Seminar Presentation

I studied graphic design for two years at Barking College in London. Whilst studying there, I learnt how to develop graphical designs in a sequential and progressive manner. I also learnt how to transfer my skills onto a design software illustrator. As my confidence grew, I became more competent and therefore developed the ability to work independently.

I have always been led to other designers through my own research. Looking at their work has inspired me to come up with my own ideas.

While I was at Barking College, I visited the design Museum in London. There I learnt about a great graphic designer called Alan Fletcher. I found his work and ideas to be innovative as well as appealing to my personal taste, and this led me to wanting to become a graphic designer.

I chose Visual Communication because although I aim to become a graphic designer in the future, I also wished to explore other practices to widen my design approach and knowledge.

Since starting this course, I have been taught many disciplines;

I had to interview people in Leeds to find out what their views were on fashion. Reportage was a subject, which was new to me, but one that I really enjoyed and would like to repeat in the future. I feel that the brief has helped me develop my interpersonal skills, as it required a lot of confidence, as well good body language and a professional approach. These skills are essential for a graphic designer, as they are needed for gathering data as well as presenting and communicating ideas.

I found the hardest part of this brief was using Quark to display the information gathered into a structured and readable manner. Acquiring advice from my tutors helped me overcome these obstacles.

I had the pleasure of constructing a video narrative Scott Smith and Claire McCoughlin…

This experience was valuable because I learn to use HD cameras and Final Cut Pro. Making this video has given me a basic understanding of how films are produced. Although I found this task interesting and enjoyable, I have decided not to pursue film any further in the future.

I would however like another chance to explore web designing in the second year. It was introduced to me for the first time during the I love/hate technology brief and I found it difficult to grasp. Although I struggled with this project I realise that web design is a tool that is used worldwide and is therefore a relevant and useful skill to possess. For this reason, I hope to practice web design in the second year.

As I have used illustrator before, I found that I was able to use it more extensively than other programs. I enjoy using illustrator and feel capable and competent to develop my skills further in the second year.

In conclusion, I have found the first year a useful period, for acquiring the basic ground knowledge of a number of different disciplines, some of which I wish to pursue further.

I have also found the library and resources available, very useful in carrying out research and I’d like to thank my tutors for offering great valuable support throughout this year.