1. My current personal approach to Graphic Design is varied. I have found that the packaging, editorial and logo design processes are all very interesting to me; each for their own reasons.
2. However I do have interests in many other areas of design. But I do not want to be a ‘specialist’ in the sense that I end up working in a specific area of design. The thing that I find enticing about design is that there are endless possibilities. Taking away any of those possibilities is not something that interests me.
3. Ultimately freelance work interests me the most. I would like to have some choice in the work I do, as I strongly feel that I do graphic design because I enjoy designing. I don’t want it to become a job, in the sense that it is a chore to do.
4. Currently my problem solving skills are maybe a little under developed, however I feel this is because I am still working with heavy influence from people around me. If I were to be in a design agency with just a few other peoples input I believe that is when I will realize my full potential.
5. I am confident with the software I am familiar with, and am quick to understand new software that is introduced to me. I have tried 3D animation and music editing software prior to this course, which helps greatly when encountering new programmes such as After Effects.
6. My potential customers will most likely be based in the Midlands and in the South of the country as that is where I have spent my life up until now. My home is very important to me and I feel working around London will offer up a lot of interesting job opportunities. Of course I am open to work abroad as it would be a real eye opener to my perception of Graphic Design.
7. I would like to spend some time abroad perhaps in Switzerland, Holland or France. I love nature and the peace and quiet of the countryside, I think it this will have strong implications on my design practice. Not necessarily from a strong eco-friendly moral stance, but in the geographical placement of my design practice.
8. After analysing my competitors and their means or promotion I have a good idea of what I need to do to get my company started. A full and accessible website with a downloadable portfolio and plenty of assurance of my skills and professionalism. Also I could compile example packs and a cost effective level to send out to high end potential clients.
9. My interest in Design reaches from packaging to editorial work. At some point in my career I would like to spend some time specializing in each of these, not just working with them both together. This may be decided by the jobs I take on, or perhaps something as drastic as a change of direction for my own company.
10. At present I do not have a specific target market for my company. I am still just enjoying what ever I have put in front of me. However I can see (as I mentioned before) nature and the environment becoming an increasingly important part of my design practice. My competitive agencies would be companies such as ‘Enigma’ who are based in Berkshire and ‘Studio7’ who base their entire practice on clients with an interest or concerns with nature.
My skills
Typography
Design for print
Packaging
Logo Design
Software
Editorial
As my aim is to become a varied designer of many skills, I will have a large list of competitors. Comparing my skills to theirs will mean constant evaluation of what they are doing and what they are going to be doing. Perhaps trying to stay one step ahead of them, having that one more innovative idea than them could give me the edge.
If I do indeed head towards an environmentally aware design practice, my skills in print design for posters, fliers and business cards and other promotional material could help being more attention to their cause. As well as earning a living I would like my work to be personal, something I believe in and stand for. That way my social and moral way of life can run parallel, to an extent, with my design practice.
