Graphic Design Semester Reflection

What have we done this semester?

Tutorials: 

We first started off the semester with tutorials on how to use adobe illustrator and photoshop. It consisted of putting a picture on a billboard, learning about layers and editing, and typography. These projects were quick and easy and took a maximum of one to two weeks. I learned basic skills on how to use both platforms and did pretty well on it. I faced many challenges in photoshop because photoshop was harder to understand than Illustrator. My overall opinion on these were that they were very helpful and I learned a lot from them. 

Raccoon:

The second project we did was a raccoon in adobe illustrator. We created shapes and colors to make the raccoon. this project took about 3-4 weeks. Then we had to make a fall background to put the raccoon on and then make a postcard for some occasion. Some challenges I faced were that the raccoon layers were messed up so I had to take time and fix them to make them look better. Some feedback was that I could of made the circles under the eyes better. I changed the background color to make it fit better with the color scheme. My overall opinion of this project was that it was fun and a hard task to complete. 

Infographic:

Another project we did was an infographic. This took around 2 weeks to complete. We made wireframes first then did them on the computer. Some challenges I faced were importing the pictures into the document because the sizes were messed up. Some feedback I got was that I could of taken out some words and made my information better. I changed the color scheme to 3 colors or shades of green. My overall opinion of this project was that it was easy and we did not need all that time.

Vector Image: 

The last project we did was a photo of ourselves that we had to vector in adobe illustrator. I made mine more abstract and with more shapes and colors. This project took about 2-3 weeks. Some challenges I faced were figuring out how to distort the shapes to fit my face and skin tone. Some feedback I got was that it was good but I could've done better filling in some empty spaces. I changed my color scheme to make it look better. My overall opinion of this project was that it was the funnest one we did and I really enjoyed it. 

How do I use my time in class?

I used my time in class wisely and often time to spare. I stayed productive by going back over my projects and fixing minor problems I didn't see the first time. Outside of class I drew and got ideas for graphics. I enhanced my skills by getting help and understanding what we were doing. 

Strengths and Weaknesses: 

Some skills that are weak for me are photoshop and editing pictures. Areas that I can improve on are Photoshop and typography. Some strengths I had were vectoring and adobe illustrator. I maximized my strengths by using my time wisely and practicing. 

Summary:

I loved the projects we did this semester. They were challenging but quite fun. I would change my attitude about graphic design if I could because it is truly fun but it is not something I would want to go into. My overall taking about this class is how to use adobe illustrator and photoshop. My final thoughts about this class is that it was fun and I enjoyed it.