Why am i here and what do i want to learn? 2

Each member of the group shared their ten examples 

that illustrate their own fields of creative interest. Their reasons for choosing them are below...

Dan Everitt

• Loves the unusual, sketchy style of Andres Guzman illustration.
• The punky, neon style of Mike Joyce
• The isometric, colourful patterns of Andy Gilmore
• The dark watercolour artwork of Zac Johnson
• He chose the artwork of Brian Moore because of it's modern twist on original propaganda poster design.
• The artwork of Shigeo Fukuda was chosen because of its thought-provoking illusions based on negative space.
• The typography of Alex Trotut was chosen because of its geometric modernity.
• Any other contemporary type and/or image is of interest.
• Again, the overlapping colours and structured geometric style was found in Andrew Vastagh and chosen.
• The Powell Peralla skate company graphic are old in age, but contemporary in style.

Joe Leadbeater

• The contrasting positive and negative space of the art of Tang Yau Hoong.
• The art of 'Graphic Patrick' was chosen for its minimalistic and symbolistic style.
• The sometimes cheesy, catchy play-on words and type in Ian Collins' 'The Big Caption' sparks particular interest.
• Abstract landscapes and art deco-esque style of Marius Roosendaal looks aged and lots of interesting layers.
• Any use of word play with type
• Casey Reas' development of artwork creating software. Modern, innovative way to create art.
• ABC3D - cool way of playing with type.
• Loves the hidden meanings through the dollar bill designs of Dowling and Duncan.
• Likes original punk artist Malcolm Garrett and original punk style of image and type.
• Likes landscape based artwork of Tim Reynolds because they look softly painted at first, but are actually made up of harsh geometric shapes.

Leo Sims

• Likes the vivid contrasting landscape photography of Mitch Debrowler and its effective use of black and white.
• Likes the artwork of Fab Cirado because of its abstract subject matter.
• Likes infographics and playing with type.
• Likes mathematical art such as the psychedelic 'fractals'
• Likes the messages through Kuczynski's art and design.
• Another example given for Kuczynski.
• Likes the way the dramatic photo montages of Nick Peterson blend so perfectly.
• Very expressive work of Andy Goodman
• Really interesting details to 'Storm'
• Any panoramic landscape photography sparks interest.

Vicky Redmond

• Likes the bold type, shapes and colours through Kate Moross' clothing designs.
• Likes Craig Wards' 'Playing with type' 
• Loves I-D magazine - never a visually dull issue.
• 'Deep Clothing' loves the bold, statement wall art.
• Likes the minimalistic, modern and geometric style of 'Made By Sawdust'
• Likes the suggestive 3D style of the 2D kaleidoscope-like image from Jelle Martens.
• Likes geometric image and type of  Mark Weaver.
• LOVES Jamie Reed's poster for the sex pistols. The distinctive ransom note style is very contemporary.
• The use of statement art from Aqua Couture.
• Loves the statements made through graphics for a Dr Martens advert.

Sam Cook

• Loves the old graphic design style of the 19th century. In particular the work of Werkmann and his screen printing.
• Other artists include ; Alexander Rojenko
• Nevielle Brody
• Bradow
• and Artiva for the same reasons as above.
• Loves all other non-format art.

After each member of the group had shared their ten examples, we identified a list of criteria that was collectively used to pick our own ten examples:

• Creative use of Type
• Visual Quality
• Tone of Voice
• Attention to detail
• Simplicity of Design
• Meaning or Message
• Audience engagement / interaction
• Style or aesthetic quality
• Use of Media & Method of Production
• Relationship between Form & Format
• Interest in the content
• Use / Choice of language
• Structure & Layout

Why am I here and what do I want to learn?

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

• Small, hand picked classes- Because it enables more one on one time with tutors and also creates stronger bonds with peers.
• Word of mouth and open day- My A level teacher first told me about the art college and its reputation, I then discovered this for my self when visiting the university.
• strong focus on industry- Gets students ready for life after university and in to the the work place. This gives me faith that after university i will be aware of where i want to be and how to get there.
• Professionalism and quality of the course- To know that the course is current and relevant in todays world of graphic design, as well as the open university approval which validates the course world wide.
• Specialist art university- I specifically like that the university is only for art students, it helps to be around like minded artistic minds and energy.

Identify and explain 5 things that you want to learn during your time on the programme?

• How to become a professional designer- I want to learn how to use my talent, skills and strengths to carve a successful career for my self in the graphic design industry.
• A range of different print and manual techniques- To help make my work more diverse and expand my knowledge of the field, and make good use of all the facilities at Leeds college of art.
• How to create work with a purpose- Knowing the difference between something that is purely aesthetically pleasing, from something that has purpose and meaning behind it.
• What my strengths and weaknesses are- Being able to pin point areas of weakness and strength to help me create a style and recognisable personality to my work.
• How to use colour more efficiently, selectively and effectively- I am normally very limited when choosing colour for my work, as it isn't an area that i 'understand' particularly well.

Identify and explain 5 skills that you think are your strengths?

• Typography- I think my understanding of typography is a strength. I think i can use and create typography that fits effectively with a piece of work.
•  Adobe Photoshop- I have a decent level of skill on photoshop, i can use it constructively to create strong digital work, however my knowledge of other adobe editing software is little to none.
• Space and layout- I think i have a natural awareness of space and layout and how to use it to create sleek stylish work.
• Photography- Photography is a huge passion in my life, i love to be creative and innovative behind the camera. I also love to use a mixture of photography and graphic design in my work.
• Idea development- I am good at generating and exploring ideas, this is especially helpful when working as part of a group, as it helps to get other peoples ideas flowing.

Identify and explain 5 things that you want to improve?

• Awareness of target audience- Often design what I personally like and forget about the target audience and purpose of the design.
• Drawing skills- I am not the most qualified drawer, although i would like to explore and try out bringing illustration into my work.
• Team work- I am more comfortable working individually, i am not a very confrontational person and sometimes find it hard to speak out against something/someone.
• Adobe editing suite- With so many programmes and tools available, i would like to experiment more and learn to use the amazing digital facilities at my finger tips.
• Use of colour- Something that daunts me as it isn't a skill that comes naturally to me.

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

• Through trial and error- Not being scared to try new things, even if they fail at least i will know for future reference.
• Through the use of this blog- Going back and looking at older posts and task against newer ones, to see growth as a graphic designer.
• Through target audience- Ask for feedback from impartial target audience to gain a true unbiased collection of feedback.
• Ask peers- Asking like minded individuals, that have worked with me since the beginning of my journey and have seen the progression in my growth.
• Ask tutors- Tutors who have so much knowledge and understanding, and also whitenessed the progression.

Identify 5 questions that you want to find the answer to?

• Who am I as a graphic designer?
• How will I grow and mature throughout the course?
• Where do i see myself in the future?
• What are my ultimate career goals?
• What is my forte within Graphic Design?

Identify and explain 5 things that inspire you?

• My hometown- Living on the east coast, near the beach and country side has influenced my life in so many ways, from my music taste, to my interest. It is somewhere i will always call home as I've spent my whole life thus far there.
• Family- Growing up in a tight nit supportive family, who have always encouraged me to be passionate and discover life for myself.
• Seasons/British weather- The changing weather and seasons are something that truly inspire me. The constant change makes life feel fresh and new. I also like change in my life.
• My A Level graphic design teacher- Helped me to discover what I was truly passionate about and taught me to have self confidence in my talent and ability.
• Music- A wide range of music and genres, though in particular indie/alternative and soft rock. Music for every occasion and emotion, music stimulates and inspires me in everyday life.