evaluation

What I did?

Designed an existing website which is fashion based and beauty based and then designed an application for the iPhone from this. Also I created a flash animation which explains the application as a way of promoting the application. I was helped by a graphics student on this!

Why I did it?

I wanted to explore layouts further and I wanted to experiement with designing layouts on a much smaller scale- iPhone. I also wanted to broaden my knowledge in various software and become confident with it.

How I did it?

Using mainly InDesign and Photoshop to create layouts, and Illustrator and Flash to create the animation.

Outcome:

A design pitch, press release, presentation and full website and application design layout. Also a promotional animation explaining the application and its features.

Likes:

I have not really liked this project, unfortunately I hit a part where I got completely fed up as I have no interest in this commercialised side to fashion, however I have enjoyed playing with layouts, I have really enjoyed designing things on a smaller scale and I have enjoyed the marketing side to research also and the work experience that I have done during this project. I have also really enjoyed using flash and being an art director! Working with another student from Graphics was really good as he helped me to create what I wanted in my head!

Dislikes:

I dislike the whole concept and I am disheartened by this fact, however I am just going to get on with it and use it as a piece of portfolio work to use to show that I am adaptable and use it to show my skills in InDesign and Photoshop.

Things that went wrong:

My computer would not let me download a copy of flash catalyst because it is too old and I would have to buy more ram- as I couldn't afford this I felt that I wasn't going to get enough marks, however, my cries for help were answered after sending out numerous text messages and a third year Graphics student managed to spare me some time on sunday evening to help me to create the flash animation at the last minute!!!!! Hero! I will make them dinners forever more. I have also tried to make the most out of what I have done to make an element of my project interactive through creating a hand held press release that the people who I would pitch to can have something to hold and touch. I have also been collaborating with a graphics designer throughout to try and pull something together even if it is a few skills!

Skills:

I a fully confident in InDesign and Photoshop now and I am really pleased. However I am sad to say that I am not fully confident with flash on my own, but after working with the graphics design student I have more knowledge than I did before!!! :-)

What I have learnt?

I have had a huge learning curve in this project- I am glad that I have realised this however as it has allowed me to learn about myself and what I like. I have realised that I am not interested in commercialised side to fashion and what to focus more on the styles that I like. Working with Glenn really helped me realise this. I have also learnt alot about the software and that I quite like a bit of art direction!

What I would change?

I would change the whole concept if I could but instead of a more commercial fashion site I would like to have changed it to a urban/ outdoorsy/ street wear guide for women as I feel that not enough help is given to women and girls who like this style. Even though I did not like this project I am really glad I did it as it shows that even though I do not like something I am not going to give up on it so easily. I also am glad as it has allowed me to realise what routes I want to pursue in further projects and career options.