Unless I have referred A7 and A1, then this is finally the end of the first year, all work handed in and currently doing my final piece of work for the HND interactive media course which is this journal entry.
A2, A journey of 1000 miles. In retrospect this essay which took up both Monday and Tuesdays, seemed alot harder at the time than it does now. The essay was a great introductory assignment that set the mark for the rest of the year, it helped us learn about the fundamentals of computing. The marking for the essay was incredibly strict, something I hadn’t been used too. But we were supposed to be prepared for industry so a close attention to detail was crucial.
A3 Sounds like a plan was our first introduction to web design, the process of having the idea and then putting that idea to paper. Our brief was an Olympic medalist, I chose Dave Price heavyweight boxing champion. I unfortunately chose him without looking to find out whether there was much information about him, there wasn’t, and there weren’t any competitive web sites about him either. My first screen design was probably the worst looking web site I had ever seen, it resembled a newsletter opposed to a web site. We were then reminded that we look at web sites everyday, but as visitors not designers. to look again at different sites through designer eyes and find inspiration by observing the column structure and layout. This made it a lot easier.
It was good in the fact we were able to put in place the skills we had been taught up to this point, such as the PARC principal. My sketchbook work remained poor and I struggled to actually know how to do the whole thumbnail process.
A4 Typecast Was the module up to now I have enjoyed the most. This was purely design. Although I didn’t grab the grade when it came to learning the different typefaces in the exam but found the whole typographical element immensely enjoyable.
The weekly design tasks we had to undertake were brilliant. Although when given the brief I was unsure as to whether I could do it or not, especially the mathematical measurements. However when under way I became confident and really enjoyed all aspects of it, even the end of day deadline was slightly pressured but great experience.
A5, Builder. This is the module I most anticipated. With no previous knowledge of coding I was expecting the worst. Having predesigned all the design for the web site in A3, coded the web site in Dreamweaver. I enjoyed this more than I thought, it was fabulous to be able to see the design we had spent a whole module designing could now be visualised following what seemed like writing a new language. This is something I really want to pursue. I don’t feel that I have received any positive feedback with regard my design work, so possibly a career in coding would be more suited.
A6 the big Picture. I loved this module, I enjoy working with Photoshop and photography. I was able to utilise both these in my chosen design of Sandal castle. I even enjoyed the sketch book stage of this module, by being able to show the photo manipulation techniques that I used, With my final web design being images that I took and manipulated.
A7 Rasterized. The final essay. This seemed to have so many components to it. I think because it had been over both Mondays and Tuesdays and it was one module. Enjoyable but on my part not overtly organised. A1 sketch is the one that I feel I upped the gain on, although not enough. I really need to develop my annotative skills.
My grades have been hit and miss over the first year, nearly hitting a merit on A5 was my best achievement although I hasten to add “nearly” being the operative word. We all have excuses for not hitting the mark on essays and course work, I think mine have been genuine and unfortunately unavoidable.
I’m hoping that if I commence the second year then these problems will be ironed out and I can start a fresh, and work to my full potential as I don’t feel I achieved anything near what I’m capable off. For the second year I almost certainly would like to be making merits, even a distinction at some point, for this I really would have to up the game with the finer points of my work, especially when it comes to time sheets. I have realised that having the time sheet next to me all the time I’m working is the key, as it is so easy to forget what you have done and then to back track. I was clumping my time together and forgetting key smaller tasks.
I appreciate the fact we have to do them and the reasoning behind it with regard ways of costing your work in industry, but getting into the routine of doing it has taken a lot of getting used too.
If and when I commence to the second year I want to have a more positive attitude with a lot more confidence in my abilities. As stated on numerous occasions I need to be more organised with my work and perhaps give a little more attention to detail.
*Be more organised with my work.
*More attention to detail
*Have more confidence in my abilities.
Have a great summer all :)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Not their yet..
In four weeks time we will all be sat on a hot beach, a glass of something nice in our hands, glorious sunshine and a swine flu mask in place. Until then we are at the final stage of A7. There has been a lot of bits to this module that has kind of taken me by surprise, I’m reasonably on top of things, just the web site to design and create now.
I have really enjoyed creating the CD outlay for the Atom tm album. I must admit, not my sort of music, but certainly a challenge. It was my first attempt at a full page design element, using shapes to create an image (back cover) and I’m quite happy with the final design of the CD.
I didn’t really enjoy the creation of the logo. The ideas I had were dismissed by the lecturer, and I struggled coming up with ideas which suited that of the electronic music. My final design was a lot more basic than I would have liked.
We were discussing the other day whether we felt that the first year had gone as quick as we had anticipated it would, and in a lot of respects we didn’t think it had. We have had a few casualties over recent months which has been quite sad, especially with the departure of Martyn Wise, who was a brilliant member of the group and will be greatly missed. Consequently the dynamics of the class have seemed to changed quite a lot over recent weeks.
I have really enjoyed creating the CD outlay for the Atom tm album. I must admit, not my sort of music, but certainly a challenge. It was my first attempt at a full page design element, using shapes to create an image (back cover) and I’m quite happy with the final design of the CD.
I didn’t really enjoy the creation of the logo. The ideas I had were dismissed by the lecturer, and I struggled coming up with ideas which suited that of the electronic music. My final design was a lot more basic than I would have liked.
We were discussing the other day whether we felt that the first year had gone as quick as we had anticipated it would, and in a lot of respects we didn’t think it had. We have had a few casualties over recent months which has been quite sad, especially with the departure of Martyn Wise, who was a brilliant member of the group and will be greatly missed. Consequently the dynamics of the class have seemed to changed quite a lot over recent weeks.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Code Monkey
We finished A5 and A6. I found both modules really enjoyable, albeit heavy towards the end. The coding aspect of A5 was at times difficult, but being able to see the final product coded in full was incredibly rewarding.
I did find that sometimes having to re code certain aspects quite laborious, when it seemed that I could have easily have done this graphically. This clearly was due to my own limitations in knowledge of code. I endeavour to pursue my own development of coding over the summer. I greatly appreciate the help I received from D Dunsire one of the coding Gurus, he helped me tremendously and encouraged my enthusiasm.
A6 final submission came, with the usual last minute trepidation as to whether id forgotten something. Everything seemed to be in place and I was reasonably happy with my final design.
Part of the process was intensive sketch book work, and although now accepted that initial sketch work could have been better my digital manipulation work and annotative work was really quite good (maybe have benefited from being hand written though).
We received both results back for A5 and A6 today and yesterday. I was so relieved and happy that I had passed them both. John stated that I was just under receiving a merit for A5, which has really boosted my confidence, and has given me the encouragement to pursue coding.
We are now a few weeks into A7, and the Raster-Noton module. So far we have created the logos and later today are to have one of the designs chosen by the “client”. Following this there is the creation of the CD design and the creation of the web site to illustrate our work. I’ve allocated half my Easter Holidays for the progression of this, as I feel I can aim more for a Merit than a pass.
I did find that sometimes having to re code certain aspects quite laborious, when it seemed that I could have easily have done this graphically. This clearly was due to my own limitations in knowledge of code. I endeavour to pursue my own development of coding over the summer. I greatly appreciate the help I received from D Dunsire one of the coding Gurus, he helped me tremendously and encouraged my enthusiasm.
A6 final submission came, with the usual last minute trepidation as to whether id forgotten something. Everything seemed to be in place and I was reasonably happy with my final design.
Part of the process was intensive sketch book work, and although now accepted that initial sketch work could have been better my digital manipulation work and annotative work was really quite good (maybe have benefited from being hand written though).
We received both results back for A5 and A6 today and yesterday. I was so relieved and happy that I had passed them both. John stated that I was just under receiving a merit for A5, which has really boosted my confidence, and has given me the encouragement to pursue coding.
We are now a few weeks into A7, and the Raster-Noton module. So far we have created the logos and later today are to have one of the designs chosen by the “client”. Following this there is the creation of the CD design and the creation of the web site to illustrate our work. I’ve allocated half my Easter Holidays for the progression of this, as I feel I can aim more for a Merit than a pass.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Atom tm; Liedgut
‘Here it is, the latest offering in musical originality. Imagined, written and performed by one of Germany’s most original and inspired new bands “Atom tm”.
The Album, Liedgut, begins with the relatively short introductory track called Weißes Rauschen (white rushing). At first a little startling, but once you have adjusted yourself to the white noise, you can then settle back into what is a unique journey of sound. The journey beginning with what could appear as heavy rain beating down against the new grass of spring, the noise pounding unrelenting against the hard ground, yet a serene relaxing rhythm to it.
The scene is then set for the following four compositions, beginning with Wellen und Felder 1, A softer sound, again with the rain gently coming down on the green pastured fields, an ambient electronic rhythm being introduced part way into the song to represent the serenity of the scene, Wellen und Felder 2 introduces what can be perceived as the human element, noises that are distracting from the peace and tranquility that has been created.
Wellen und Felder 3 is a relaxed quiet track that illustrates a return to peace, now the rain has stopped and any distractions have also fallen quiet, Wellen und Felder 4 uses electronic beats to symbolise the distant sounds of an aeroplane or a helicopter but one that’s distant and almost involved in the ambient music which also returns half way through to reinforce an element of peace to the scene.
Überleitung, is the beginning of what seems to be a battle between the beautiful peace and tranquillity of nature and that of man made scientific crudity, to the vocal sounds drowning out the ambient background tones, to the mobile phone interference within the brilliantly titled track “Interferenz”.
Atom then offer the almost intergalactic presence of human nature in Interferenz 2, but then bring you grandly back to Earth with there suitably named “wave” (Wellen), this is an aural treat, that surrounds you with the sense of Oceanic space, of waves gently brushing around you. Middle composition 1-3, clearly represent the splashing of the water, of throwing pebbles into the ocean.
Atom return to the theme of the rain, with a gradual build up to a more torrential rain scene, however concluding the journey with a more connected feel between nature and science of our world, guiding you through the valleys and mountains (17. Berge und Täler), the greenery and freshness in the air as the rain beats down, suggesting that for a brief time the whole ambience of the scene can be savoured and one can get carried away (18. Im Rausch der Gegenwart 2).
The conclusion to the album is the pure combined tones of dripping water and the metallic vocal sounds of human interference.
Word Count. 463
The Album, Liedgut, begins with the relatively short introductory track called Weißes Rauschen (white rushing). At first a little startling, but once you have adjusted yourself to the white noise, you can then settle back into what is a unique journey of sound. The journey beginning with what could appear as heavy rain beating down against the new grass of spring, the noise pounding unrelenting against the hard ground, yet a serene relaxing rhythm to it.
The scene is then set for the following four compositions, beginning with Wellen und Felder 1, A softer sound, again with the rain gently coming down on the green pastured fields, an ambient electronic rhythm being introduced part way into the song to represent the serenity of the scene, Wellen und Felder 2 introduces what can be perceived as the human element, noises that are distracting from the peace and tranquility that has been created.
Wellen und Felder 3 is a relaxed quiet track that illustrates a return to peace, now the rain has stopped and any distractions have also fallen quiet, Wellen und Felder 4 uses electronic beats to symbolise the distant sounds of an aeroplane or a helicopter but one that’s distant and almost involved in the ambient music which also returns half way through to reinforce an element of peace to the scene.
Überleitung, is the beginning of what seems to be a battle between the beautiful peace and tranquillity of nature and that of man made scientific crudity, to the vocal sounds drowning out the ambient background tones, to the mobile phone interference within the brilliantly titled track “Interferenz”.
Atom then offer the almost intergalactic presence of human nature in Interferenz 2, but then bring you grandly back to Earth with there suitably named “wave” (Wellen), this is an aural treat, that surrounds you with the sense of Oceanic space, of waves gently brushing around you. Middle composition 1-3, clearly represent the splashing of the water, of throwing pebbles into the ocean.
Atom return to the theme of the rain, with a gradual build up to a more torrential rain scene, however concluding the journey with a more connected feel between nature and science of our world, guiding you through the valleys and mountains (17. Berge und Täler), the greenery and freshness in the air as the rain beats down, suggesting that for a brief time the whole ambience of the scene can be savoured and one can get carried away (18. Im Rausch der Gegenwart 2).
The conclusion to the album is the pure combined tones of dripping water and the metallic vocal sounds of human interference.
Word Count. 463
Monday, February 02, 2009
New Beginnings
The start of semester 2 has begun. I know I keep saying it, but i really cant believe how quick things are passing by. It only seems 2 minutes ago we were heavily revising typography, now were weeks into XHTML and CSS coding.
I’m really hoping that I will pick up the coding aspect of things really easily, as so far I have enjoyed learning about the logic and language of it all, to be able to write the code and then to see the resulting layout and work in images and graphics, especially having spent the previous semester working on the screen design. We have also had to create production schedules for both A5 (the Builder) and A6 (The Big Picture), this will hopefully help me be more organised with my work.
Part of one of the modules we have this time is a presentation regarding Levels and curves in photoshop, this is a joint effort with someone else on the course, this has been a good exercise in team working and also the organisation of not only yourself but to fit in and around someone elses schedule to facilitate the organisation of a presentation. I don’t feel perturbed with the actual presentation or the learning of its content, in fact am quite looking forward to it this time.
Our first creative exercise was that of the Mangatar, this was to create an avatar on the “www.faceyourmanga.it, and then annotate it for our posh sketch books. I enjoyed this exercise, especially in light of my not so good sketchbook work in A3, allowed me to put more onasis upon my annotations.
I’m really hoping that I will pick up the coding aspect of things really easily, as so far I have enjoyed learning about the logic and language of it all, to be able to write the code and then to see the resulting layout and work in images and graphics, especially having spent the previous semester working on the screen design. We have also had to create production schedules for both A5 (the Builder) and A6 (The Big Picture), this will hopefully help me be more organised with my work.
Part of one of the modules we have this time is a presentation regarding Levels and curves in photoshop, this is a joint effort with someone else on the course, this has been a good exercise in team working and also the organisation of not only yourself but to fit in and around someone elses schedule to facilitate the organisation of a presentation. I don’t feel perturbed with the actual presentation or the learning of its content, in fact am quite looking forward to it this time.
Our first creative exercise was that of the Mangatar, this was to create an avatar on the “www.faceyourmanga.it, and then annotate it for our posh sketch books. I enjoyed this exercise, especially in light of my not so good sketchbook work in A3, allowed me to put more onasis upon my annotations.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
An Overview.
I can’t believe how quickly the first semester has gone. It only seems like a few weeks ago we were all getting to know each others names, now were mostly all supportive bantering friends with the sole mission of getting to the end of the HND Interactive media course as competent designers. The group started with high numbers and gladly so far has remained so with no casualties as of yet.
One of the things that has been highlighted time and time again over recent months has been time management, and that hasn’t seemingly just been my own. Colleagues have also mentioned that an improvement for them was needed. For me this has never been highlighted more than for A3 and A4.
My main problem is lack of belief in myself, I need to try and adopt a more of a positive mental attitude to my work, I’m not entirely sure how I’m going to achieve this at this point, but at least it has been identified.
One of the things that has been highlighted time and time again over recent months has been time management, and that hasn’t seemingly just been my own. Colleagues have also mentioned that an improvement for them was needed. For me this has never been highlighted more than for A3 and A4.
My main problem is lack of belief in myself, I need to try and adopt a more of a positive mental attitude to my work, I’m not entirely sure how I’m going to achieve this at this point, but at least it has been identified.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Happy New Year!
The run up to Christmas was full of both happiness that we got abit of a break, also the determination that any work remaining - A3 Sounds like a plan and A4 Typography - to be handed in the New Year would get finished off at our own leisure.
Things didn’t work out exactly that way, having got caught up with the festive celebrations and the fact we could sit down and watch Christmas television, essays and revision got placed on a burner for at least the first week of the holidays. The second week was abit of a wake up call, when I realised their were literally only a few weeks left until the hand in date of the essay and the day of the exam.
The screen design for A3 took me considerably longer and more attempts than I first considered, which set me back. I have in my mind a schedule for this week to get work finished off and to catch up, I feel incredibly stressed about the time limit I have but hoping this amount of stress will give me the additional motivation to get everything finalised.
We completed our final mini task for A4 today. We had to place text content and a photo into a self made grid. I found this really enjoyable as with the other mini tasks especially the type trump exercise, as it allowed for exploration of our creativity.
Things didn’t work out exactly that way, having got caught up with the festive celebrations and the fact we could sit down and watch Christmas television, essays and revision got placed on a burner for at least the first week of the holidays. The second week was abit of a wake up call, when I realised their were literally only a few weeks left until the hand in date of the essay and the day of the exam.
The screen design for A3 took me considerably longer and more attempts than I first considered, which set me back. I have in my mind a schedule for this week to get work finished off and to catch up, I feel incredibly stressed about the time limit I have but hoping this amount of stress will give me the additional motivation to get everything finalised.
We completed our final mini task for A4 today. We had to place text content and a photo into a self made grid. I found this really enjoyable as with the other mini tasks especially the type trump exercise, as it allowed for exploration of our creativity.
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