The briefs I initially choose for this submission were all type based, an area I wanted to build my skills and interest. This could have gone badly wrong if I decided I hate type throughout the module, however it has done the opposite. This is the first module can say I have enjoyed thoroughly and feel I have truly learnt alot about design practices and my own professional place in the industry.
Brief 01 threw me into the deep end, designing a font. This was good for me as I couldn't slack. I pressured myself with an intense brief and it really made me work hard from the beginning. A negative is that I didn't give myself enough time to digitise the letterforms and make them into a usable font. The file is digital, but the kerning is all wrong. Also the finishing of some of the letterforms is a bit messy, which could have easily been avoided.
Brief 02 and Brief 06 were both took big a task to complete for this module and are possible briefs for FMP. I have some research for them already.
Brief 03 focused on identity, which was never a massive part of my practice before, however I like applying one concept throughout a range, and this exhibition design was a high for me. Seeing it come together after hating my chosen stock was such a positive step. It taught me to keep with something and find a way around a problem, don't just give up.
Brief 04 is potentially the one which will change my future... Steph Bourne and I worked so well together, we listened and shared ideas and in the end came up with a product neither of us would have done on our own. There is a possibility of us starting our own practice after university, it is an avenue which I personally am going to think about over Christmas and decide upon in the New Year. Before This brief, I would never of thought about setting up on my own, but the work that both of us have produced this module has surpassed my expectations in both quality and quantity. I am not blowing my own horn, but finally I believe some confidence in my ability is appearing.
Brief 05 has not reached its full potential. This could have been taken so much further, but I ran out of time and, in honesty, patience. I do feel like this could have worked so much better as a bigger range and for that I am disappointed. The typefaces for each song are acceptable, however they could have been pushed further also. As one off pieces, I like them and would have the prints on my wall, but as a range, I believe they are quite weak.
In conclusion and in reference to my rational... My vision of what I wanted to achieve this year has been surpassed. I have produced more quality work than I initially thought I could in the time available. This is down to realistic time management and working with hand-drawn typography. I could draw letterforms all day long, and probably for 20% of this module, I have. Truly believe I have found my place in Graphic Design and intend to stay on course for FMP and my Dissertation.
