Responsive: Module Evaluation

During this module I have engaged with a variety of diverse live briefs. While the briefs have seemed quite distinct, I have found that the developments in one have often informed another. Live briefs have enabled me to investigate processes and formats that I would otherwise avoided, such as pattern design.

I have on occasion involved myself with live briefs, however this module enabled me to apply a more analytical process. My first brief was the Thoughtbubble Festival, which vastly improved my grasp of professional practice, as well as producing a variety of designs for a specific audience. Working with Becky F proved that I was not totally inept at collaborative practice, we each made impressive profits and enjoyed the experience greatly. Throughout this module I have worked primarily digitally, which has vastly improved the speed at which I can create imagery in Photoshop. I have also learned to apply designs to a variety of products whilst considering the format, colour and context specifications of each brief.

The latter part of module involved a quick succession of briefs. I would suggest this led to a decline in quality in some responses, whilst paradoxically improving others. For example I am quite unsatisfied with the rushed response to the Tigerprint brief, while the Western posters seem to have a clear simplicity due to my restraint of time expenditure.
My largest regret lies in the collaborative brief with Becca H, I find that in a similar fashion to last years collaboration I assumed too much responsibility and did not allow my partner an equal share of work. My consideration of range has often been mediocre, I should have applied an analysis of the appropriateness of each product. Working primarily digitally has also led to some designs appearing somewhat flat and stale. Many briefs did not involve sufficient research, which caused another form of quality decline in how they were executed.
I find that the boards I produced could have been better, although I kept them relatively minimal, I would have liked to expand upon the knowledge developed when creating the boards for Syfy or Pantone. I find that my documentation could have been more extensive, especially since I will not submit any physical evidence as part of the submission. My analysis of briefs has often been quite informal, the addition of a structured scrutiny would have improved the chances of my submissions being potential winning designs.

I have vastly improved my understanding of catering design for audience, as well as preparing imagery specifically with the intention to appropriate it as a range of products. I have made some progression in terms of text and layout, the best example being the Syfy boards, which have come close to establishing a uniform structure that can be applied across my work. My responses have certainly benefitted from my full attendance and general commitment. I am quite impressed with the visual quality of some submissions, such as the Syfy artwork or T-Shirts. I will certainly continue submitting T-Shirt designs habitually, and on occasion produce them myself. I would suggest that I have had a more active role in the studio, participating in a lot more informal feedback, thus improving the work of others as well as my own. My technical fluency has improved greatly, I can produce work quicker and avoid getting unhealthily fastidious with insignificant detail. I am proud of the way in which I used .gifs to communicate ideas that are unclear when stationary.

Upon the opportunity to revisit the module I would certainly attempt to engage in less briefs, and ensure quality throughout. Further, I would keep a visual journal to explore the use of format, material and colour, thus improving the later resolved pieces. I do not regret my decision to work primarily on screen, although I would attempt to apply more analogue processes to avoid producing work that has a dull clinical aesthetic.

To conclude, I am not entirely satisfied with my visual responses to this module. There are examples of work which could have benefitted from more time and focus. I would fault my time planning toward the beginning of the module, when I had a comparatively more relaxed workload to complete. On many occasions I have prioritised the other modules in place of this one. At this point I can better respond to any live brief, regardless of theme or superficial appearances of seeming fun or boring. The module has had a direct positive influence on other modules; it has helped establish a more considered online presence, as well as improving my understanding and application of product range.