OUGD601 | Studio Brief 01 - Evaluation

This brief was challenging in that it had to be completed in a short space of time for interview, as well as the fact that it’s always difficult to define and communicate the self. However, this time the personal brand was approached with clearer aims in mind, these being to appear professional and creative to potential employers (these being graphic design studios based in Liverpool). With the audience also clear the brief was more focused overall as in previous years ambitions and goals have been unclear for the personal brand.

As a result of this, the outcomes were far more focused and relevant. For example, the use of business cards was dismissed due to never finding the opportunity to use them as much more networking was carried out online. Furthermore, the dismissal of using a logo was useful in that the creation of this had always felt forced and unnatural. Having the confidence to make these decisions benefited the branding overall.

Experience found from this brief in previous years helped to create a better solution and a balance between the two approaches. The difficulty was communicating the self without excluding any types or styles of design. The final branding achieves a neutral balance that can be adapted to a variety of situations without excluding an audience or style. Focusing on the strength in competency and professionalism as an employee felt more appropriate than previous attempts.

This brief benefited from a more stripped back approach by focusing on what was needed/desired to be communicated as well as what employees wanted to see. This minimal thinking was refreshing in that it ensured the process of branding was more straight-forward.

A resourceful and collaborative approach also ensured the successful production of photographs for the personal brand. Seeing the benefits of taking initiative has been insightful and has encouraged a more proactive attitude overall.

Ideally more time would have been spent developing the branding. Although it is appropriate and works for personal aims and ambitions, a personal more creative and conceptual approach would have been preferred in order to wow employers, not just give confidence in my abilities as an employee. It would have also been useful to created specialist printed portfolios and promotion packs as something physical that employers could experience. However, as a job was found before the creation of these there was no longer a need for this.

Overall, although the outcome was successful, appropriate and functional and will likely be used for the next few years, it would have been interesting to explore more options and outcomes with a focus on creative communication.