Workshop: My Methodology

Methodology- a system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.

My Methodology 

My methodology needs to be improved before entering third year. I do tend research a lot (I am constantly looking at design) but very loosely, hoping what I take in eventually re-surfaces itself at a later, more appropriate date. I do analysis images and but I don't critical analysis my work critically or in depth. However, this method does often work but I know its not the most ideal method of producing informed and critically, efficient work. This was clear from my responsive submission I got a 55% for research/blogging yet 70%'s for my outcomes and idea generation. If I wasn't so stubborn about research/blogging and just got on with it I know I could be aiming for a first. However, I have a real attitude towards blogging with the thought of 'I am at an art college to create, not blog step by step about my thoughts and feelings' it tends to frustrates me as this is not how it works in the real design world. Before third year I need a real attitude change towards blogging, and just get on with it, but I find it so dry. 

I have always been a visual learner. I prefer using images, pictures, colours, and maps to organise information and communicate with others. I find creating mind maps incredibly useful. 

Sketching to me is essential, I am always sketching down my first initial ideas. I always use pen and paper before moving onto the screen.

Time management is something I seriously need to improve on, I tend to leave work until the last minute and I feel this is something which is clear in m execution and finishing processes. I have found myself rushing and doing things for the sake of them rather than enjoying the process from start to finish. I need to develop the perfect balance between work and play. I have started to treat my degree like a 9 - 5 job , working an extra couple hours in the day and a day on the weekend , I have found that I am a lot less stressed and I am able to relax.  

I find crits incredibly useful, getting honest feedback on my work helps me produce stronger outcomes. Overall, I feel I have made a vast improvement on my methodology from last year, I find my designs are a lot more conceptual. 

Aspects of your feedback/ assessment that you wish to develop and identify.

critically informed work involves significant research and contextualisation which seems to be the area lacking in your submission.

I need to actually blog the research I do, which I do do, but not all of it or in depth. When I am blogging I tend to think will other people find what I am writing interesting? or is this necessary? or will the tutors even read this. 

A greater level of focus on specific areas of Graphic Design would help inform your design decisions more consistently.

I would like to investigate further into different aspects of design in the future such as coding/design for the web as this is something I am interested in and I feel would develop my design. I need to experiment further with my ideas. 

The body of work that you have presented demonstrates an excellent understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a contemporary Graphic Designer. You have shown a consistently high level of project management, organisation and documentation of individual and collaborative projects. Your opinions, reflections and solutions are communicated clearly, professionally and effectively through a
range of appropriate methods.

I was really pleased with this piece of feedback, it made me feel a lot more confident in my abilities and clarified to me that I am on the right track.