1. What skills have you developed through this project and how effectively do you think you have applied them?
Photoshop
Before Summer I was not good at using Photoshop at all, and since working at 26 I was able to implement the skills I learned there on it for this project. I was a lot more confident using it, and was able to produce the kind of abstract effect the client wanted by using Photoshop. I was also able to create the designs quickly which I wouldn't have been able to do prior to learning the software.
Working to a client's concept
The client had a strong concept in mind that he wanted to be implemented in the design, and although it was a bit confusing at first I was able to incorporate it into three different designs with an explanation of my design decisions regarding the concept for each. I think this allowed the client to make sense of it and be happy with it because it was so true to his idea.
One Day Deadline
I actually produced the three different concepts in one day which was great because it shows how much more productive I have become since having a placement over Summer where I was always working on short deadlines. There were all to a high standard as well and I was able to put them onto boards and send them to the client which was great.
2. What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?
Communicating with the Client
Before I started the project, I wanted all the information I could get from the client so that I knew exactly what I was doing. I got him write a brief for me, giving me all the mandatory requirements, background of his music and vision for the album. Getting all of the info I needed made my job easier so that I knew what he had in mind and could create something he would be happy with.
3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?
Being Efficient
I feel like asking for the client to write a brief was the start in an efficient brief because once I nailed all of that, I could quickly move onto the design stage. I produced the designs within a day, and produced the boards quickly too which made this a very efficient start to the year. This is something that I hope to continue throughout 3rd yr!
4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?
Not asking for money
I am way too generous with my friends when it comes to them asking me to do work for them. I always say I will do it for free because that is what they expect, and I know I shouldn't because my work is definitely worth being paid.
With this project, I didn't pay because the previous year I did some album artwork for the client and he loved it and I did it for free then so didn't feel I could charge this time round. Also, the client gave me creative freedom and always loves whatever work I do so I felt like it would be fun.
However, what was frustrating is that the client wanted it doing ASAP, which I did because I can't say no to people, and he didn't even need it that quickly! He hadn't even got his track list together or anything so I couldn't design the back of it, and wasn't ready to be produced. That annoyed me since he expected great work, for free, quickly. And he still hasn't got his music ready, so I just feel that was a bit rude to expect everything.
5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
- Charge Client - its my time and practice, I produced everything the client wanted with 3 concepts, I should have charged because I deserved it
- Work on my terms - the client had his own 'deadlines'; but he didn't need the work he just wanted it doing ASAP when I had my own actual deadline to be working with. Since I was doing it for free I should have said I will do it when I'm free
- Make sure they use it - I don't even know where/if the work is being used so I should have made sure they used it/got their album ready so it could be used since I put the work in. I am not one for confrontation, but I would like to tell them they have been quite rude!
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