OUGD504 - End of Module Self-Evaluation

End of Module Self-Evaluation

This module has been enjoyable as a whole, as it focused on a few things I am particular passionate about. These include; leaflet design and logo/branding although these were enjoyable I knew that it was necessary to focus on the other two briefs in more depth as I wanted to acquire more skills sets. I believe I certainly fulfilled this due to the outcome of each brief. 

Studio Brief 1 allowed me to explore and understand the design process by conducting significant research on the subject matter and using this knowledge to process a well thought out production of a leaflet, including folds, typeface choices and colour schemes. Setting myself the aim/concept of wanting people to pick it up and read it, some of my design choices were based upon this. I think it is important to set yourself a goal when designing for a purpose in order to fulfill it. Leaflets are in high demand for businesses and I have produced them for clients in my freelancing business prior to this. However, working on this enabled me to create more skills/knowledge such as different types of folds, which I will be able to use in my future career as well as now in my own little business. 

Studio Brief 2 was also enjoyable as I have a keen interest in branding. As this brief also had time constraints it enabled me to focus and organize my work and get feedback in enough time, however this also gave me some restrictions. For example on a commercial level the logo would have been printed onto some merchandise but as I didn’t have time, I photo shopped some images but this wouldn’t be accepted in a real life industry situation. Branding is something I have always enjoyed and hopefully I will lead down this path in the future.

Studio Brief 3 was developing on my previous knowledge and because of this a few things did go wrong such as accurate measurements and poor stock choices. For example my front cover was printed on a white gloss thick stock but as my design was orange when it was scored some of the print lifted leaving the white of the paper showing. I fi managed my time more effectively on this module I would’ve used an orange shiny stock to eliminate this. The production aspects of this brief were focused on a lot more than the actual editorial design as I knew that this is what the module wanted us to focus on a lot more so most of my time and effort went into the binding method and I believe it to be one of the best pieces of work I have done. The precision and application of the bind made it look really sleek and professional it was just a shame the front cover didn’t work out as well as I had planned.

Finally, Studio Brief 4 was something completely new to me. Having to complete this forced me to find out things I didn’t already know and apply the information I found out to my design. I also found that editing and making slight improvements could completely change and improve your design significantly. For example I decided to change my artist last minute as I found an album cover I really liked. Not only did this influence my design it greatly improved it. This brief also allowed me to think on a commercial level and establish the relationship between the user, designer and developer. Meaning the designer should not only be designing for the user to easily understand and navigate through the webpages but also design so that the developer can easily comprehend what the designer is aiming to do via interlinks/buttons/different pages etc. through the effective use of wireframes. I also found that the use of grid systems could really influence whether you’re designing for desktop and mobile. Once the initial desktop design is produced you can easily modify the design slightly to suit the mobile and tablet versions however the use of grids and accurate dimensions and dpi in necessary in order for it to be functional.