This class has been one of my favorite's over college. This semester, I really feel like I have finally come into my own as a designer. Looking back on many of my blog posts from Interaction design and even from the beginning of the semester, I was so unsure of myself and not confident in my abilities. I feel like this class has really stretched and grown me in ways that I was really wanting a class to do. The format of this class to be able to play with whatever we wanted to really helped with this. I was able to stop thinking about what other people would want from me and create the things I wanted to create. I stopped second guessing my choices.
I feel like a turning point for my outlook was definitely Kate Bingaman-Burt's visit and my subsequent inquiry for Peebles. It was SO inspiring to see all the work and zines she brought with her and really showed me a successful graphic designer who relies on illustration for the base of her practice. My zine about thrifting was the first thing I've made in a really long time that was really just for myself and my own aesthetic. It was so freeing! I feel like I had forgotten the joy of making simple art just to make it. I decided to pursue art in college the summer after my ninth grade year when I would go in my garage and paint something every single day in my sketchbook. Having a practice like that really makes a difference and Kate's visit really made me remember the joy I used to find in making something every single day.
My projects this semester have been a great experience as well. I think all of them I consider something that I would like to see continue it's life cycle (except for maybe my first inquiry...). I've dreamed of being a children's book illustrator for a while and although I know Meena advised against it, I'd like to see my animals in hats in a book. My Goldbelly project really taught me a lot about pattern making and although I don't think I want to continue this specific direction of food subscription boxes, I am really interested in fabric and pattern design from my illustrations. I'd really like to print some fabric of my seafood pattern and make a dress or something! Additionally, my reduce poster series was a passion project of mine and it looks nowhere near where I would like it to in my head, so I'm looking forward to revising that next year in the portfolio class.
Speaking of, today I went to the portfolio day show for the seniors and I was blown away and so excited at the prospect of this being me next year! I am glad I was able to take this class this semester so next year I will be able to use this work in my portfolio, specifically my Peebles rebranding. I know that so many of the seniors in our class probably wish they could have included some stuff from their final project into their portfolio!
Overall, I feel like this class and semester has truly transformed me as a designer. I feel so much more confident in my work and abilities. I am so proud of what I have produced with this final project for Peebles. My final presentation is only where it is for how much Meena has taught me throughout this entire process!