Final Reflection

Guarantees

Technology

The very first thing that I learned about technology this year was that I didn't really know how to use it. Yes, I did a few tutorials here and there sophomore year and I had the Adobe software at home, but that did not mean that I knew what I was doing. I went into this year believing that I didn't need very much help getting familiar with the programs we used because I usually pick up on tech very easily. However, sitting down and really learning the basics of InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop helped me more than a guess and check process ever could have. It was challenging when I could picture an idea for a design I had in my head, but I didn't know how to physically design it on a program. With the help of Mrs. Burdolski, Brett, and Google, I was usually always able to figure it out. That leads me to my next topic.

Collaboration

Oh boy! One of the reasons why I joined graphic design was the individual aspect of it. It was very personal, and I could let my creative ideas be carried out through me and only me. I had no idea how much it would involve me conversing with other designers and getting feedback. Something that surprised me this year was how much I asked for help, as I am typically not one to do so. I realized that my first ideas laid out on Illustrator wouldn't always be the best. I began asking others for their thoughts on how my projects looked and ways they would change it. This made my final products a million times better. I will miss my absolute favorite critic who sat to the left of me because I know that he was always honest. Something that I believe needs to be pushed in this class is giving real criticism. There were many times that I knew someone was just "being nice" when I asked them about my work and saying "It looks great!". I would appreciate if we could all just tell each other the truth in a respectful manner.

Communication

Tying along with collaboration, communication was also something that I really developed in this year. I learned a lot about keeping in touch with people, whether it was my instructor, a client, or a fellow classmate. Client wise, I learned a lot about reading carefully when they send me their requirements, as well as keeping up with them and updating them frequently. For example, the very first poster file that I sent Feed His Lambs was actually missing information that got lost in a word document I was working off of. It felt embarrassing to get an email back detailing everything that I had done wrong, but it was a very important learning process. I knew that from there on I would always double check everything I did, just like an industry professional. If you want to be a graphic designer, you've got to be agreeable and you've got to listen.

Project Management

I am aware that I still have a long way to go with this guarantee. I am a person who always believes that I have everything under control. Even if my computer was set on fire, I would probably still be sitting there saying, "It's all ok!". Even though I wish I wasn't, I am a procrastinator, and the way I prioritize some things in my head is not always correct. I always manage to create a final product that I like with each project, but finishing these projects always causes me a lot more trouble than it really needs to be. For example, I always put my menu project on the back burner when I had other projects to be working on. The amount of copy I had to incorporate into it was overwhelming, and at the time it didn't really feel like design to me, so I put off doing it. I now know that if I would've put a little more time into it, I would've been happy with the results. I will elaborate on this a bit more in my weaknesses.

Leadership

Despite not always having the greatest project management skills this year, I still believe that I was a leader in this class. Even though I didn't have that senior level authority, I still felt that I contributed a lot to critiques and I felt respected as a designer. I really loved helping out the sophomores with their projects on the days that I came in to critique them. There is something so great about giving someone a suggestion and seeing their work come to life. I enjoy helping others and giving them feedback. I also like being in charge and going the extra mile in certain situations. I am very excited for next year because I know that as a senior I will be able to assist the juniors a bit more and set an example of a good designer. 

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

I highlighted these previously, but I believe that my strengths are leadership, having an eye for design, sketching, and noticing trends. I believe that I am talented at giving constructive criticism and noticing small things that can improve projects overall. I am able to also look at my own projects and decide whether I like them or not based on visual appearance. Something that I was particularly proud of was my sketches for this year's prom poster. The sketches were quick, but I drew a variety of ideas and always got my message across for each one. I also am able to design based on what is "in" right now. Scrolling through Pinterest really does pay off! For example, even though I am not sure if it will be chosen, I really liked the Stuco t-shirt design I created that incorporated line art. It was a success to me because I saw many logos like this, and I was able to figure out the process of creating one through videos and searches. 

Weaknesses

To bring up the prom poster again, I consider that a failure. Even though I really liked my final product, I did not listen to some of the suggestions given to me during critiques that may have saved my design. I believed that it looked great the way it was, but there were some things I could have messed with a bit more (like type). I believed that my design was packaged the best out of the rest of the class' designs, so I was shocked when it wasn't chosen. I really do need to listen more. Project management was also a weakness of mine. I am happy with the number of projects I created this year, but I am not happy with the rush I always had finishing them. I still need to work on not always believing that I am right and putting in my full effort into each project I produce (even if I am not particularly fond of it). 

Future

The leadership, project management, and communication skills that I have learned this year will assist me greatly in my upcoming year in graphic design. I am excited to have more professional skills and feel more experienced in my art. I am hoping that I will be able to produce projects at a quicker pace and package them even better. I am also going to make sure that I do a better job at cutting and mounting, now that I've learned that it's not always the easiest process to do. I hope to take on even more projects than I did this year and really see a lot of success in them. I am also looking forward to designing the homecoming poster, as I am determined to get it right this time. 

Changes

Even though I feel that I am repeating myself a bit, I would change my time management skills and sometimes stubborn attitude when it comes to critiques. There were times when I wouldn't consider someone's suggestion for my project because I believed that it looked good the way it was, but then later regretted it. I wish I could've always been putting in my full effort for each product I produced this year, but next year is a new chapter, and I know my effort will always be at its best. My junior year has been a great learning experience.

Conclusion

Coming to first and second hour was by far my favorite part of the school day. I love how much I am able to express myself in this class and I enjoy being surrounded by creatives who have the same passion as me. Even though it can get competitive, I respect every other designer in this room and I m thankful that I have them to assist me in my learning experience as a graphic designer. I have approved greatly this year in the categories of technology, collaboration, communication, project management, and leadership. I believe that this upcoming year will bring lots of opportunity to me as a designer and I am incredibly excited. I can really see myself using all of this experience in my future career. I want to thank Mrs. Burdolski for always supporting me and giving me projects that help me learn and grow as a designer.