OUGD406 | Module Evaluation

I have found this module as a whole the most enjoyable. This is probably because I had the opportunity to show what I had learned in my first year and apply this to real briefs. However, for that reason it has been the most challenging as my work has always counted for something.
This module has been very helpful in terms of my development. Particularly in terms of techniques, materials and production. I have tried to be less digital with some of my projects, using more traditional techniques such as pencils and ink. I have also had a confidence boost for the process of screen printing and now feel more ready to try the process myself.
All the briefs have been 'live' in some way and have given me the opportunity to get my work out there. This has shown me the reality of dealing with clients and working to a time scale.
 I feel that through the final 4 briefs, I have improved with my design process as a whole. My analytical skills have improved and I am explaining my decisions more thoroughly. However, I still feel that I can push this further.
I am gradually improving with testing my work before production and considering everything about my designs such as type setting, layout, grids and colour. My outcomes are more professional and informed as a result.
I have found that I work well within a group during the collaborative practice brief. This is a very crucial skill as a graphic designer so to know I am good at working in a group and enjoy it is a huge bonus. I also developed friendships in the class as a result which was helpful for me personally.
Despite these positives, I am still weak in many areas. My research is a large factor that is bringing my work down. I need to critically analyse my research and gather more of it. I tend to always stick to the obvious research and find it difficult to think outside of the box. I have also felt far lazier during the last few briefs. This is because it is difficult to focus with so many deadlines and I have found it difficult to balance them all. When I have made mistakes in the briefs I have tended to leave it and not try and correct the mistake, this is a poor habit to get into so I need to ensure my work is perfect before production.
I also need to push my final outcomes more. I tend to produce the bare minimum and could easily push this further. For example, I should have printed and tested my book jacket on the actual book and photographed it to see my work in action. I feel that having this attention to detail will greatly improve my work.
Finally, I feel that my blog is lacking quality. I want to improve what I write for each blog post, focussing on quality not quantity - only stating what is relevant. I want to improve the images I use on my blog and become better at recording my whole process.