Feedback
I received my results from my previous project, and even though I didn't get the grade I wanted I'm starting to think of it as part of the learning curve. I took some time away to reflect on what I had done and where I'm headed and wrote a few notes of feedback I got back from my lecturers.
Here's a list I produced of the things I really need to think about for my project and ways to overcome them.
Composition
This was what brought down my mark on the last project as my lecturers pointed out that it was probably due to the fact that I rushed at my decision and didn't properly explore it. I must admit that once I find something I'm less likely to budge from my decision, so for this project I really need to break away from that and think of the best ways to produce a design not only to my taste, but to the "client" and examiners.
To overcome this I shall look more into composition to make sure that I fully understand it as well as take my time during the design process.
Critical Thinking
Even though I was doing this quite a lot I didn't realise just how in depth I had to be, as it was mentioned that I should aim for the same level of analysis than my dissertation. This was quite nerve-wracking for me because I analysed my dissertation in such detail that I don't think I can do the same with this project.
Not that I won't try to, of course, so my plan of action here would be to go back through what I've already analysed and pick the design apart like I would do if it was my dissertation. Here's what the UELT wrote about critical thinking in their guide:
- Actively seek all sides of an argument
- Test the soundness of the claims made
- Test the soundness of the evidence used to support the claims
- Weigh up evidence - for and against
- Stand back - identify bias
- Examine from different perspectives
- Check accuracy
- Check logic
- Identify flaws in reasoning
- Ask questions/problematise
Now this list looks pretty intense and it seems to be aimed more at dissertations, so I wrote down my own list from what I've learnt from it:
- For/against the design, write a brief summary
- For - why is the design inspiration? How? So what?
- Against - any problems with it? Why don't I like it?
- Write some evidence - e.g. if it reminds you of a certain type/style, talk about why and make it strong!
- Final thoughts
Hopefully with this list in mind I shall find the critical thinking section a lot easier to do!
Reflective Learning
I have done this quite briefly so far but I didn't fully understand what this meant, and after having a look at this document that was handed out to me I have realised exactly what this means and how close I was to doing this properly. In the document they listed the stages of reflective learning:
1) Description - describe as a matter of fact just what happened during your critical incident or chosen episode for reflection
2) Feelings - what were you thinking and feeling at the time?
3) Evaluation - List points or tell the story about what was GOOD and what was BAD about the experience
4) Analysis - What sense can you make out of the situation. What does it mean?
5) Conclusion - What else could you have done? What should you perhaps not done?
6) Action Plan - It if arose again, what would you do differently? How will you adapt your practice in the light of this new understanding?
Looking at these I can see I have gently brushed with some of these things mentioned but not all. To achieve this I am going to list at the bottom of every post "Reflecting Learning" and then answer these questions. It might be time-consuming but I want to ensure that my intentions are clear.
My Own Thoughts
I realised that I haven't experimented in this project that much so I think I would like to do a lot more of it! I could just use random words for now and see what effect I can achieve, OR try to aim to use different materials for each chosen quote.
I also need to delve deeper in terms of research and figuring out the right connotations in my designs and not go for something blatantly obvious. A good example of this is my type project I had done for Nelson Mandela's quote "It always seems impossible until it's done"; I didn't really look into his personal life and the stuff he went through, but just produced a design from the actual quote. Had I have done something more personal and more "Nelson Mandela" then it would've been a stronger design.
Reflective Learning - Summary
To test out my Reflective Learning skills, here's is my "Reflective Learning" section:
I was quite disappointed in my results but I'm going to take it as a challenge to do better to battle those blues! I know I can do this design, I just need to have a little faith in my abilities and not rush anything. Good things doesn't come to those who wait, but those who act!
To have such mixed emotions could mean that getting feedback was a good and bad thing. Good because I could take it into account and learn from it, but bad because I thought I had tried my hardest but it made me realise that of course I wouldn't be able to be a genius at illustration after trying it for only two weeks! I'm being too hard on myself!
What I should do now is learn from this experience and hit all of those pointers above to help improve my work and hopefully create a design that I am extremely satisfied with. But in the near future - maybe tomorrow - I shall upload the feedback I received for my Nelson Mandela quote and then go through my old analysis' and improve on them.
Learning Outcomes:
[2] Developed a high level of intellectual and conceptual involvement with their chosen subject area, including skills of project proposal, documentation of project development and the presentation of outcomes.
[3] Developed written and oral skills of critical self-evaluation in relation to their design practice.
[6] Developed skills of critical thinking, analysis and evaluation.
[10] Developed their skills of visual, written and oral communication.
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