Module Evaluation

The difference between the module this year, and the equivalent module last year, is the weighing up of expected returns on my efforts. This time last I’d have been more happy to engage with projects or briefs that could be otherwise described as ‘hypothetical’, but that’s been completely phased out of my work know and it shows. I’ve tried to do almost everything I’ve involved myself in for a purpose, for an ‘as close to real life’ outcome as possible, because quite frankly I’m bored of producing creative work for a submission folder that never gets used or seen. I’ve adopted this approach from the start, and can evidence this in the structure of my brief template that I designed at the very beginning of the year. I designed it as though it were a ‘real brief’, that wouldn’t only justify as a good collective piece of information about the project, but could be binding between a client and myself too. Now that I’m furthering my progression into the creative industry, I won’t have to modify the brief template I’ve made myself (with the exception of module codes and academic specific requirements), it’s instantly applicable as a real word brief template that I can take to any client for any brief, and that’s been good practice in itself.

The way I approach a brief still hasn’t really changed much in the last few years, I still adopt a process that covers most aspects of the brief. What has changed is the amount of technical skills I have on hand. I’ve either added to my arsenal, or upgraded my abilities in that field. For example laser cutting: I’d now consider myself a user that’s capable of helping others on this software after completing various briefs where I’ve had the chance to independently explore the capabilities of the technology.

It’s not just been a case of completing work that was always for clients, this year though, which could be argued as a commercial approach to design. I’ve stayed true to the natural creative in myself too and completed briefs that I thought were visually engaging, and ‘fun’. Because for me realistically I see the line between doing design work to pay the bills and doing creative work for the sheer joy of it getting somewhat blurred. I do think though it’s a case of time management, and making time for the work you enjoy doing, even if it’s personal stuff on the side. Which leads me to my final point: In the last couple of months I’ve developed a personal week by week calendar/to do list, and it’s definitely something I’ll be taking with me into whatever field I go.

Ultimately, the only question that really matters at the end of all this is as follows: Do I feel prepared and ready for the impending journey I’ll take through the creative industry? Yes. I can’t wait to get started.