Evaluation of Level 5

Looking back on my Level 4 PPP presentation, I have achieved the the things I wanted to learn for for this year such as lino cutting for my Marks & Spencer design, screen print which was also for the Marks & Spencer design. I did help out with letterpress even though I didn't really set anything out as I did it for the invites for last years exhibition, 'Money is?' and at Galerie P98a where I got to learn more about type. It was inspiring to see designs made by letterpress as it allowed me to understand and learn more about the process and technique but are yet to try it out.

I also never thought that I would put my work out there on Behance and on Instagram since I always feel like my work isn't good enough but now that it is, I don't hate my work as much as I think.

Another exciting thing that I never thought would happen is that I could interview someone like Jess Williams since I feel like she is too busy and is a successful woman in the design industry. It almost felt surreal since my self branding was inspired by Birchbox and having Jess as the Creative Director at Birchbox US allowing me to interview her was the most thrilling thing to happen. I also interviewed her via Skype which was intimidating but also such a positive experience for me and my design work.

This year, I also visited Berlin which was an inspiring trip to see such a creative city around on the streets and the history of the art schools/museums.

I have also realised in Level 5 that I want to specialise in packaging and pattern design since the responsive briefs had allowed me to achieve and push further my practise. Since I have drawn more this year, I am a more confident drawer and I would maybe show people my work.

A Social Media Presence

From the presentation I did, even though I have mentioned how insecure and not confident about my work, I was given the feedback to have an online presence because my work is actually good and that this would be a way for me to get into the design industry. After debating wether or not to actually do it, I decided that I should just go for it because I'm not helping myself if I just keep my work to myself. Having a social media presence would potentially help me to show my work to potential employers, clients or other industry professionals. It was nerve-wracking but I am glad that I have put my work out there as I see more and more of my work in one space and I don't think they're half as bad as I had originally thought. I now have a Behance and Instagram page dedicated to the work I produce.

OUGD505 Marks & Spencer Screen Print

After the failure of the lino print, I went back to screen print which I have tried before and like. The only downside to screen print is that it is ridiculously time consuming and theres a lot of faffing around in terms of the drying and washing. But in the end, the screen prints always turn out great and just as you want them if you do it right. Screen print can give you different effects depending on how the design is being printed. It really allows you to mix your own colours, choose your own stock as screen print is quite limitless and gives you a broader spectrum of design capabilities. I would screen print again if I had the time to do so and if I want to achieve something specific.