Overall this year has been without a doubt the hardest, most challenging year but definitely the most exciting and rewarding. Working both solo and alongside of others has meant I’ve learnt knew things off other classmates and tutors also, by picking their brain about certain topics such as photography, and traditional printing.
Collaborating with other students both internal and external to the course has definitely been the most engaging aspect of extended practice for me. Being able to socialise with, discuss and challenge other people has only developed my personal thoughts, experiences and ultimately my practice even more. I feel that I work best when in collaboration as I thrive off back and fourth discussion, with two or minds always being better than just one. It also means that we can distribute jobs between us, ultimately allowing each of us to play to our strengths.
Working alongside Jon for a few of my briefs has made us realise that we work well together, living in the same house also gives us the opportunity to constantly keep up to date, discuss and work on projects outside of university hours. This has sparked the potential of working together after university, possibly becoming a ‘creative duo’ especially after our internship together in London.
Working collaboratively isn’t always smooth running as people’s opinions and actions can clash, which I feel happened sometimes. Within our Hellmann’s project, having 4 graphic designers working together proved somewhat difficult as our direction was questioned multiple times. Plus with us all having similar skillsets, it would have been useful to have other talents such as an illustrator.
I’ve enjoyed working on research led briefs as it’s always interesting to better understand the wider context of what it is you’re designing for. It also allows for my designs to be more informed and underpinned, which helps me to create more meaningful pieces that I feel appreciative of. Writing my own self directed briefs has given me the opportunity to work on issues that I’ve been reading about prior. I prefer more substantial, research led briefs to something such as Secret 7” because it has more substance to it in terms of in depth, developed research.
Completing a multitude of briefs within extended practice has meant that I’ve learnt a lot of new skills physical, traditional techniques which has expanded my abilities within my multidisciplinary role as a designer that I’d regard myself as. Learning skills such as Adobe Premiere Pro that transferred over into other briefs e.g. Monzo and Bon Applastic which has been helpful in speeding up the production process. Along with that it’s been great working away from my screen in the traditional print room, it’s quiet and I can spend a day producing physical work that I can appreciate, all the while learning a new skill.
Overall I am very pleased with the work I’ve produced this year, I feel like I’ve adequately explored different areas of design which has helped to expand my multidisciplinary abilities and ultimately my portfolio. I feel much more confident in my abilities to produce work whether its a couple days or a couple of weeks long. Having the chance to work with other people has been crucial to my development this year and I will continue to do so in the future, with the hopes of working in a studio alongside other creatives of different disciplines.
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