessions have felt a little "us and them", although something I've learnt from the studios, is that respect can be mutual, and I hope to maintain that on my return to University this year by working as hard and effectively as I possibly can.
I feel that this summer I've definitely become more courageous in terms of talking to people in the industry and "putting myself out there". Naturally, though it may be hard to believe, I am quite shy, but good at acting over it. A motto I've tried to live by this summer is "do something every day that scares you". From the beginning of the summer til now, I feel like a much braver person.
Just say "YES". As long as you try to commit to something, it shows your willingness and motivation. If you can't fulfil it, at least you tried. If you just say "NO", you'll be forgotten about- and it looks like you don't care. I'm applying this to all work and opportunities this year. Sometimes you just have to go for it; make time for it, don't be afraid of it, or what it means, just go for it.
Whilst you can just say "YES", it's okay to say "NO" too. Don't do briefs to make other people happy if it doesn't fit into your schedule, or you'rd really rather not do them. Don't compromise your beliefs and ethics for a bit of money or out of fear that you "might not be liked". Your personal and professional integrity is worth more than that.
List things that you have achieved. How have they
helped you progress?
I have been fortunate enough to gain two studio placements over the summer, which have undoubtedly helped me to understand the studio environment that, in the past, I have been absolutely intimidated by. I've loved my time working in the studios, and now know that I could just as easily, if not more so, work in a studio as I could freelance, and I love that I now have the option between the two.
List problems that you have had to face. How have
you over come them?
On my first day at Glad, I was set on a brief that, really, was my worst nightmare- logos. At this point, I had only just really "discovered" branding for myself, and a potential future working within it, but logos had been a real bug- bearer for the past two years. Instead of vocalising this, as in a studio, you really do the work you get given, I kept quiet, got on with it, and learnt that, actually, I was really enjoying it.
Only at the end of the week did I mention the issue, and I was told "You would have never been able to tell". Negativity and lamenting on bad experiences (whether they be personal or professional) is the reason why you dread something, or don't enjoy it. This year I aspire to be as open- minded to design as possible, and look upon every brief and client as a new experience, and don't let negative experiences bring me down.
List things that you will never do again. Why?
Contact too many studios at one time. Sure, at the time, I felt like I was "on a roll", but I certainly didn't expect six Newcastle studios to all contact me back at once (positively) when I only had a couple of weeks within the summer to spare. On a good note, I've now developed lots of industry contacts, however, I have concerns about coming across as "flaky" for not being able to commit to all offered placements, and just hope that good will between me and the studios is effectively maintained.
Which of these words describes the way you work as
part of a group?
Confident
Passive
Ethical
Open
Vocal
Decisive
Informed
Critical
Determined
Considerate
Tolerant
Withdrawn
Which of these qualities do you most appreciate about
yourself?
Honesty
Creative
Originality
Commitment
Responsible
Flexibility
Ambitious
Focused
Punctuality
Humorous
Organised
Criticism
Which of these attitudes best describes the way you
worked at the start of the summer?
Organised
Impulsive
Entertaining
Focused
Laid back
Direct
Informed
Critical
Objective
Committed
Flexible
Entertaining
Passive
Unrealistic
Indecisive
Ethical
Which of these attitudes best describe the way you
work now?
Oragnised
Impulsive
Entertaining
Focused
Laid back
Direct
Informed
Critical
Objective
Committed
Flexible
Entertaining
Passive
Unrealistic
Indecisibe
Ethical
