Evaluation Of Module

Evaluation of group work on exhibition

At the start of this semester I didn't know what this module was for. I guessed it was a kind of personal development type module but didn't know any official details. After the first lesson things were much clearer and I was quite excited by the idea of having an exhibition, also the realization as to how much work was excepted did daunt me. I felt it was important to keep up to date with the work as much as possible so in the final stages of putting everything together it would be easier and less time consuming.

The first stage of the module we were split into group and had to come up with ideas for a theme for the exhibit. Our group came up with a few alright ideas, but there was quite a lot of confusion as to how to go about this; whether the work being exhibited had to link in with the theme, and also a few of us thought perhaps each group would have a section of the room which they would decorate in the style we were researching. This became a lot clearer after speaking to the tutor and other groups and we set about researching materials, ideas and sketches. My main tasks in the group were to research materials and also develop ideas for the main theme we liked which was 'nature'. Once we had presented our groups work it was obvious as to which theme the rest of the class liked and this was the 'artist studio' type of theme.

Once the main theme had been chosen we were then split into groups again for the different tasks that needed to be completed for the exhibit. I opted to be in the 'exhibition' group because I felt my skills would be more useful in promoting and organizing the event. My first task was to try to get sponsorship from Tesco, where I work. I did speak with the managers but as another store had already given some money for it they said they could not donate any more. The second task was to make a list of equipment for the scene and for use, such dvd players and monitors, as well as pens and pencils to add to the 'artist studio' effect.

The next task given to me was to make some objects and props for the scene. I began by shredding some paper in a paper shredder I have at home, and then placing it in a mesh bin. This is typical for a designer to have lots of experimentation in designs and wasted paper.

I was then given the task of filling out the risk assessment form to be used for the exhibit. This was a list of any possible risks which could occur and the measures we will take to make sure no injuries to us and the public will happen. This did take quite a while as I had to re visit the exhibit location to give me more ideas as to what kinds of risks are obvious, such as positioning of sockets so cables won't run across the walk way etc. Once this was done it was sent to the High Chelmer event organizers.

The final task given to me for the exhibit was to create a Facebook page, which is now up and running and can be viewed via a link on the previous post on the blog. This was created for the purpose of attracting more people to coming to the event, as they will know well in advance. I will provide a new update a few days before the event so that the public know the dates are very soon, and reminding them to attend if they wish to.

Overall I feel I have provided adequate work towards to exhibit on a group level, and have always offered my services to Saav, the team leader for my group. Due to having to share the work out between everyone in the group and having the largest group of the three, some people have had more work than others, but I have always had something to work on for the week; whether updating the Facebook page or developing more props, so have always been kept busy.

I think the exhibit will go really well, as long as we get the larger shop to work with. We all know it will be hard work the first couple of days but it should be well work the effort in the end.

Evaluation of personal profile work

Since the start of the module I have advanced greatly in advertising my skills. I have experimented with the fonts, colours and designs of all my work, and eventually came up with a clear and set style which I have stuck to throughout the branding of my designs.

Overall I have really enjoyed creating each design and I am proud them. I hope that my hard work and efforts in my designing and self promotion pay off and give me an advantage in obtaining a job after finishing the course.

Portfolio Sheets

Here are my finished portfolio sheets. They are consistent in terms of font, colour, and design layout. Each sheet contains a few images of my work then a brief explanation of the task and how I have created the images. Please note this is not the order of pages that I will be using.

Facebook Page!

My task over Easter was to create a Facebook page which could be used to advertise our Exhibition to the public, friends, and family. This also included a link to the website teams webpage and details of time, place and the dates it will take place. Here is the link to the Facebook page (you may need a Facebook account to view it) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chelmsford-United-Kingdom/Anglia-Ruskin-University-Student-Exhibition/107843149243481

Portfolio Re-visited

I was quite happy with my first design for the portfolio cover, although I do agree that the image was not obvious enough as to what it is. I decided to use an image which was originally going to be used for a new website for my design. Due to time constraints I quickly dismissed that idea but still had some of the images left, so after a few small edits came up with this as my portfolio front cover:

I think its is more obvious as to what it is, and the images of my work are a lot small, like icons instead of full images. The added layer mask gradient effect adds to the overall look of the image and still allows the text at the top to be readable.

Binding

Since I last wrote about binding, I ordered the Thermal Binding Kit. After I had placed an order I was contacted a week later saying the had run out of stock indefinitely and didn't know when they would get any more so I was refunded my money. I then looked into more thermal binding kits but they were all expensive compared to the one I had found.

I was then speaking with a family friend who owns his own business. He has a lot of his own equipment and said I could use his binding machine to bind my portfolio if I wished. This consists of the plastic spine type binding, and plastic front and back covers to protect the pages inside. Here is an image of what I am trying to describe:

This would be a cheaper alternative to buying all my own equipment, and still allows me to rearrange and add to the portfolio when and as I wish. It looks professional and with the addition of a see through plastic cover on the front, it would be visible as to what the document is, as well as protecting it from stains.

Risk Assessment Task

My task this week was to fill out a risk assessment form using the template of the Anglia Ruskin format. Here it is, obviously some of the sections haven't been filled in yet due to the exhibit not having been setup yet.

Portfolio Design Structure

Portfolio Structure

Materials:

I plan to back the work on pieces of brown paper/card, like in the design of the front cover, which will show the design theme throughout, on every single page. The actual front portfolio design (above) will be put on thick card so it is durable and easily identified as the front.

Binding:

To bind the pages I have researched into methods of doing this, and I found an idea which I think is quite interesting. Thermal binding seems like quite a cost effective way of binding things easily and with a strong outcome. There is also a very good advantage that thermally bound pages can be unbound, and then rebound if pages are added etc. This would be ideal for a portfolio. This is an image of a thermally bound document. The white strip down the side indicates it has been thermally bound.

This is the information I found:

"Thermal Binding uses a one piece cover with glue down the spine to quickly and easily bind documents without the need for punching. Individuals usually purchase "thermal covers" or "therm-a-bind covers" which are usually made to fit a standard letter size sheet of paper and come with a glue channel down the spine. The paper is placed in the cover, heated in a machine (basically a griddle), and when the glue cools, it adheres the paper to the spine. Thermal glue strips can also be purchased separately for individuals that wish to use customized/original covers."

A Thermal Binder is available at a very cheap price at play.com which would suit my needs.

Organization:

I plan to organize my pages in mostly chronological order, with a few exceptions. The basic flow of work will be from 2D Designs and Illustrations, to 2D Animations (screenshots of each stage to show how it would play back on a video player), to 3D Models, and then finally to 3D animation (which would also be screenshots again of each major stage in the video).

In each of these organization sub folders, I will order the work in order of how good quality I think it is, with the best designs coming first, and the least best last.