Business Cards

Looking at business cards I have chosen ones I like. The reason I like these cards is because they are minimal. 

Fun Websites

At the minute I am loving www.typographyserved.com 

FMP

I have now decided 'what I would like to be when I grow up' and that is a Graphic Designer. Although I do realise I need to play catch up as I have spent the last two years trying to figure out where I fit.

For my FMP I have decided to concentrate my study in typography. This is a key area of graphic design and an interest of mine. The idea is to learn everything I need to know about typography so I can leave college with a good understanding of the graphic design industry.

Book Design Project

Following the success of the Marc Riboud Book, I have been given the opportunity to be the designer of a new book. This is very exciting as this will be my first completely live brief, working to a real deadline and being given a budget. I feel as a designer I am moving myself forward as far as professionalism. I feel this project will help me learn more about the printing process, typography, layout, time management and working with clients.

D&AD at the Urbis Manchester

This afternoon I attended an D&AD education day at the Urbis Manchester. This gave me the chance to get critiqued on my portfolio. I'm glad this has come now as I have had to get my portfolio together. 

I had my critique with 'Fudge Studios', he gave me some good pointers. He thought my portfolio was not specific to graphic design and suggested I needed to specify this more. I totally agree, my portfolio doesn't shout out Graphic Designer as mush as I would like it to. There are areas missing and before a finish the course I would like to be satisfied with my portfolio.  This said I still like to have a varied portfolio, I feel its a good quality to show that I am a multi- disciplined designer.

Towards the end of the day I had chance to show my portfolio to 'Thoughtful'  They were so enthusiastic about my portfolio and were interested in all my projects in my portfolio. This gave me alot more confidence in realising the area of design was right for me.

From my day at Urbis, I have more of an idea of what companies are looking for, and each company are looking for different qualities. Its finding the job which suits me also. I have also thought more seriously about career prospects and that Manchester is a city I would love to work in. This has given me some direction when looking for jobs.

Christmas Exhibition

As part of our course in Visual Communications an exhibition is held at the end of a Professional Brief. I feel this exhibition is a valuable tool into the progression of our career path, as it gives us the opportunity to present our work to a professional standard.

For my space I decided to link all my projects together, so for the exhibition it shows professionalism in my presentation. I feel presentation is really important, It show that you are organised and shows potential employers that you are committed. 

Statement of Intent

Over the third year I would like to focus on graphic design and photography. At this moment in time these are the key areas which I would like to pursue. I feel it is extremely important that when I leave university I have a clear understanding of what path I would like to take.

I would like to improve my portfolio hugely, I feel this is an important process that needs to be done in my third year. Also by preparing myself for leaving university will be valuable for me. A CV and business card should also be completed. 

I would like to get myself involved in the design industry as much as possible and build up contacts. I am not too sure where I see myself living just yet, but the two cities Manchester and Leeds are definitely worth investigating.