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Self Performance Review

My Projects

Infographic

Throughout this semester, I have completed several different projects using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. This project was an infographic. This was by far our biggest project of the year, as we worked on it for more than two weeks, as there were a lot of steps to go through. We started by researching a topic of our choice. After that, we started to sketch out ideas for our final layouts and our graphics. Once we had done this, we completed a more detailed version of the layout we were going to use. We then made each individual graphic in illustrator, then we added all of these to one document to create our final layout. One of the main difficulties I experienced along the way was coming up with ideas for my final layout. I had a lot of graphics that I wanted to use, but I didn't know how I wanted to bring it all together. I learned a lot about CARP and how to use the pen tool during this project. During the project, my peers gave me constructive criticism on how to improve my piece. For example, they told me to contrast my fonts to make it more interesting. During the making of this, I changed the placement of a few of my graphics so they would look a little better. Overall, I am very happy with my final design and I really enjoyed the process of making our own infographic.

Raccoon Project

For this project we were given a basic template and were tasked with creating a cartoon raccoon in Adobe Illustrator. This project took about a week to complete. Most of the steps were fairly easy to follow, but there were a lot of steps. During this project, I had some issues with using some of the pathfinder commands, along with adding a 3D aspect to the raccoon. During the making of this project, I learned how to create various shapes. I also learned how to use the direct selection tool to move different anchor points. One piece of feedback I received during this project was to make the body a little bigger because at the time, my raccoon looked a bit like a bobblehead. I was also told to move my eyes down so my raccoon didn't look as creepy. I didn't make too many huge changes during this project since I was following specific steps. As a whole, I am extremely pleased with how my raccoon ended up.

Photoshop Challenge 2

For this project, we had to import five different images in to Adobe Photoshop. Then, we had to use the different tools in order to make these in to one complete image. This project took about a week and a half to complete. I had multiple issues with creating smooth transitions throughout the making of this project. Most of them weren't too difficult, but the transition between the trees and the prairie was tough to create. During this project, I learned how to use the blending tool and the quick selection tool. I also learned how to use filters affectively. Some of my peers told me to adjust some of the colors of my piece, so I took their advice. They also helped me choose where to place some of the different images. This feedback resulted in me creating a fairly different image compared to the one I first envisioned. However, as a whole I am very happy with my final product.

How I Used My Time

Throughout this semester, I think I did a very good job at managing my time for our projects. I completed almost everything by the required deadlines. However, I didn't rush to finish my projects, if I finished something with plenty of time left before the deadline, I continued to edit it until I had made all of the necessary corrections to my project. I did a good job at staying on task during class, although I did get distracted at times. Additionally, I utilized Power 50 a few times to work on projects if I was not quite on schedule. I also sometimes observe examples of graphic design in the real world so I can use some of the ideas in my own work.

Strengths

I would say that my main strength in this class is project management. I am fairly organized with my work, and I work hard to complete everything on time. I would also say I am a pretty good problem solver. If I don't know how to do something at first, I will try a couple of things before I get the result that I wanted. I would say that I was better at using Illustrator than Photoshop, although I think I was fairly knowledgable in both. I think I was pretty good at using CARP in my designs so they looked visually appealing. I also think I did a good job at helping my peers when they needed it, along with helping them stay on track during class.

Places For Improvement

I would say the main thing I need to improve at is my creativity. I always tried my best when making things and I worked hard to complete things on time, but sometimes my work just wasn't very creative or interesting. I also think I could improve with my technical skills. Although I am definitely better at using these different tools than I was at the beginning of the semester, there is still plenty of room for me to improve. One last place I think I could improve in is my communication skills, because sometimes I chose to ignore my peers and wasn't very helpful when they needed help.

Summary

During this semester, I really enjoyed the independent learning environment we were put in. It really helped me to be as productive as possible in class. I also really enjoyed the different projects we were given. A lot of them were extremely different, but I think they all really helped me improve as a designer. One thing I would change is to make some of the deadlines a little more strict. Sometimes they seemed more like a suggestion than a deadline, so I think it would be beneficial for everybody to learn how to meet these deadlines. During this semester, my overall takeaway will be all of the tools I used for my projects. Even if I choose not to go in to graphic design next year, these are still very valuable skills to have for future job opportunities. I've also learned the importance of creating a digital portfolio, such as my blog and my behance account. For next semester, I would like to learn how to use both Photoshop and Illustrator to create multiple graphics for a bigger project. I would also like to learn how to use InDesign. I think this would help bring all of our previous learnings in to one so we could see the bigger picture of what we had done all year. As a whole, I have really enjoyed my time in class this semester and I am looking forward to what we will be doing next semester.


Behance Link: https://www.behance.net/joshburton8362

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