OUGD503: Project Report

I wanted to use the opportunity to submit to both major platforms, D&AD & YCN, learning about their processes and aspects of professionalism. I wanted to take on briefs which I had a real interest in, aiming to produce thoughtful and highly considered to work a high outcome. I feel that this aim has been met, with the standard of production increasing throughout the module. The Greenalls Gin brief for YCN was my biggest challenge, due to the head space I was in at the time organisation was all over the place, meaning lots of work kept being erased or unsaved, and then re-done under un-allocated time restraints. This aspect of organisation is something I really need to focus on in the future. In past evaluations I speak of how I need to improve time management, fortunately that was the one thing which may have gone right for the majority of this module, submitting to all deadlines on time (at least submitting something). By conducting this brief I have questioned my current time plan for the future, adding an extra two weeks at the end of every project for errors bound to occur. Never the less Studio brief 01 was a great opportunity to be free (to an extent) in production and development, yet was extremely challenging as narrowing down the idea was something I struggled with. More feedback would have aided the development of this brief more coherently, as well as perhaps targeting the overall problem in a more immediate manor. By introducing a festival aspect to Greenalls, the emphasis is placed on the millennial audience, yet requires additional investment and support by Greenalls and participating events- something which hinders the feasibility of this solution. I have learnt that I enjoy boundaries, as they give a set of guidelines and a rough path to follow; the challenge of creating 'a piece of creative' is too broad for my brain to handle, suggesting as well that Greenalls didn't really have a clear outcome in mind either.  

However, Studio brief 02 was a great opportunity to collaborate with other Graphic Designers, utilising time effectively and project managing to an extent. I feel my role within the group was significant, contributing to ideas, concept development and production. It was really rewarding to feel valued within a group, and that my ideas actually matter and aren't stupid. My input aided the overall black and white aesthetic of the project, an aspect I feel ties the corporate world and gritty subculture of tattoo's together in harmony. This brief allowed me to develop my own skills, mainly centred around photography, illustration and art direction. I helped organise the group (ironically) and booked things so they would get done within enough time for completion, contributing to my own personal development in time management and project planning. All small briefs have mainly been illustration based, inspiring this aspect within my personal practice and adapting a more hands on style. The benefit of a small brief being short is the lack of blogging this opportunity provides. I feel this freedom allows me to explore my ideas much more, yet its the documentation which holds me back- something I need to work on in the future.

In conclusion, Responsive has been a really thought provoking journey forcing me to expand my creativity and consider the overall purpose/problem in what the brand is asking for. Each brief has taught me about how I work and has led me to realise that I need to drive my passion for ideas I really believe in, as well as collaborating with others in the process. I also need to be more alert when it comes to organising files, creating multiple back ups in multiple places so not to loose all my files again.