Spring 2019 Mid – Semester Reflection

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.

Mid-Semester Reflections (Spring ’19)

Hello FC Family! We are halfway through another semester which means: Reflection Time! Take a moment to answer the following questions and reflect on the work you’ve done so far this semester.

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

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

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

Mid Semester Reflection

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.

Mid Semester Reflection

I am currently working with two clients from the English Department. I came across challenges having clear communication with clients. I think for it was so important to know what had to be done. I worked having a clear conversation with clients. I started to print out an email and read carefully. I need to understand if I am responding to the questions that are being asked. I asked for help from my colleagues and understand how to respond and meet deadlines on time.
I enjoy actually managing the English project which is meeting the deadlines and getting posters and advising tool printed. I wanted to enhance my management skills which English project is helping know what I am capable. I enjoyed working on different projects which the English Department provided.
The Zine project that I worked for FC training will going into my portfolio because I love working on that project and I am also going to app project into my portfolio because it was something different to work and I would to prove the City Tech App design project.

Mid Semester Reflection

Since starting at Faculty Commons I have worked on a variety of projects that have tested previous skills of mine and helped me hone new ones.  I have been shooting a lot of event photos which is completely new to me. I have experience with photography however, I never got to shoot photos in a somewhat high pressure environment.  Most of my photography is for personal enjoyment. That being said shooting event photos was exciting and new to me. I have been tasked with essentially capturing entire events and the photos need to be clear and well composed.  This of course is done all while slipping in and out between groups of crowds while at the same time trying to be as inconspicuous as possible to not interrupt the event that I am shooting. It is nice to be on your feet and get something out of an event immediately after its finished and I have had the pleasure of attending multiple events because of FC.  Most recently the BMI event I attended was a lot of fun to shoot and the images that I got out of it were great.

 

Yet, aside from the event photography I still have gotten chances to design.  With each poster assignment or web banner etc. I take it as a chance to try new design styles that I want to practice or do things that I have yet to try before while still completing the clients task.  And being on deadline can be daunting however, it often helps me kick it into high gear and to get my ideas out fast and begin to start creating the necessary content. Just recently I created a flyer for an upcoming spring English class.  I used bitmapping and sort of based the imagery off of old political screen printed posters and I am very excited about the end result. It is nice when you can envision something and finally make it come to life.

 

Spring 2018 Mid Semester Questions

Have you come across any challenging projects this semester, whether it was a class project or a project with FC? How did you accomplish the project?
The most challenging project I’ve had to face (and am currently facing) is my senior project. So far I have been able to make strides at achieving small goals towards my project, however, I still have a long way to go. How I plan to continue to make progress in my project is to explore all options while simultaneously being critically selective of my choices—easier said than done. I also will continue to seek the advice and guidance of my fellow designers for second opinions for when my attachment to the project has blind sided my ability to be objective towards my goal.
What project(s) did you enjoy working on thus far during this semester?
I don’t think I can narrow it down to a single project, however, the work I’ve enjoyed doing has been for OER (Open Educational Resources). I’ve covered a wide range of projects for them including both printed and digital materials, and even some with animation. I’ve also got to experience what it is like to license my work using creative commons. As we are preparing for the gallery display in the library at the end of April, I can’t wait to see how it all turns out.
How have the projects you have worked on in FC aligned with your professional career goals?
I would have to say that working in FC has given me to ability to challenge myself in exploring new ways of executing my ideas. For example, creating animations for some of the projects I have worked on has broaden my perspective of the possibilities of what I can do with design. This experience of being able to challenge myself in discovering other creative outlets allows me to become a multifaceted designer and as I develop into a professional designer, I want to be able to have a versatile set of skills in my repertoire.

Spring 2018 Mid Semester Reflections

Have you come across any challenging projects this semester, whether it was a class project or a project with FC? How did you accomplish the project?

Probably the most challenging has been working on revamping the old Amplify poster with Prof. Berger. It was a challenge to make the poster both engaging and hit the target audience at the same time. We met counless times with new ideas on how to get to the ultimate goal until we finally hit it. The end result is really satisfying and I am really happy with what we ultimately achieved.

What project(s) did you enjoy working on thus far during this semester?
 
The Amplify design! And pretty much everything I am doing in Illustration 3 Class. It feels so great to draw for homework! And it doesn’t even feel like work!
How have the projects you have worked on in FC aligned with your professional career goals?
I’ve been very grateful that with nearly every project I have been able to incorporate my drawing capabilities in some way. It also helps me to see how it works within an overall design and not just on its own.

Spring 2018 Reflection

• Have you come across any challenging projects this semester, whether it was a class project or a project with FC? How did you accomplish the project?

So far this semester has not been very difficult when it comes to the projects. What has been difficult is balancing the quantity of work I have to do. Both Senior Project and Portfolio requires you to do a lot, but I am making my way though it.

• What project(s) did you enjoy working on thus far during this semester?

The most recent issue of the Nucleus was fun to work on, and the Black History Month poster is one of my favorites.

• How have the projects you have worked on in FC aligned with your professional career goals?

Working at Faculty Commons has afforded me the opportunity to do things, such as illustration and photography, that I probably would have not done otherwise. I feel like these skills make me a more well-rounded designer and will definitely help me in my career.

Spring 2018 Mid Semester Questions

Hi Team,

Below are the questions we would like you to reflect on and answer. Also when publishing your post please remember to add the following categories to your post, Mid Semester Reflection, Spring 2018 and your name.

• Have you come across any challenging projects this semester, whether it was a class project or a project with FC? How did you accomplish the project?
• What project(s) did you enjoy working on thus far during this semester?
 
• How have the projects you have worked on in FC aligned with your professional career goals?