Portfolio Website Link

Website

https://www.aldesignconsulting.com/


Instagrams

https://www.instagram.com/aldesign____/

https://www.instagram.com/al_illustration/

OUGD603 End of Module Evaluation

I enjoyed this module as it it allowed me to explore my interests in practice. This module encouraged me to effectively manage my time to balance several briefs and another module. The most challenging part of this module was developing a larger body of work across a larger quantity of briefs. I did successfully produce a large body of work through effective time management and ongoing tutor and peer review. 

Although completing a large number of briefs was beneficial perhaps a more focused approach would have given more time to explore interests in greater detail. If there was anything I'd change it would probably be a reduced workload for a more in-depth approach to an area of interest to be explored. However my briefs aim to showcase a wider skillset for both design for screen and print. 

Overall I enjoyed this module however there were some production limitations due to the global pandemic. This made me realise the real benefit of the University facilities many of us until now took for granted. 

OUGD602 End of Module Evaluation

This module really helped with my personal and professional development. Not only did this module inform, educate and build on existing knowledge it also motivated me to develop professionally. Throughout this module I engaged with industry and was actively seeking future job opportunities and attending interviews. 

Sessions were well structured to provide knowledge on how to present myself as a professional and look for new opportunities. Overall, I enjoyed this module this year and it was also really beneficial to create a personal brand, portfolio and website to prepare myself for industry. 

Even though there is an ongoing pandemic I am looking for any experience I can get even if that is as an unpaid intern in the beginning in light of the current financial situation. I think this year what we've covered in PPP really has helped us to prepare for life after University. I would have enjoyed a few more sessions of PPP this year. I think that would have only been beneficial for final year Graphics students if there was something to change in the future. 

Junior Designer Interview : XLab Systems

Outcome:

Pitch:

The Interview:

The interview went well feedback on the pitch itself and my designs was very positive. However, unfortunately this position was not advertised well with working hours only being one day a week for a current student to gain some industry experience instead of a more permanent full time position. They only made me aware of this after the interview and as I am a graduate they could not offer me the position. Although this was not the news I was hoping for feedback on my presentation skills and design work was extremely positive and I will keep on searching for a full time Junior Design position. 

PPP: Peer Website Feedback

Overall feedback received was positive with a few subjective suggestions such as changing the copy structure however, feedback from Alec assured me writing was consistant and further feedback from Design Bridge ensured copywriting clearly established the brief the client and the outcome. 

Other suggestions in terms of removing some image I already updated the site to show different images of the project including a basic shot, close ups and a few different angles. Photos are high quality and document the project visually in different ways so I see no need to remove any. The suggestion was to add more briefs to each category however, my reason for one project per category was to only showcase my best work in different formats or deliverables to showcase a wide skillset.

Meanwhile the categories enhance and improve navigation by clearly describing the projects format. Another suggestion was to keep all the body type the same scale although this is consistant the larger scaled type works to create a sense of hierarchy and emphasise certain elements of the type. There is still consistency within the type without all the scaling being exactly the same, it is nice to have parts of emphasis to make the page appealing. 

Statement of Intent & Ethical Statement

PPP: Strategies I have learnt to employ

Strategies from PPP I can and should deploy when applying for jobs:

- Making a specific approach directed at a studio I might want to work with
- Personalise my emails e.g. tone of voice
- Emphasise the value exchange between myself and the employer
- Photograph work myself!
- Create a project which is a bit different and communicates what I about
- Do not introduce myself as a student, say I am Graphic Designer
- Know my value and how I can add value to the employer.
- Be confident and comfortable about talking about my work!
- Send products prior to an email which could make an employer remember myself amongst the rest of the applicants.
- Tailor my portfolio to a client
- Utilise networks with students on other courses - photographers etc
- Have a master portfolio file that I can tailor based on the studio/ job I am applying for
- In a more practical sense, make sure any digital elements you have are up to date and functional so that they work.

PPP: Job Hunting

• Creativity will always be in demand 
• Right now you don't have huge overheads or building leases to cover 
• Take advantage of the ability to be agile and strategic in our job hunt 
• Always good to have a plan A,B,C - stay open-minded
• Creative industry has room for you to be experimental 
• Fashion marketing you have the communicative skills 
• Advertising career progression opportunities, solid pay
• Job search - If you could, The Dots, Lecture in progress, payinterns.london, payinterns.nyc
• Why not use this time to start your own studio
• Tailor submission and portfolios 
• Do your research 
• Roll with your punches 
• You are each others support system 
• With google suite you can host email, docs, drive etc with a custom url - free trial

To Do

- Refine website 

- Create Email signature 

Interactivity via sli.do

Where would you consider applying for jobs this summer?

- Freelance designer 

- Remote graphic designer

- Internships 

What jobs do you think you could pivot into?

- Advertising 

- Marketing

- Teaching 

What sites do you use to look for and apply for jobs?

- Linked In 

- The dots 

- Creative pool

My Question:

Do you think there is more opportunity for jobs to operate remotely with less geographical restrictions due to the current situation?

Attitudes to remote work will change less people will travel less. Problems with remote working will be disproven. Employers may become more flexible with working hours and travelling.