Graphic Design Reflection

Technology

     I learned the technology aspect through tutorials, the people around me, and the teachers. I also spent some of my time outside of school figuring out how to use the technology. It is important to know how to use the technology effectively because you have to use it almost everyday and it is a vital skill you need to have in graphic design. I have had a good amount of problems with technology, from things not saving to not being able to find the tool I need.  

Collaboration

     Collaboration is another very important skill I needed to know. It took a lot for me to finally say what I thought about someones design, or to give someone advice on a project. It is a very important skill to have because I use it all the time. It is essential in graphic design because you always need someone to bounce ideas off of and there is always a critic you have to do. The only problem I had with collaboration was  learning how to give my opinion in a way that was helpful and respectful because I need to give them an honest reply without being very rude about it.

Communication

     I learned communication from encouragement from my teachers and class mates. They pushed me and taught me how to use my voice in an effective manner. It also taught me how to keep on top of projects and deadlines.Communication is a valuable skill to have in graphic design because I have to communicate with my teacher on projects and deadlines. I also have to communicate with my class mates to ask for help on a project or help them with their project. Communication hasn't really been a challenge for me this year, since I have learned how to be a better communicator, going to my teachers for help is easier to do.

Project Management

     I learned project management from the people around, when they are working, it makes me want to work as well. When people aren't working I tend to not work as well. It is important to have this skill because when a client gives you a deadline, it is important for you to meet it. Not meeting your deadlines gives you a bad reputation and you definitely don't want a bad reputation. I definitely do have a harder time with project management and its definitely something I need to work on for the future.

Leadership

     I learned how to be a leader from things like the final project for e9, where I kind of had to take charge of my group, when they were getting a little to off topic. It is an important skill to have because you need to know how to take control of an out of hand situation. You don't want your team to get behind and not be able to make a deadline because that reflects poorly on you. I don't really have a difficult time with leadership because I don't get to use it all that often because the two strands I'm in are a lot more independent work oriented.

Strengths/Weaknesses

     One of my strengths is Photoshop. When it comes to Photoshop, I'm a bit of a perfectionist, I don't like it when something looks of. Which leads to my other strength, attention to detail. When it comes to graphic design I like to make sure everything lines up, I don't want my projects to look incomplete. I need to work on time management of my projects.

     One of my weaknesses is time management, I get my projects done by their deadlines, but the time spent from when something was assigned to when it was completed varies. I often will get a good start on a project, but then will quickly lose my motivation to continue with the project. So I end up pushing it until the day before its due and then end up really stressed about completing the project.

I need to work on completing projects in timely manner.

The Future/Past

     With the things that I have learned in graphic design I will continue to work on my strengths and weaknesses and apply what I already know to what I do in the future. If I could go back I would force myself to do the projects in a timely manner, I would make myself not put of my projects till the very end. I really just want to change the way I manage time, I have always struggled with it and really wish to improve my time management skills.

Conclusion

     In the end I feel like graphic design was a really good learning experience for me. I leaned that it's not the class for me, but it did help me learn important lessons. It taught me how to manage my time better, it still needs a lot of improving, but it was a good start. Graphic design also helped me improve my communication, project management, collaborations, and technology skills. I look forward to using what i have learned from this class in the up coming years. My graphic design skills will be put to good use.