End of Module Evaluation

This module enabled me to challenge myself and push myself to engage with industry. The collaboration, teamwork and workshops throughout this module were helpful for my own professional development. The tutors were very helpful and feedback received benefited myself improving my work and skills like presenting greatly. Although group work had it's challenges I learned from it, and was able to develop more skills working in a challenging environment. 

I think I worked well throughout this module but I found the presentation and self branding module particularly hard but the workshops and tasks throughout helped to build and improve on these skills. I still have a fear of public speaking or presentations but I understand it is essential to work in this industry and for my progression and development on the course and it is starting to become a bit easier. 

I have worked very hard in this module and have even gained an internship as a result of part of this module which I have managed to balance alongside Uni which is a major achievement. I have really enjoyed PPP this year not only that I feel it has hugely benefited me as a person designer and student this year as all briefs were so relevant.

Final Manifesto

Manifesto:
Design becomes better by not listening to people who tell you you're not good enough.

Why it resonates with me?
It relates to who I am both as a learner and designer. Whilst also relating to personal feelings during my creative experience to date, where teachers told me my work wasn’t good enough which doesn’t amount to my hardworking personality and personal ambition to succeed.

Why do I agree with the manifesto?
Relates to both personal feelings and experiences.

What informed my manifesto?
Researching into my own personal and professional aims and ambitions informed by personal feelings and experiences.

Creative Report SB1: Evaluation

Instead of staple binding the publication, it was perfect bound to give a higher end finish, along with personal touches like the ribbon linking the publication closer to fashion through the inclusion of fabric or ribbon. These final touches along with the layout inspired by existing Vogue layouts informed a report fitting of my selected designer Elaine and the industry she works in, fashion. The imagery of watercolour texture is also fitting of Elaine’s preferable design medium as she loves adding watercolour to illustrations. This texture is used throughout the publication in block shapes to create a magazine format.  In terms of a personal response from the images Elaine sent I illustrated these images in my own style relating to the personal style content included in th interview and as a way of refelecting on Elaine’s style and incorporating this into my own practice. 

Reaching out to Elaine for the interview contained within the report was only a starting point I wanted to maintain this relationship by learning more for Elaine. After I engaged with her and seeing my work Elaine encouraged me to apply for her mentoring program. As I have been continually been in contact with Elaine since the report and during this programme after employability fortnight and working alongside Elaine I asked if she could write a recommendation on my updated CV with the intention of apply to summer internship opportunities to which she responded “Of course but how about an internship with me?” Three contracts were drawn up by Elaine and I have now been completing an official internship working with and for Elaine Biss alongside Uni. I hope to attend New York Fashion week other associated events and a Jimmy Choo event with Elaine in September. This Brief has provided me with an amazing networking opportunity and I have gained an internship with a successful industry professional.

Creative Report SB1: Production

Preparation for print and finish

The black type on the cover will be finished with silver foil. The publication will be printed on matt stock with the cover possibly laminated to give it a gloss finish referencing the magazine layout the publication was inspired by. The publication includes some of Elaine's work in the design format of the rest of the publication. The other images in the publication are my own illustrations based on the photos Elaine has sent me. 

Printing

Instead of printing A4 it was more effective to print A3 so the publication would be closer to the typical A4 magazine layout which was also fitting of the content. Matt paper was selected to give the publication a smooth finish in contrast to the textured watercolour pattern used in the layout. The Publication will be perfect bound giving the publication a higher end finish over staple binding fitting of the high end aesthetic visualised in the fashion industry. Black ribbon will be added to connect the publication to the fabric element of fashion while also tying in nicely to the contrast black typography. 

Life's a Pitch SB2 : Presentation Feedback

Feedback received highlighted how there is a similar thing that already exists within internal progression, this workshop would be an extension of that. Comments made also suggested the deposit wasn't really necessary, internal progression can guarantee some if not all students will attend. Future developments could involve targeting the workshop at both A-level students and college students. A-level students are also applying to University often at schools there is little knowledge as to what Graphic Design is and entails. This workshop would resolve this issue offering students a great insight into the course. The timing of the workshop may perhaps would be better and more considered for a range of students if the workshop was held in September instead of December. The workshop would not be a separate event but build on existing internal progression as mentioned previously. 

• Already existing 
• shouldn't be charged for it 
• Open to A level students 
• Would be better in September instead
• Would it be separate to what the course currently do

Life's a Pitch SB2 : Presentation

Life's a Pitch SB2 : Finalised Brand Guidelines

Initial Guidelines 

Final Guidelines

Final guidelines were altered from initial guideline as not everyone agreed with the colour scheme, though the two tone colour scheme was much more cost effective as black and white prints could use coloured paper and still be fitting of the brand guidelines. The yellow and black was also finally agreed by each member of the group as the colour scheme was an area the group struggled to decide alongside a clash of opinions. The yellow worked well to symbolise the idea generation part of the workshop through bright colour, lightbulbs associated with ideas are often also visualised in yellow. Overall the final colour scheme effectively visualised the idea and the workshop in a cost effective way. 

Personal Presentation : Research - How can I make it interesting?

How can I add a humorous approach to engage the audience, also making my presentation stand out. There are two methods I considered containing gifs or memes seemed a good way of approaching humour. I looked at funny memes for key words within the presentation including experience, concerns and ambition. The inclusion of memes made the presentation more intriguing and engaging. 

Knowledge gained from Employability fortnight presentation workshops and practice presentations has improved my skills in public speaking greatly. Main research for this presentation was in practicing presentation techniques and learning what to avoid. Further research included ways in which to make a presentation more interactive including, breaking the ice, telling stories, adding videos, non-linear presenting, asking questions during the presentation, poll the audience or even using props. 

Personal Presentation

Personal Presentation Structure : Script

Intro:

My name is Alex and this is my personal presentation firstly I am going to tell you who I am as a learner. 

Slide 2: Who am I as a learner?

I am 

- Hardworking 

- Conscientious 

- Highly motivated 

- Excellent time management skills

- Positive  

I am an introvert in most situations but my confidence is improving and has improved since Level 4. 

Slide 3: Who am I as a designer?
My love and fashion and minimalist simplistic style has developed throughout level 5. Level 5 has challenged me to experiment further with a range of other disciplines including fashion and illustration. As a designer I prefer a monochrome colour scheme with simple highlights of single colour. 

Slide 3: Experiences

My hardworking attitude and positive work ethic has extremely benefited my practice. 

Major improvements have been accomplished as a whole but specifically to layout and type demonstrated in my Level 5 practice. 

The completion of more live briefs, collaboration projects and working with clients has helped build my portfolio and professional skills. 

The creative report in particular has created a great networking opportunity. I kept in contact with my chosen designer Elaine Biss and was keen to learn from her. I was offered an internship with Elaine alongside Level 5 to further my practice.

Slide 4: Internship with Elaine Biss

After connecting and contacting Elaine Biss as an interview for my creative report, I continued to build on that relationship. Elaine initially offered to mentor me and describes me as her protege, before she officially offered me an internship with three signed contracts. It would be hugely beneficial to work with her in person in the future and I hope to be able to accompany her at events as she has requested. Sadly Elaine is located in New York and myself in Leeds so travelling is costly. Therefore at the minute the internship takes place over Facetime. However Elaine has asked me to attend New York Fashion Week with her in September and a Jimmy Choo event. This will be hugely beneficial to my career and create vast networking opportunities, through meeting Elaine’s existing and possible clients face to face. 

Slide 5: Aims and Ambitions 

My aims and ambitions can include to...

- Learn new skills and techniques not limited to my own practice or Graphic Design

- Challenge myself 

- Be entirely confident in myself and my work

Slide 6: Creative concerns 

My concerns relate mainly to working in industry and are as follows...

- A job won’t be as expected 

- Working with challenging clients 

- Pitching an idea which meets the brief but the client doesn’t like 

- Feeling good enough to work in a tough and competitive industry. 

Slide 7: Personal Aims 

The personal aims I wish to explore in level 6 and the future are...

- Strive for success but always aim to do better

- Don’t let negative opinions limit my creativity

- Be the best person both professionally and personally 

- Don’t give up 

- Do a job that makes me happy and don’t settle for less

Slide 7: Personal Aims 

The professional ambitions I wish to explore in level 6 and the future are...

Build relationships with Elaine’s shared clients

Travel and work with Elaine in person

Attend relevant events with Elaine to start building my career. I hope to attend New York Fashion week and a Jimmy Choo event in September. 

Continue to build on confidence in presenting.

Thank you for listening!

Reflection Creative Report

Why Elaine?

Elaine’s background in Graphic Design and love of fashion matched my own passions. This creative report explores how Elaine incorporated her love of fashion into her practice, Elaine’s own thoughts on her success, revealing an interesting insight into networking and finding your own personal style. Elaine has also worked for clients I would love to work for in the future such as Christian Dior. Elaine has now offered me an full internship enabling me to work alongside her. I hope to attend New York Fashion Week and assist her at a Jimmy Choo event with her in September. 

Analysis

Do not limit yourself but aim to challenge yourself. Experiment and use tools, materials and software to benefit your practice. Submitting work to live briefs can also create networking opportunities in your career, through benefits such as gaining clients. Finding designers and artists who inspire you can develop and inform your practice as a designer. This can also create a way of learning by encouraging you to take up new techniques, improve and learn how to add a personal touch into your work. Observe and execute techniques without feeling the need of approval or direction.

Don’t be afraid to explore a range of disciples this avoids limiting yourself and your practice. Also consider what you stand for and your views most often your work will portray this. Try not to settle an achievement is wonderful but always strive to be bigger and better, you can always improve and achieve more. Achievements will be recognised and hugely beneficial to your working practice. Pursue your love and interests and incorporate those things into your practice.

Freedom can be a good thing and allow for creative exploration although giving yourself limitations is where creativity also flourishes. Curiosity can also hugely lead you to explore and challenge creativity further. Your goal shouldn’t be set to be successful it limits yourself. Success is a lot more than just money and popularity. To both Elaine and I it means happiness.

Presentation Practice

Content:

The chicken kiev is a breaded chicken breast with a garlic butter core.

So things you didn't know about the humble chicken Kiev can include,

1. No one really knows where it came from

2. No one knows how it got its name, either

Whether the dish was invented by a French or Russian chef remains disputed.

3. It used to come with a health and safety warning

E.g warning hot butter 

4. Everyone makes it differently

5. Garlic is not always necessary

6. It made UK food history

It was the UK's first chilled ready meal, sold by Marks and Spencer's in 1979 for £1.99. 

7. We all turn to a chicken kiev when times are tough

Feedback 

Pace and timing were good 

Humour worked well to engage the audience 

The presentation was started and finished well. 

Self reflection 

This practice encouraged me to present to the best of my ability with the aim of avoiding common presentation mistakes and attempt to engage the audience to make the presentation stand out, I did so through humour. The skills I have learnt from todays session I will attempt to deliver during my personal presentation.