write a blog reflection containing 6 paragraphs:

1) about what changed within yourself from mid semester till now via expert hours.

I think the biggest change within myself from mid semester till now has been my willingness to try, and try again, and try some more. I’ve accepted the reality of design as a process–where you have to create multiple versions, multiple times, of a project until it’s just right. And even then, there will always still be room for improvement. While I previously saw this as “wasting time,” being frustrated that I couldn’t complete assignments as quickly as I felt it could be done (in a perfect world) I now understand that it’s the only method towards improvement. I’ve spent long nights in the design labs playing around with InDesign, the inkjets, and the various book-making equipment available learning as much as I can to understand this process better. And despite the long period of time I spent trying, failing, and retrying, I had so much joy creating the book and found myself enjoying what I learned from my mistakes, because I wouldn’t have learned any other way than by failing. In the end, I am very satisfied with my book. (And still see some things to change to improve it).

2) how you used practice time.

I spent practice time more effectively as the semester went on. I learned that I get distracted in my apartment, and distracted around others. Around midterm, as I was reflecting on my progress in the class, I realized I needed to make some changes. I found that in working in solitude (either in the “quiet section” of the library, or in an empty lab room (usually around 8 am on weekdays, where I would work before classes began at 9) really made leaps and bounds in my effectiveness during practice time. Rather than having to retrace my notes, have the lab monitor basically print out for me, and feeling all-around aimless, I’ve become more confident. This is directly due to my actually learning skills rather than memorizing the steps. Simple things, like actually learning what the different tabs on the print button mean, really aided my overall understanding. My practice time definitely improved.

3) how you dealt with feedback / how you gave feedback.

I took all feedback to heart, truly. I printed my book out five times until I finally got it “right.” I wouldn’t have been able to reach that point without listening to and implementing feedback I received from both professors and peers. In giving feedback, I really tried to stay away from the word “like” as a standalone descriptor. This has been a big change since the beginning of the semester. I strove to explain why I liked what someone made, or why I didn’t like it, as a way of constructively giving them a new idea to work with. I found that when I received this type of feedback, I was able to really improve. So I made sure to provide this level of feedback for others in the class.

4) example of the level of love in your work.

I kind of want to change my major to GDES. I don’t think I’m able to do that at this point,  so I’m instead spending all my free time learning about design. I really enjoyed learning how to use the Adobe Suite programs. This is something that I’d like to pursue in my professional adult life.

5) and your inventory of external “expert” experiences.

I went to Martin Nguyen’s TIME opening, as well as Donal’s Thin  opening on campus. I’ve logged nearly 50 hours in the studio with Jenn Hassin, and I’ve logged pretty much all my free time setting up an Etsy hand-lettering shop, Braun Haus. I spent both weekends of EAST at Canopy working and networking with artists. I designed all of Jenn’s posters for EAST this year, and taught myself to use Illustrator. I’ve spent a lot of hours watching YouTube tutorials and browsing Pinterest art & design boards.  Plus all the hours spent in the labs on Lightroom, Photoshop, InDesign, and printing, scanning, folding, cutting and stapling.

6) sum this all up with what points/grade you’d give yourself.

Use of practice time: I’d give myself a B (8 pts). I gave this class as much time as I could, and definitely sacrificed nights out with friends (as well as Netflix) to finish up my projects well. I didn’t miss a single class this semester, and worked on the book project both in and out of the classroom.

How I dealt with feedback: I feel I deserve an A (10 pts) because I implemented every word of advice given to me by Tuan, Bill, and my classmates. I also gave plenty of feedback via impromptu critiques with Alexa, Jin Ha & Amanda both in and out of class to help each other produce the best books we could.

Level of love in my work: Definitely an A. I loved making this book, and seeing a concept go from digital to physical. It was an incredibly satisfying process for me, and I feel quite happy with my final book.

Your inventory of expert experiences: I would say an A, because I truly did put in extra effort in this class and out of it. I worked on some other digital projects for Jenn, have done a ton of research on digital art, and spent most of my free time browsing design portfolios on Pinterest and Behance. Additionally, I helped several students with printing out their final books after becoming so used to using the printers. I feel I’ve definitely grown in both my technical understanding of the inkjets and Adobe programs we used as well as in my artistic skills when it comes to digital design. I’ve gotten better at using them, and my projects have looked better, too.

Within each paragraph support your assessment with evidence from the semester. We will assess your: successful completion of exercises, both in and outside of class, successful on-time completion of the assignment, work quality, your attitude, attendance and participation.