Author Archives: Hoa

End of Semester Reflection – Fall 2019

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Have you accomplished your Mid-Semester goals? How have you accomplished those goals?

Throughout the semester my goals shifted. At first I set the goal to learn as much as I possibly can. But then I realized that while I was learning a lot, I wasn’t using any of the skills that I learned into my work. So then I shifted my mindset to trying to apply the skills that I learned. So instead of watching more general tutorials, I watched more specific tutorials. This helped me accomplish my new goal whenever I wanted to try a new method for my projects in class. 

Are you happy with your results with the work you completed this semester? What was your favorite project you got a chance to work on this semester?

I am happy with the results of my work. Both FC and in the classroom. Some of my favorite projects included a commercial that I got to make in my Commercial Broadcast class and working on the Honor Scholars Poster Presentation. I was proud of how quickly I was able to communicate to the client as well as the overall product for both projects. More importantly I was happy that I was able to maintain quality while quickening my pace, for the most part at least.

 How are you going to prepare for next semester during the Holiday Break?

During the holiday break I want to master different techniques in After Effects. That includes character animation/rigging, and using 3D (even though my laptop will probably hate me after winter break). This is something that I wanted to do for a while but wasn’t needed in any of the projects that I did. So I want to spend some time experimenting and enhancing my technique in After Effects. Then hopefully I will be able to do new ideas for next semester when I’ll be taking Motion Graphics 2!

Spring 2019 Mid – Semester Reflection

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Any new skills or techniques you have learned in the first half of this semester?

Throughout the semester I started working more with Illustrator. I had never really used Illustrator as much as I have used Indesign so it was definitely a challenge. I learned different tricks to quickening my workflow. I was also working heavily in AfterEffects this semester as well. I am working on a motion-graphics based promotional video for WAC so good knowledge on how to work around programs like Aftereffects and Illustrator ensures that I am using my time effectively. I will definitely be spending the remainder of the semester learning new techniques to not only get the results I want, but to also make sure I’m not wasting anytime getting there.

How well have you been able to juggle your work here at FC and classes? Is there more you feel that you can do?

I think part of being able to juggle FC and classes is being able to have time for yourself. While I do believe that I have been juggling work and school I don’t think I have had ample time for myself. Early in the semester I think I suffered from a creative burnout. I couldn’t think of any ideas for my midterm project, let alone with work. I usually pride myself in coming up with good ideas so this burnout in turn lowered my motivation to do anything, creative wise. Next time around I will definitely try to make room not only for work, but also for myself. I want to start by being more proactive and not waiting until the night of to finish my work. I also want to start breaking down the projects into parts that I distribute throughout the week so I don’t feel so overwhelmed with work. It’s not something I can guarantee but it’s definitely something I will focus on.

What are your goals that you would like to accomplish by the end of the semester?

I want to consider myself decent with Illustrator. I don’t want to hesitate to open the program, let alone use the program only when I need to. I also want to make sure that I don’t suffer from creative burnout again. So I will be working hard to use my time more effectively. This aligns with learning how to use Illustrator because I want to be able to execute what I want quickly and effectively.

End of Semester Reflection

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Now that your (semester/college career) is over what are some goals that you plan to work toward this summer?

Some goals that I want to set for myself is to improve my technical skills. I want to work more in programs like Illustrator and Photoshop. Indesign has been sort of my best friend my entire career and I would like to be able to branch out to the other Adobe programs. Therefore, over the winter break (and into the summer) I will be practicing my Illustrator and  Photoshop skills.

• Looking back at (this past semester/your time) at FC,

What is one of the best experiences you had working here?

One of the best experiences I had working here was working with WAC. I don’t have that many clients but I always look forward to speaking with the WAC Writing Fellows. I enjoy the creative freedom they give me with my designs and I also appreciate the fact that they are always looking for ways to get the message out about what they do.

What is one thing that could have been done to improve your experience working here?

Looking back now, and I know it wasn’t necessarily in my control, but one thing I would do to improve my experience is adjust my work schedule. As of now I have worked in the late afternoons to evenings, and on the later days of the week. I realize now that a lot of the work needs to get done by the beginning of the week, or sometimes the clients want to meet earlier than my work hours. I know I’m already taking morning classes next semester. Since I can’t really do anything about what times I work, I want to spread myself out more throughout the week so the clients can get what they need sooner.

Mid Semester Reflection

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During my time here at FC I have enjoyed working with some of the faculty and working with the members of the design team. I enjoyed working on all of my projects because I learn something new every project. While working for WAC I learned how to adjust accordingly to the clients needs. I also learned the importance of double checking your work. I enjoy working with WAC because I had full creative freedom and the clients were  amazing with responding back and making sure everything went well.
One of the most challenging projects I did this semester was editing/updating the information of previous projects. While editing the projects I became extremely grateful for the current file naming and organization system. Eventually, with patience and persistance I was able to complete the edits and submit them on time.
The projects at FC has aligned with my professional career goals because it helped me gain the habit of being in constant communication. It has also taught me how to be consistent with my files and to ensure that all of my files have no errors. FC basically taught me to have a better eye for detail and a better ear for listening.

Day 5

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What did you learn today?

Today I learned how to coordinate with my group members. I also learned that communication is very important in group projects such as this.

What challenges did you face today and how do you plan or hope to overcome them?

The main challenge we faced today was being able to complete a project in a day. We also had problems with the typeface. But the group members and I figured out how to solve this issue. The power of teamwork!

In what way were you able to help each other?

We were able to help each other by giving comments, critiques, and asking questions about each other’s work. We also helped each other with the tasks that we designated to each other.

Day 4

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What did you learn today?

Today I learned about the process of making crop marks on a page. I learned how to use Illustrator’s crop mark feature and then paste it into Indesign. This process will be useful for when we print bookmarks or event cards. I also learned more about my group members and how they generate ideas. Knowing more about the group is great because you can then pick out what roles are best suited for the team.

What challenges did you face today and how do you plan or hope to overcome them?

One of my challenges was being able to see what I should fix in my work. Often I’m so engrossed in my work that I tend to look over its flaws. This problem will eventually resolve itself with time and experience (I hope). Also, having a fresh pair of eyes nearby really helped me figure out what I needed to fix.

In what way were you able to help each other?

We were able to help each other by figuring out what we wanted to implement into our group project. We were able to give ideas and plan out how we wanted the design and the logo to look like.

Day 3

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What did you learn today?

Today I learned about the print production process. I also I learned how to send files down to the reproduction center. It’s important to make sure that all of the information about the specific job is listed to ensure that the project is printed properly. Lastly, I learned more about our training team and I learned more about their work ethic/mentality.

What challenges did you face today and how do you plan or hope to overcome them?

The only challenge I had faced today was being organized with the group project. We were so excited about the project that we went straight into it. But I’m certain we will be able to cover everything we need in the project. This group has a really good work ethic so this problem will resolve itself.

In what way were you able to help each other?

We were able to help each other out by giving good criticism and feedback to each other’s creative projects. We were also able to help each other during our group project. We were able to exchange ideas and this will be very important for our group project since this is an app. Multiple opinions/ideas will be good especially for something that wants to get a large audience.

Day 2

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What did you learn today?

Today I learned about email etiquette and how to meet with the client. I learned about the importance of keeping a deadline and schedule for the client. Being able to keep track of when certain parts of a project is due is essential to the projects execution. Lastly, I learned about how Faculty Commons works with clients. Since every job has a different way of dealing with such matters I think it was really important to learn about how they write their contracts and set up meetings. Even though it is a very specific way of working I think that this would be able to function regardless of where you work.

What challenges did you face today and how do you plan or hope to overcome them?

One of the challenges I faced was quickly executing my ideas. I think that with the help of this internship I will be able to execute executions as fast as I think of ideas. Essentially I just need to work faster while maintaining the high standards of a project.

In what way were you able to help each other?

We were able to help each other by asking questions about each others work and being able to share our work. This helped when we needed something answered and it helped give a fresh perspective on our work. Critiques were helpful when we were able to receive feedback on what the critique was. And since there was more people it allowed more people to have an opinion.

Day 1

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What did you learn today?

Today I learned how to apply my skills that I have learned from class into projects that might be used for clients. I also learned about the organization and file naming process, and how this maintains order and makes it easily archivable. This is good for projects that has multiple versions and it is also good in cases where we might need to go back and revise or update older projects.

What challenges did you face today and how do you plan or hope to overcome them?

One of the challenges I faced was being able to create new ideas for projects introduced the same day. For instance, it took me a while to think of some possible layouts for the City Tech Writer posters. My thought process usually involves a lot of time to thinking of ideas. I’m afraid that I focus a lot into the conception and then when it comes to execution it comes off weaker than the idea because of time restraints. I plan on overcoming this worry by trying to make sure to organize my time well and to be able think faster and still make some good work.

In what way were you able to help each other?

We helped each other by sharing our work to each other and becoming an ear to each other. We listened to what our thought processes were and gave encouragement to continue the projects.