BA (Hons.) GRAPHIC DESIGN
LEVEL
05
Module Code
OUGD202
Module Title
DESIGN PRODUCTION - DIGITAL
END OF MODULE SELF-EVALUATION NAME
Chris van Niekerk
1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them? •
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Editorial – I feel that my editorial skills have significantly improved in the form of image and text driven layout. I have produced various publications and editorial pieces, which has tested my layout on different formats and informed my approach to producing publications. This in turn has improved my indesign/photoshop skills allowing me to efficiently work without being limited to my software knowledge. My binding skills have become much more informed due to my exploration in editorial projects this has also changed my approach to projects. It also feel that I understand publication work better now and it has given me an idea of the breadth of a project before deciding to attempt it or not. Typography- I feel that my level of understanding within typography has greatly increased and I have started to apply this knowledge within my branding and editorial projects. Branding & Identity – These are skills I have improved on a little bit it hasn’t been a main focus of mine this module but my logo development and work rate has gone up significantly. Photography – Photographing my own work for my own projects has stepped up this year my knowledge of studio lighting and camera settings has reached a level that gives me a good level of competence. I applied this throughout my projects as well as doing my own photo shoot with models for a look book. Screen Printing – I feel that this is a process I have gotten much more familiar with this module when it comes to printing not only on paper but also fabric. I have utilised the bright colour schemes available, which are far superior over CMYK colour range and the ability to print on various formats and stocks not necessarily accessible through digital print. Laser Cut – I have become more familiar with this process and understand its limitations, I used it to my advantage when cutting large packaging nets which saved me a lot of time. Concept driven design – I have started to get more concept driven design within my practise, I find myself very much a process driven designer but this module has opened me up to utilising concept driven work.
2. What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process? •
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Publication planning – After extensive research into editorial and book binding, I know have a much greater knowledge on approaching the design of a publication in the sense that I understand how the content will dictate the form of the book and my existing knowledge now allows me to fully plan a publication before starting to design it. Design for print – After doing two heavily screen print & digital print based projects I can now approach a project much more confidently when it comes to print finishes and working to print with a full knowledge of what limitations I have and how to alter my design to cater towards those limitations. Typeface production – I know have a far greater understanding of what set of rules to set in place and how to approach designing a typeface.
3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these? • • •
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Editorial – I find editorial work is definitely strength within my work and I will capitalise on this during my fmp by selecting at least 1 heavily editorial based project. Screen print – Screen printing is a definite strength within my work and I plan on capitalising on this during the next module by utilising its colour range and spot colour abilities. Photography – My photography skills have been a massive strength within my work this module but I feel that I need to not make it my main focus, I will utilise this fully during product shots to give my work a real professional look. Software Skills – I feel that my software skills across the adobe suite are at a very high level and I will continue using Photoshop/illustrator and InDesign all in conjunction with each other.
4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future? •
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Branding and Identity – I find that compared to my other work this is a the weather discipline within my practice and that I can still build on producing brands as this is a key feature for a graphic designer. I plan to keep working in Brand/Identity projects within my final major project to keep building my skills. Hand drawn skills - This is something that I have always had trouble with, my drawing isn’t ridiculously bad I am just not very quick at it, I find that working in Indesign allows me to do layouts much quicker then drawing but I still plan on keeping my drawing going in sketchbooks more specifically relating to type. Packaging - This has always been a weakness mainly due to my poor ability to cut a straight line but after being introduced to the laser cutter, I will utilise this process to cut my nets for me perfectly leaving less room for error.
5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these? • • • • •
I would draw more in my sketchbook to allow me to keep my drawing skills going. Time management, I would make much more rigorous time plans for my projects and try to keep to them. Choose project, which are of an appropriate size, instead of doing significant briefs next time I will plan my projects better keeping in mind the printing and the design time of each brief. Blog more as I go a long, This is something that I always find handy by end of the module as I realise things I miss out by not blogging as I go along. Focus on design for screen more. This is something I lacked on severely this module and it’s a skill I want to utilise next module.
6.How would you grade yourself on the following areas: (please indicate using an ‘x’) 5= excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = poor 1
2
3
4 X
5
Attendance X Punctuality X Motivation X Commitment X Quantity of work produced X Quality of work produced X Contribution to the group The evaluation of your work is an important part of the assessment criteria and represents a percentage of the overall grade. It is essential that you give yourself enough time to complete your written evaluation fully and with appropriate depth and level of self-reflection. If you have any questions relating to the self evaluation process speak to a member of staff as soon as possible.