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.