Responsive - Module Evaluation

This module has been more challenging than others in certain aspects, but also more enjoyable too. Time management has been a problem for myself for quite some time in regards to work. But I have felt that it’s improved due to this module. As there were at least 6 briefs to complete, including the collaborative project, I needed to manage my time effectively. Usually when I’m working on more than one brief at a time I become stressed, however I’ve gotten used to it and this module helped with my confidence when clustered with work. Because projects overlapped I had to make plans in advance for my work. This allowed me to set a good pace for myself to work in. Some days, I would be making final designs for one project and doing research for another. It has become the norm for me, which is relieving because it means that I have adapted to this routine of work.

Throughout responsive I’ve felt like an actual graphic designer who has been engaging with real clients, rather than a student studying a course. This is the main reason why is has been enjoyable module. With responsive it felt that I was designing work for an actual audience instead of just doing it as part of the course. I was introduced to new challenges with the audience and requirements of clients; I had become more aware of the target audience and what needed to be communicated. For the vice ident I had to create a video/animation that presented the rule Britannia series. I decided to get across Great Britain’s under belly in contrast to it as a nation; I also made the audio neutral so it appealed to a wider audience.  

Designing for different formats such as; labels, envelope and wallpaper was another challenge. For the Millstone Honey I had to include the best before date, a lot number and the weight of the honey. I managed to create a seamless pattern out of my illustrations for feathr too. With Millstone Honey I treated as a professional branding. I wanted to present it in a way, which would make it appealing for people when they come across it online. I wanted the overall aesthetic to be aesthetic and stand out compared to other branded honey products. I set up a studio in my own room and took photos. Throughout some of the projects, including Millstone Honey, I was also thinking about how they would be presented for online use. I was thinking of PPP as well as Responsive and combining both of them.

The process of not designing for a specific song was refreshing, It gave me more scope and freedom to do what I wanted to do with the brief. To enjoy making something visually appealing was the main goal. But I also made a design specifically for digital witness. So I had the best of both. Expanding upon my illustrative style and learning new techniques has been very beneficial. I feel like that it has pushed my abilities to adapt to other visual styles and entwine it into other methods. Uncovering new ground with foiling was also very helpful, It got me accustomed to way Blenheim works and increased my confidence with the process. 

The feathr competition created a good chance for young creatives to gain exposure and receive a vast amount of money, which could be used for an investment that would help benefit your own business. This is another aspect of why this module was exciting. Entering competition briefs was something I had never done before. I submitted designs for feathr, secret 7 and D&AD. Responsive has given me the confidence to want to get my name out there and make connections.

Continuing to learn new design processes has been refreshing. One of my favourite parts of graphic design is being able to switch it up and try out new techniques. Creating things in different ways, covering new ground and gaining a better understanding helps enable myself to push my strengths forwards and build extensive knowledge of my practice.

Although there are still areas I need to improve upon. I need to do more in depth research. More primary research is needed for me to get a better grounding for the topic I’m covering. This will be beneficial for me to advance in creating powerful design solutions, which will communicate the right message. But on the whole I definitely valued from this module immensely. It has given me a much more professional mind state and better work ethic. This part of the second year has opened up my eyes, as I’ve had the realisation that it will be my professional practice after university if I put the work in. These projects need to be utilised, as they can be potential to grab the attention of other people out there that could end up being clients.