OUGD404 - End of Module Self Evaluation

OUGD404 - End of Module Self Evaluation

Overall, my performance has been successful in this module I believe. When developing the first research publication on colour, I got slightly confused about what the format and content of it should be, however a group critique at the end allowed me to gain greater insight into this by viewing other peoples work. With this knowledge, my research publication on grid systems was produced with no problems. I think my application of different paper stocks during the production process was better than I had done before, something picked up on by my peers in group feedback, commenting the mix of cartridge paper, appropriately coloured card/paper and graph paper was applied with effect, contributing to two research publications which looked refined.

The research into colour theory and grid systems informed the design process of studio brief 2 very successfully and overall all the content of the module was very relevant. I think one of the most successful parts of this brief was my application of research to the designs, and refining those designs to the point where every single design decision had justification or research behind it. Ultimately I believe my 3 book covers provide resolved, contemporary and alternative responses to the standard poetry book cover.

When considering things I could have done better, or things I could improve on in the next module, I think firstly in general, although I was very happy with my book covers, I could have been more ambitious. Whether its using processes I have not used before or just doing something out of the ordinary in the whole design process, I will try to carry some of these ideas into the next work I produce. I would have also liked to have done more work on my design for the Penguin Book Cover competition, however seeing as it was optional, I ended up not focusing on it too much. Having said that, some of the ideas and design elements I added into the cover are quite effective such as the idea to play with the idea of blackholes and event horizons and make the type deteriorate down the page. One last thing I think I could have improved on was the general quality of my 2 publications; as rougher research publications, they are effective, however upon critiquing peer’s work, some people went beyond that, creating a more bespoke zine. If I had time tom improve these publications, I would firstly maybe come up with more visually in depth experimentations into colour theory because as I tend to do, I tried to focus on coming up with a complex idea when really I could have done a simpler visual experiment which would look more effective aesthetically concise. Secondly I would just improve the layout of the publications by using facing pages and more complex layouts/grid systems in order to make them more visual and interesting to read.