Graphic Design Semester Review

Projects

Infographic

     For this project, we came up with an idea for an infographic, and researched it and designed our own. It has taken around 4 weeks, and I am still working on my final design as of now. I faced some challenges when I started on my graphics becauseI was not sure how to use the pen tool, but I learned how to use it as I went along. This project helped me learn how to use the pen tool, and about the process of planning and sketching.  My feedback was that my text to graphic ratio was too big, so I am working on finding a new font for my text to condense it. I made many changes from my original idea, including the Christmas tree in the center of my infographic.

Pop Art

   
     The objective of this project was to take an original picture and create a pop art from it.  It took me around 1-2 weeks to complete. When I was creating my design, I had many different ideas and it was challenging to find one I really liked. I learned a lot about Photoshop, because I got to create my own design and have creative freedom. I also became more familiar with the tools. Some of the feedback I got was that there was negative space behind the subject, but it was good negative space. My original idea was way different, and I ended up changing a lot of aspects of it, including the stripes and the background color. 

Raccoon

   
     The objective of this project was to create a raccoon using a written tutorial.  This project took me around 1-2 weeks to complete. When I was creating the raccoon, I had troubles with some of the tools and their uses, but I kept trying until I got it. We created this project in Illustrator, and it was our first project using that program, so it helped me become more comfortable with it and learn how to use the tools. Some people liked the bowtie I added, and also I was told to make the raccoon larger on the background. My original original raccoon was the same, I just added a bowtie, but I didn't change any colors of it.

Class Time

     I used my class time well this semester. I tried to work hard and use all of the time given to me in class. When I was done, I would go back to the project and make it better. I also have stayed many times in to Raven 50 this semester to keep working and finish my project. Also, if I needed it, I would work at home on my infographic sketches or a blog post. 

Strengths 

     Some of my strengths in graphic design are creativity and learning the tools quickly. I think that  my ideas are pretty original, and I can come up with new ideas pretty quickly. I also learn the tools and programs pretty fast. While doing the projects, I try to use new tools so I can learn how to use them. I also am strong in communicating with my teacher and peers.

Areas of Improvement

     I think I can improve on  my technical skills. I don't really know how to use most of the tools in Illustrator, and I think if I improve these skills, my projects could be better. Also, I think I can improve on project management. If I work faster, than I won't have to rush and finish it in time for the deadline. This also will make my projects better, because I won't have to rush and make something look sloppy. 

Summary 

     This semester, I enjoyed all of the fun projects we got to do, and how we had creative freedom to make it unique to us. My favorite projects were the pop art and the infographic. Next semester, I will change my project management skills by meeting deadlines, and improving my technical skills to give my projects more detail. This semester, I learned a lot about Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and their tools. For next semester, my goal is to improve my technical skills. Overall, I enjoyed this semester of graphic design and I am excited to see what next semester will be like.