Graphic Design Reflection

Graphic Design Final

Technology

            Technology was one of the main things we focused on in Graphic Design. I learned how to use programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and nearly all of our work as a classroom was created on the computer. This was a valuable skill for me to learn because technology is a key factor in nearly all jobs these days, and especially in the careers I'm interested in. I've noticed that e-Comm's focus on technology has helped me outside of the classroom as well, and my knowledge in it has become a big advantage for me in my daily life; for example, my father's workplace uses the same programs I have learned to use, so I am able to help him with certain projects and understand what he and his co-workers are doing. I had some issues memorizing certain tools or keys, but besides that, I had minimal problems with the programs we used.

Collaboration

            Collaboration is a huge part of e-Comm, and fortunately something I feel like I have greatly improved in over the year. I collaborated nearly every day in Graphic Design class, whether if it was helping someone come up with a color scheme for their logo or asking for advice on the appearance of my Behance. Collaboration is a skill that everyone should learn, regardless of what they do for a living. Good collaboration can lead to amazing finished products, as I have come to learn. For example, when we had partners for our Infographic project, that was a great source of collaboration, and I received great advice and criticisms while working on my assignment. At the beginning of the year, I struggled with this, mostly because I was shy and didn't know many people in my class. However, I have now made many friends in the classroom and my collaboration skills have improved greatly as a result. 

Communication

           Communication was a big part of Graphic Design class specifically. For nearly every project, we would practice communication skills by having critique circles. These critique circles are something I really came to enjoy, because I liked being able to show my work and receive advice on how to improve it. Getting to see from my classmate's perspectives was really rewarding and interesting to me. I believe that communication is one of the most important parts of e-Comm because successful communication leads to the best results. After receiving a good piece of criticism, I would know exactly what I needed to do to improve my work. For example, when we were working on our logo project, I was really struggling to come up with six good ideas for combination marks. Then, after sitting down with my classmates and discussing ideas, inspiration struck and I was able to create a logo I was much more happy with.  

Project Management

            I like to think of Project Management as a way to describe someone's responsibility, and I have to say mine improved greatly as a result of joining e-Communication. I had to be very organized and focused on my projects, many of which I did alone, and this taught me how to be an efficient worker. I believe that this will also positively affect me when I apply for a job in the near future. Project Management is something that everyone should be skilled at. The difference between a good worker and a bad one can sometimes all come down to just how motivated and responsible they are. I definitely believe that I have improved in this area since my middle-school years. For example, when we were working on our Art-Type power-points in Graphic Design class, the bulk of the research, design, and memorization was up to us, the students. I had to manage the project well in order to get a good grade. 

Leadership

           Leadership is something I still feel like I can improve in with e-Comm. Students in e-Comm are given many opportunities to be leaders; those who choose to take charge in a project or who are more outspoken about criticisms and advice give the impression of being leaders of the class. Leadership is also an important skill to have, because leaders are also often the most successful students. While I have become more talkative and helpful with other students over this year, I believe that I could improve my Leadership skills even more by taking more initiative, like other students in the class. This is one of my goals for my upcoming years in e-Comm, when I will be an upperclassman.

           I think that my greatest strengths in Graphic Design are definitely my attention to detail, love for design, and even my perfectionistic habits, at times. I have a keen interest and a love for Graphic Design that makes me excited to come into class every day. This I see as a strength, because my love for design motivates me to do the best work I can. I have also improved in my knowledge of programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, and computers in general. My weaknesses would have to be my hesitation to speak up and take the role as a leader. Many of my teachers say that I should take the initiative to speak up in class, and that is something I agree with. As a result, that is one of my main goals going forward in e-Comm. 

           I am going to use the skills I have learned in Graphic Design for many things, including my summer job and my future video class projects. I find myself using the things I have learned in this class every day, and it is exciting to think that I could use my new skills for a future career in something I actually enjoy and am passionate about. I truly believe that the skills I have learned in e-Comm are going to stay with me for the rest of my life. 

           I can't think of anything I would change with my Graphic Design experience. It was fun, informative, and had a real impact on my future goals. I think that this class is imperative for anyone who is interested in design, like I am. 

In conclusion, I am so happy that I decided to be a part of this class. Not only have I acquired skills that I find invaluable, but I have developed close friendships with kids I barely knew at the beginning of the year. I can't imagine what my high-school experience would be like if it wasn't for e-Comm. It has provided more fun memories than I can count. For graphic design specifically, I have learned so much about the world of design and am proud of the projects I have completed.