I feel that throughout this module, I have definitely been able to communicate theory through a piece of practical work much more effectively. My essay and initial research really allowed me to gain a good understanding of the aesthetics and processes that were necessary to produce appropriate graphic products that were relevant to my content. These research skills also led on to a better understanding of audience and creative concerns, which meant I was able to demonstrate a befitting tone of voice as well as format. My essay gave me a strong foundation for the practical side of this brief, which I feel definitely aided me in my designs and thought process.
In addition to this, this project also allowed me to move away from illustrative based work. The vast majority of the publication was focused on text and digital image, therefore I become a lot more confident in applying these skills, experimenting with layout and process.
2. What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?
The cut and stick DIY process was all very new to me. Originally, I started my design process by creating everything digitally, imitating this visual style. It was then noted in a crit that this didn't reflect the original Riot Grrrl zines, and it wasn't reminiscent of their visual history. I therefore realised that in order to get this right then I was going to have to do it properly. Although my room was covered in hundreds of bits of paper, the process of cutting and sticking in order to create layout was extremely enjoyable. It allowed me explore a new way of working, and made me steer clear of focusing my work on illustrative design. This was all kept organised through the use of folders and categories, so that it didn't all go over my head.
3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?
In this module, I feel that my academic writing has been particularly strong. I have always had a keen interest in writing, and enjoy researching into topics that stand out to me. As I had chosen a topic that I had particular interest in, it was much more enjoyable and I was able to get really involved in this particular brief. As I felt this part of the module was strong, it gave me a good foundation for the practical side, giving me a better understanding of audience, tone of voice and visuals.
Organisation was definitely key during this project also. As my project was cut and stick based, I was lumbered with a lot of sheets of paper and images. If I hadn't organised myself from the beginning then I probably would have found myself in a bit of a panic. In order to make sure things went smoothly, I created a number of separate folders that I was able to use to categorise all of my images and content. I feel that my final piece represents this as I have been able to produce three separate publications, all with relevant image and content. All of this was helped by my research skills and keen interest in the subject matter.
4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?
I feel that my weakness within this module is perhaps going for the obvious outcome. When looking at the Riot Grrrl movement, the content moves extremely nicely into the production of a zine. I feel that perhaps I could have explored my ideas further and come up with something that was a little bit more adventurous. However, despite this, I wanted to make sure that what I produced was relevant and appropriate to my research. I wanted to display that I had understood everything I had looked at and was therefore producing something that would display this. I could have mixed this up a bit by exploring format further or perhaps different processes, making my publication more contemporary. In future, I will vary my ideas so that I can get the most out of what I am doing.
5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
1. I would have liked to have expanded on my primary research by perhaps getting in touch with a number of individuals that were connected to the movement. This way I could have gained a better understanding of the subject by collecting first hand accounts. Confidence issues stopped me from doing this, and I want to make sure that I push myself next time in order to get most out of a brief.
2. Although I used a number of different resources when researching into my essay, a lot of what I looked at was electronic. I relied quite a lot on google books and I feel that next time I need to start seeing what the library has to offer. By doing this, I believe I will build upon my research skills, and won't find myself just reading through reels of information on the interenet. By using the library, I will be able to find relevant information quickly and efficiently.
3. Next time I would like to explore format further. Although within one of my publications, I included a number of different paper sizes, I wish I had pushed this further within each separate zine. I found that this was a really nice personal touch, and it was also a contemporary addition.
4. I feel that I could have perhaps expanded my concept so that there was more structure to it. Although I evidently had an obvious audience, some form of campaign or exhibition may have strengthened this, giving it more context and purpose. Although zines are sold online all over the world and are readily available for anyone to purchase, there perhaps could have been something to advertise my products or make them stand out in a crowd.
5. I would like to place my products in the environment. For example, if I had had more time, I could have sold my zines on an online store, such as Etsy, or I could have included them within a zine fair. By doing this, I could gain feedback and a better understanding of what the audience wants.
6.How would you grade yourself on the following areas?
Attendance- 4
Punctuality- 5
Motivation- 4
Commitment- 4
Quantity of work produced- 3
Quality of work produced- 3
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