PPD

Why Am I Here? What Do I Want To Learn?

Identify and explain 5 reasons why you chose to study on this programme:

The atmosphere.
1. The moment I stepped foot in the uni building I could sense something different and unique.
It never felt like a generic uni building where you're just another number/name on a card. Because It's a specialist art college every where you go in the college is creative so you're constantly surrounded by a creative atmosphere which only inspires you even further to work hard. My ND tutor recommended this course to me and had mentioned that it was building a strong reputation for itself. I knew I would get the best out of my degree from LCA.

2. The tutor time. 
Because of the small numbers and the collge-like nature of the course, it was easy for the tutors to get to know us by name and vice versa. Again, you didn't feel like a another number. They would always be on hand to give feedback on work and they would always listen if you had a problem.

3. The timetabled hours.
Admittidly I had dreamt of , like my friends, going to a uni where you would only be in for 2 hours a week and the rest of the time going out and socialising and sometimes I still envy those who are still in bed on a Monday morning. But why would I pay over £3000 a year doing that? I wanted to get the most out of the course and I felt like this was where I would get my moneys worth. 

4. Access to facilities.
The access to facilities in the course is incredible. Top of the range computers with all the latest software, a room for screen printing, laser cutters, the library. The college doesn't discriminate so if you're a design student wanting to photograph something, the dark room and the equipment if fully accessible to you. Easily comparible to anything you would find in industry. The college is your oyster!

5 To evolve as a designer.
Before coming to LCA I had completed a BTEC ND course on graphic design. Whilst at the ND course I was introduced to Graphic design and I finally found a name for my obsession of collecting packaging. It was my first step to becoming a successful graphic designer. I saw university as my next step, my chance to evolve as a designer and I thought LCA was the perfect place to do it. 


Identify and explain 5 skills that you think are your strength.

Type and layout.
I believe I have a sharp eye for type and consider it to be my main strength.

Effective/design communication.
Everything on my design has a purpose. I believe in straight forward communication
with no gimmicks and clutter.
Some of the best design out there, has the least design on it.

Working with restrictions.
Admittedly I sigh and moan when given restrictions (2 colours plus stock, type only etc) But as I get into my work I find myself enjoying working with restrictions. Simply because I know what I'm working with.

Software skills.
Even before starting the course at LCA I had a strong understanding of the Adobe package this.
I am confident applying my designs onto screen. This is a strength that has only been strengthened by the Mac Workshops with Mike, James and Simon at the Mac Bubble.

Belief in my work.
I strongly beleive in what I do and I can always justify the way I've approached a brief. 
My confidence in my work helps me become a stronger designer.

Identify and explain 5 things that you want to improve.

Motivation.
I am ambitious without a doubt but I lack motivation and I am falling trap to the "I'll do it tomorrow" mentality. This is one of my weakest attributes and one that needs to be sorted.

Work pace.
I have a bad habit of "faffing" with my design and spend longer than necessary on one brief. This causes me to not have enough work for crits/deadlines, therefore I work out of panic which affects the quality of my design greatly.


Managing work load.
After doing two years of first year, the second year of the course is definitely a step up. I had just begun getting used to the work load at the end of last year but the course expects double this year (which is how I progress) I'm hoping this will improve as I go through the year.

Identify and explain 5 ways that you will evaluate your progress.

Make a to do list for each brief and cross out each task as I go along.
Allocating myself a few hours of extra study/work to be ahead of the game.
Evaluate my progress each week.
Giving myself "mini deadlines" to push myself further and improve my speed of work.
Ask for feedback of peers for often. Hopefully this will help me not to "faff"

Identify 5 questions that you want to find the answer to.
How much work is required from me in industry?
How much am I worth?
What seperates me from the rest of the designers out there?
Will I be able to make a living as a designer?