Module Evaluation

During this module I have learnt so much, including very important aspects and fundamental knowledge about typography. Specifically typographic terminology, such as the baseline, x-height, bowl, counter, stem and cap height. Which allowed me to then apply this knowledge in my design, research and to back up design decisions. I have discovered kerning and realised how much influence it has over a design or typography, it has the power to completely change the personality or meaning behind a company or brand. Which then allowed me to apply this in my own work, specifically the logotype to represent my intended company it the best, most appropriate form. Within this module I have discovered many influential, historic graphic and typographic designers such as Muller Brockmann, Vignelli, Erik Spiekerman, Max Miedinger, whose opinions and ideas have allowed me to understand both typography and design much better and I can now use the context of these opinions to influence my own designs. I have also developed my skills on Illustrator in both studio briefs, which means my design ideas are no longer restricted, I have learnt to use the pen tool, knife tool, and realised the importance of grids and guidelines when designing.

  Both briefs within this module I believe have turned out well and are something I can be extremely proud of in my first ever design module of degree level. I have enjoyed using the facilities available and learning new techniques and processes. Such as our indiction into Letterpress, I feel this will be very valuable in upcoming briefs and it interested me a lot. The digital print induction gave me the final idea for Studio brief 2 and it allowed me to print my alphabet off as stickers, which just finalised my design and placed it into context perfectly. I was also extremely exciting having something you have worked so hard over being printed professionally into something you can actually use and touch. In both briefs I have learnt new ways of working, both through sketchbook work and digital design. I have also come to realise how important crits are and getting opinions on your design work, even if it is still in developing stages, because it is vital to take other people's ideas into consideration and to see if what you are communicating is coming through within 

your design. 

   In conclusion I have really enjoyed my first module and I am looking forward to applying my new knowledge in upcoming designs and briefs and also to continue learning the vast amount of knowledge, opinions and terminology about graphic design that is out there and preparing myself for employment within the design sector after leaving university. To improve in future briefs I will become dependant on my sketchbook and use it to display my ongoing work and ideas, to show my progress throughout the project. I will also ask more questions and be more intuitive within crits about my own design and others. Overall so far, although I am still learning, I feel like I know so much more already and my design work is becoming better for it.