PPD2 - Study Task 1 - Why am I here - What do I want to Learn?

identify and explain 5 reasons why you chose to study on this programme.
1) After visiting about 4 different open days I soon began to realise the different between a good and a bad course. Coming to the open day made me realise that I wasn't going to get anywhere without working hard and It seemed like this course had it all.
2) I wouldn't say that I desired to leave home, if anything I can see how much easier it would be if I still lived at home. I only wanted to move away from home knowing that I was going study somewhere that would be worth it. Being in university more or less 5 days a week means that I can justify being away from home on a course where teaching time and studio development is pushed to the maximum.
3) Coming from a college where there was 2200 students (studying 45 different courses!) I could see myself always wanting to go to a smaller institution rather than being 1 student in about 50,000. The college really seemed to have a good atmosphere almost like a small creative community.
4) The facilities here are probably the best I've seen from the different places that I visited and considering there is around 50 students in each year I knew that there would always be adequate studio space.
5) The growing reputation. Seeing the students work for the first time during the open day blew me away, standing there I could only hope that I would be as half as good at the graduates. For a course that has only been running for a few years I could see that It was only going to get better. The thought of joining a course that was essentially new made it more exciting.

Identify and explain 5 things that you want to learn during your time on the programme.
1) I've always been excited about print, whether it's business card, posters, maps or books I really want to make the most of the current print module and really develop my skills and continue to learn more about the print process especially moving into 3rd year.
2) I go on about screen printing all the time but never really make an effort to go down to the print room. Before I finish the degree I want to produce a set of some amazing prints. Hopefully.
3) People skills. Seriously. Talking on the phone is not my strongest point. And I don't think it's much fun talking to people I haven't met before either but this is something I want to change. The course has already made me more confident and I can only hope that this will get better.


Identify and explain 5 skills that you think are your strengths.
1) I've always been a organised person and tend to keep on top of things. I tend to get stressed with I leave things to late or forget to do something. Being on the course is hard enough as it is and being under control of what needs to be done always makes my life easier.
2) Since I first became interested in graphic design I've always had a keen interest in layout and composition. I've always tried to use this to my advantage and it's helped my a huge amount when I've been designing.
3) Although I'm not an expert with adobe software I'm always willing to learn which allows me to constantly develop my software skills. I would class 'wanting to learn' as a skill in its self but I guess it's my eagerness to want to try new things that helps me get better at what I'm doing.
4) I've always been the type of person who just likes to be left alone to get on with my work and since being on the course I've really been able to work well independently. This has allowed me to make the most of the independent briefs and get as much as I can out of them.
5)

Identify and explain 5 things that you want to improve.
1) Working in a team or group always stresses me out usually when you don't get the same input from each member of the group. I know that working in the real world requires a hell of a lot of team work and I want to be more confident within myself and my ideas when it comes to group work.
2) Having always been more interested in print rather than any digital media I think it's about time I looked at giving animation and moving image a go as well as focusing on webdesign too. I tend to lack in patience and it's the amount of time it takes to develop to moving image that has always put me off. I'm hoping the next module makes me realise that moving image isn't as bad as it seems in my head.
3) People skills. I guess it's about being confident. I've always been a quiet person before for people who know me well they know I talk a lot. Sometimes I just need to have that confidence to say what I'm thinking.
4) Crit feedback. Sometimes I fall into the habit of not taking on board critical feedback if it's not what I want to hear. It's just me being stubborn I guess. I need to realise that if someone is telling me something it's for my benefit and that It wont hurt to take it on board.

Identify and explain ways that you will evaluate your progress.
1) Using my blog as a way of documenting my progress will allow me to look back and evaluate how I have progressed.
2) Critical feedback from peers..


Identify questions that you want to find the answer to.
1) How much is the right amount to charge as a hourly rate at the moment and then when I leave university.
2) How much money would you need to set up a graphic design studio? (I'm sure i'll find out with Enterprise eventually I'm just really curious..)