Similar to my Digital Skills module, I've decided to create a SWOT Analysis so I know which areas I need to expand in, and to gain an understanding of where I believe I am currently in my development as a Graphic Designer.
Strengths
I think I have quite a good knowledge of the software I am using now, especially In Design due to the workshops I participated in during my Digital Skills module. Our development file during that module was completed solely on In Design, and therefore I feel a lot more confident and comfortable when using it. I also think I have a good understanding of the techniques I will need to use in this module: I have grasped the process we have been undertaking, with research being my strongest point. I also think my time management has improved vastly, and I keep on top of things much more regularly with checklists and better organisation. I read quite a lot of magazines due to it being an area I am interested in, and therefore feel I have quite a lot of knowledge in what attracts who, especially in terms of colour schemes, typography and layouts. From my last project I have also taken resolution into account and now check all image sizes and resolution, learning from my past mistakes.
Weaknesses
I feel my development is a weakness, as I like to jump straight into the project when I have come up with an idea, rather than expanding that idea through scamps and developing it. I want this to become a habit rather than a "necessity" so it is more enjoyable for me, and also for my outcomes to be better. I also need to develop my understanding of file formats: though I do feel more comfortable in In Design, I still find it difficult to save correctly and almost always end up with missing links. I also feel I need to develop my hand drawn aspects and add them to my development and project, as I do prefer to develop my ideas on the computer, but understand that it is much easier and better to develop free hand.
Opportunities
Workshops are a great opportunity in this module, as every thursday we recieve taught sessions on In Design and regular help from professionals who understand and know what / how to get what you have drawn on paper, looking the same as what is coming out on the computer screen. Another opportunity is the fact that this module is a competition brief, and a way to get your foot into the design world.
Threats
Time is a huge threat: not being able to develop my ideas as much as I would like, or not finishing the module in a way I would like to finish, due to running out of time. As my time management has been improving, I am going to try and keep on top of my work more regularly and easily so that I am not rushing towards the end. Losing links on In Design and fonts not being able to transfer onto different computers is also a threat, as it is time consuming and unnecessarily more work. Not backing up my work is also a threat and now I have a hard drive, I intend on doing so on more than one computer.
