This course has opened my eyes to a new way of using practice time. I’ve always had a hard time crossing the bridge between digital and analog art. I now understand that these are just methods and can both be used to reach the same goal and in fact, should both be used. I am now totally in love with the idea of sketching digitally. Before, I though of digital work as “the final product” – something that fits neatly on an art board as is ready for export to web or print. Now I realize that digital programs can be used in every step of the process. I’m really glad Tuan showed us his projects and how he works, because I’m finding that the edgeless, orderless flow of work really helps me create. I think that this has enhanced my practice time and made my work a lot more organic. I think that I have a very consistent practice, especially because it’s whenever I have a free moment; even finding myself doing graphic design while procrastinating on my graphic design homework.

I pride myself on the sophistication of my work. I follow rules very well and so once we were given the guidelines for a successful symbol, I worked really hard to make sure that I followed those guidelines. I’m aware that this rule oriented approach to design has it’s drawbacks and can at times inhibit creativity. However, I have found that it’s a great way to get results. My product looks like what it’s supposed to look like. End of story. However, I’m hoping that over time, I’ll be able to do both – follow the “rules” and be creative. A concept that we discussed in another class is doing work both “above the couch” and “below the couch.” I think that by making work that is below the couch, I will be able to start bending the rules a bit and making sophisticated work that is truly interesting. At this point, for the purposes of our “rules” for symbols, I’d say my work is highly sophisticated.

I have always had a tough time dealing with feedback I have a very personal connection to my work and often have trouble being objective when listening to criticism. I find it difficult to remove myself from the work, but like anything else, practice makes it easier. I have tried this semester to take a step back from my work when listening to feedback from both my classmates and from Tuan. I know how easy it is to end up working in a vacuum and I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive feedback. Outside of the classroom, I’ve had practice receiving feedback that was hard to hear from my first freelance job. I had one idea of what they wanted and they had another and it was tough. However, I’ve learned and grown from the experience and am doing my best to use feedback in the best way possible. If I had to place myself on a sliding scale, I’d definitely say I am towards the middle on this front, but working hard to get to the point where I can take full advantage of feedback.

I’d like to think that the level of challenge I gave myself was relatively high. I entered the course with more illustrator experience than some. This is a product of a lot of free time during the summer. It would have been easy to complete the assignment using minimal effort. I would have produced interesting symbols and shown decent craftsmanship. Instead, I rose to the occasion and strove for perfection. A prime example of this was my insistence on not failing the letters test. In fact, I recut the vinyl after my first botched attempt. I’m still a little frustrated that the dots on my “i”s aren’t there, but after all, the size was ridiculous. I also tried new tools and methods in illustrator and really pushed myself to create sound shapes that will hold up to the 64000% test. I also tried really hard to make symbols that I wouldn’t have to “fix” later. I wanted my process in illustrator to be clean and legible all the way through. I avoided stroking objects and made sure to make compound shapes as I went. Overall, I think it was a god learning experience and I came out a better craftsman on the other end. I would definitely say I herd myself to an intense level of challenge.

I have exposed myself to a lot of other expert experiences so far this semester. I always try my hardest to attend gallery openings and absorb as much design and art that Austin has to offer. I also had the opportunity to see my work from last semester on the Butterfly Project shown at the Bullock. The experience of going and talking about my work to people seeing it for the first time was very enlightening. I’ve also been doing freelance work this semester and it has been a new experience all together. Starting to make work for someone other than myself is definitely a new challenge and I’m really enjoying the challenges that come with it. While I would always like to do more, I think that my “extra stuff” would qualify as “lots.”

This semester I’ve faced a few challenges when it comes to social emotional development. This is the fist semester of my career at St. Edward’s taking a full 18 hour course load, as well as my first semester working. I admit that at times, I have been extremely stressed out and could have worked better to manage my time. However, I believe that I have improved over the course of the semester. Even writing this essay now, I am doing so as part of a structured plan for the weekend before midterms. I know myself and the time required for certain tasks and can plan accordingly. I also know the importance of self care and having fun. It sounds silly to “schedule my free time,” but with a life as jam packed with responsibility as mine, it’s important to take the time to breathe, and I am doing so. I think that I am making my way from out of control to in control and will only become more in control with time.

I have always been proud of my contribution to the classroom climate. I believe that I bring a lot to the table, metaphorically speaking and literally speaking this year as we sat around the table for critique. I’d like to think that I had helpful and honest things to say about everyone else’s work. I also pride myself in the fact that I was always available to help my classmates in any way they needed. As a lab assistant, it is part of y job to be available to students working in the lab. I have found that this availability reaches beyond the six hours a week that I am clocked in. My classmates respect my skills and find me approachable enough to come and ask for help. I think this is one of my proudest achievements this semester and I would definitely place myself at the highest level of achievement for this category.