Module Reflection

Throughout this module, I've explored different areas of my practice, which was initially focused on gaining experience within branding and digital design with the hopes of becoming a junior designer post-graduation. However during this journey, I completed work experience at Black and Ginger, a branding studio based in Liverpool which made me reconsider my position within the design industry as I found the work I completed there uninspiring. This lead to the exploration of less traditional graphic design within OUGD603 through the production of a pinball machine exploring the routes you can take after graduation. This project was heavily inspired by Eva Creamers a guest speaker during Creative Conversation as I found her approach to life after graduation inspiring as she started to explore her own practise more which then led to different internships. Throughout the process of creating the pinball machine, I started to explore set and production design more as I want to work on more three-dimensional outcomes within my practice. Therefore moving forward I plan to explore my own practice more working with more three-dimensional outcomes whilst seeking out internships within set/production design or exhibition design as I feel these specialism are more suited to my practice now.

Although my focus has shifted since the beginning of the year I still would like to explore traditional graphic design, however I would want to work within a studio that also incorporated stage/set design into their practice similar to Studio Morros. One of the main difficulties I've faced throughout this module was found studios in both graphic design and set design that I want to work within in Liverpool or Manchester as I plan to move back to Liverpool after graduation. Many of the studios I've found such as Anna Rhodes and Studio Morros are based in London, which is something to aim for in the future, however, I don't want to move to London immediately. Throughout the year I've attended networking events in both Manchester and Leeds which I've enjoyed as it has given me the opportunity to learn more about the creative industry around me and the importance using your interests outside of design to influence your approach more. I feel like this outlook was applied during the production of my pinball machine as it allowed me to explore the routes available to me after graduation. Over the next 12 months I plan to use the reflection skills employed through this module to evaluate my own practice, exploring set design and production design through self-initiated and gaining internships in studios such as Lord Whitney who are based in Leeds.