Defining Client Needs – Week 1 Reflection

Summary

In the Week 1 Live Meeting video for Defining Client Needs, professor Ryan McClung states that the Media Design MFA program is a lot like the Media Design industry. (McClung, 2019) Both are about solving problems and finding solutions. This requires strong research, critical thinking, time management, and communication skills. My research skills need improvement, but every assignment is practice.

The Design industry and this MFA program also both require critique of your work, by professionals and peers. (McClung, 2019) I look forward to this opportunity to improve my designs, as I have often operated in a bubble without much feedback from anyone but my client or boss. In the video What is Graphic Design, Sean Adams says that graphic design is about ideas. (Adams, 2017) Sharing ideas with peers can transform those ideas into design solutions.

In regard to Academic Writing, McClung states that opinions don’t matter. (McClung, 2019) I’m used to writing magazine articles, blogs, and lectures that are often based on personal experience and opinions. It’s an adjustment, but I appreciate how research-based writing forces me to dig deeper and find real knowledge to support my ideas.

Action Plan

By the end of the Media Design MFA program, I should show improvement in my research and writing skills in addition to wider knowledge of the methodologies of design. I will apply these skills to find more design clients and create better lessons for my students.

Juggling school, work, and family requires efficient time management. I’ve created the following weekly study schedule to keep me on track.

Monday

  • Read/watch materials for weekly assignments, prepare notes – 4 hours.
  • Read design or motion graphics book on Safari Books – 2 hours.

Tuesday

  • Write and submit discussion, research weekly assignment – 4 hours.
  • Watch design or motion graphics courses on Lynda.com – 2 hours.

Wednesday

  • Reply to discussion, work on weekly assignment – 4 hours.
  • Read design blogs on Feedly and browse Behance for inspiration – 2 hours.

Thursday

  • Work on weekly assignment – 4 hours.
  • Watch design or motion graphics courses on Lynda.com – 2 hours.

Friday

  • Try to finish weekly assignment – 4 hours.
  • Read design or motion graphics book on Safari Books – 2 hours.

Saturday

  • Edit and submit weekly assignment, write and submit blog. – 4 hours.
  • Watch design or motion graphics courses on Lynda.com – 2 hours.

I have reserved Sunday for family time, rest, and reflection. Even then, I try to keep a sketchbook handy. Every night before bed I spend a few minutes sketching out random ideas. This “twilight time” between consciousness and sleep is when some of my best concepts emerge in a raw form. All my old sketchbooks were destroyed in the 2018 fire, but my sketching habit is still a vital part of the design process as described by Sean Adams. (Adams, 2017)

References:

Adams, S. (2017, May 31). What is graphic design? Retrieved August 9, 2019, from https://www.lynda.com/Graphic-Design-tutorials/What-graphic-design/614734/625796-4.html?org=fullsail.edu

McClung, R. (2019, August 6). Week 1 Live Session. Retrieved August 9, 2019, from https://online.fullsail.edu/class_sections/46722/modules/173179/activities/1087779

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