This second half of the semester I feel as though I have improved my use of practice time by managing my time amongst all of my classes better.  Since the maps project was spread out over two months I really had to make sure that I was making good use of the work time given in class because I am also dedicated to all of my other classes (graphic design and general education) and my on campus design job.  Since the mid semester I have improved my use of time in all these areas and still manage to make free time for myself.  I put countless hours into each of my classes and have made sure that each are getting equal attention.  Since I do not have the Adobe Creative Cloud system on my laptop I go to the digi lab to work in the afternoons about 3 times a week and usually on the weekends as well. Because I do not have the system on my laptop I cannot just easily leave a design until the last minute and work on it all night; I have to work within the hours that lab is open which forces me to make better use of my time and work with the lab hours schedule.   

The sophistication of my work is constantly improving because with each critique I am learning more about myself and what I am producing.  Through the maps project I feel as though I have gained a better view on what a “good design” looks like.  Specifically each map has had a different agenda/purpose that has made me aware of how to convey a message in an organized and easily comprehensive way through the use of symbols, graphs, color, hierarchy, and labeling.  I feel as though this project has trained my design eye to be more discerning and make good judgments as to how all those factors interact and how to apply them well to my designs.

I found feedback to be very useful especially during times where I felt I was having a creative block or trouble moving forward with my designs.  I find class critiques to be very helpful because I get to hear multiple opinions on my work and I get to see where everybody else is and what direction they are taking.  Having the chance to see everyone’s work and talking about it is really helpful because I can draw creative direction from my peers and professor.  I never take feedback personally because I know that whatever good or bad comments others have will help me improve my work; I take feedback and use it to my advantage.

I would say that the level of challenge I gave myself was at the medium mark because while I do enjoy a challenge, I felt as though I was afraid sometimes to take on a new complex idea.  I find that when I have a concept that looks easy to accomplish on paper but not so easy to execute on Illustrator I opt for the easier route because it takes less time.  Finding the willingness to take on a new level of challenge is something that I need to work on, as well as making time in my schedule to create a design that may be more complex or time-consuming.  For example, for Map 02 I had quite a bit of sketches that I thought would present the data in a creative and organized way, but when it came down to designing that on Illustrator I found that I was short on time so I opted for the less time consuming route, which isn’t always the best route.  Although I am satisfied with my design for Map 02 I know that I can definitely do better because there is a lot of room for me to improve through challenging myself creatively.

I acquired many more expert hours this second half of the semester compared to the first half.  In October I went to the Houston Zine Fest and the Chaotic Moon Studio tour with Command G.  In November I attended another workshop with Jenn Hassin to complete her collaborative art piece with St. Ed’s.  I also attended the East Austin Studio Tour one weekend and attended the Senior Graphic Design Presentations.

During the second half of this semester I have managed to keep my stress and emotions at an average level.  Although I have left some American Dilemmas papers until the last minute I have still managed to deliver without stressing or freaking out.  Aside from procrastination with papers I have not have any other major events in my life that have thrown my emotions in turmoil.  There have been some small issues happening back at home but I have managed to not let that completely distract or disturb my school work.  We all have bad days but I always try to find the best in a situation and look at the positives rather than the negatives.

As a class we are all learning together so I think it is important to contribute to the conversation and help each other learn and advance, whether that be through group discussion or one-on-one conversations.  I feel as though I contribute to the warm class environment by keeping a positive attitude during critiques and feedback.  I don’t think I would ever tell someone that their design is bad, instead I point out what can be done to improve it and execute the concept better.  Savannah and I are always bouncing ideas off each other and asking for each other’s opinions which is really helpful on both ends.  I trust her judgement and know that she will tell it to me straight.  I try to do the same in return and give her ideas or help her make creative decisions.  The same goes for anyone else that may ask my for my opinion or advice.

I would give myself an B+/A- for this end term assessment.  I feel as though I have improved since the mid term and put more effort into each project, but I still need to improve my level of challenge in relationship to time management skills.  I have definitely put in more expert hours and acquired more expert experiences which I plan to increase next semester with my next set of design classes.