OUGD502 PPP2: 5 things

OUGD502
PPP2
STUDY TASK 1
5 THINGS


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

Reputation- The first reason and most attractive reason was the reputation of BAGD at Leeds college of art, The calibre and diversity of the alumni and seeing how far they had come. Originally I thought i would struggle to get a place on the course due to the competitiveness and large number of applicants with only 50 students selected. I also came to the course straight from A level and doubted my chances of being accepted to the course due to the lack of art foundation, I was encouraged to apply for a local foundation course, but i have always been head strong and new that i wanted to study graphic design at Leeds College of Art. My graphic design tutor took a great deal of care in to preparing me for my interview, and helping me to produce a strong portfolio, always showing her belief in my skills. I also contacted a boy who studied at my sixth form college and was currently in his 3rd year on the graphic design course at LCA for tips and tricks for the interview process.

Challenging- I was really impressed with the work schedule presented at open days. I wanted to study on a course which was challenging and mentally stimulating, rather than a course where i was only in for a few hours a week. The course can be really intense and some times over powering but in my eyes this is a true reflection of working in industry and working against strict deadlines which is why i chose the course. The course challenges me on a regular basis to get as much out of it as possible.

Tutors- Fred Bates in particular was a selling point of the course for me. When i had my interview he was straight up, and to the point, not wrapping anything in cotton wool. He also came across driven and loved the course which made it even more inviting.  Although it was one particular tutor who made me want to study here i have realised the tutors as a whole are extremely driven, passionate and easy to get in contact with. Most tutors are interested in you as a person and your development throughout the year, as well as coming from different back grounds of design and still practicing along side teaching.

Focus on industry - The course was unlike any other that I had researched in to and visited as there was a strong focus on becoming a professional and preparing students for life after university.

Studio space - With the small year groups there was ample studio space. The small year groups also make the tutors a lot more personable and you feel like they really get to know you as a person and creative. The small year groups are also beneficial as you can track the progress of everyone on the course across year groups. It's more of a family as you know everyones name and personality, rather than going to a large university where you are viewed more of a number than a person.

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

Professionalism - I want to learn how to conduct my self in a professional manner when looking for placements and jobs.

Print processes - I would like to focus more a varied range of print processes in order to utilise the resources around me and take full advantage of them while i can.

Web coding - Web coding seems to be something that scares everybody, I'd like to learn the basics of how to create a simple yet effective web design.

Finishing and crafting - Finishing and crafting are something i only started to put to good use towards the end of the year last year. This year i need to learn to take more pride in my work and produce professional looking design that looks as high quality as it can.

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

Typography choices - I am good at selecting typefaces that work well together

Layout - I am good at creating grids and canons to aid the layout of my work

Photography - I think i have a good eye for photography, This is a strength but something i hope to utilise more throughout this year. My a level studies have also given me a good understanding of adobe photoshop and i can use the software professionally and with ease.

Presentation skills - I am confident when it comes to public speaking, i actually enjoy the pressure and nerves that you get before presenting.

Book binding - I am really interested in book binding methods and consider it a strength of mine.


Identify and explain 5 things that you want to improve.

Research - I think i need to improve on the breadth and depth of the research that i conduct. I need to consider a wider range of sources and make sure to undertake primary and secondary research in order to inform my practice.

Time management - A constant struggle of mine is time management, I need to learn to utilise my time better to get the most out of briefs.

Blogging - I need to improve on blogging my progression and making sure i don't let it suffer. When i get behind on blogging it makes it hard to go back and recollect what was happening at the time.
Print processes - I would like to focus more a varied range of print processes in order to utilise the resources around me and take full advantage of them while i can.

Collaborative practice - Collaborations haven't always been my strong point, and i often fade in to the background and find it hard to be assertive with my ideas and designs.



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

Referring to past blog posts

Crit feedback

Tutorials and tutor feedback

Grades and module feedback forms


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

What kind of designer do I want to be?

What is my specialist area with in graphic design?

How do I charge clients properly?

How can I get more exposure and get recognised in the world of design?

How do I conduct my self professionally around prospective employees?


Identify and explain 5 things that inspire you.

Wallpaper magazine - I love the magazines layouts and design, they always have interesting articles on a wide range of design. I also love the creativity of the front cover designs, they are always imaginative and often cutting edge.

The Click design agency - The click design studio is an agency based in norwich my home town. I have followed the studio ever since they rebranded my sixth form college, they were the first studio that i really started to follow, They always come up with enervative and conceptual logo design that always inspire me.

My peers - I am always inspired by the people working around me. It is really interesting to see others around you developing their own practice in their own time. It is always motivational to see what others can produce on the same brief as what you are doing.

Behance - Like above it is inspiring to see what designers around the world are achieving. It is also interesting to see design from different countries and cultures.

Blogs - Design blogs such as, It's nice that, Designspiration, Pintrest, This is collate all provide daily inspiration.

Identify 10 examples of design that illustrate your fields of creative interest.