Evaluation

PPP this year for me hasn't been given enough attention as a whole, particularly in terms of branding myself as a designer and getting myself out there towards industry professionals. 

There was an apparent lack of contact to studios of my interest. The hesitation in starting a conversation did not help me in starting conversations with designers as well as getting experience doing a placement prior to graduation.

With the amount of pressure in the reality of entering the real world soon and the constant drive to improve your presence as a designer, the design scene in the UK did feel highly competitive. Getting a placement in these studios felt unlikely. 

With my interest in looking at art to influence my design practice, I should have instead tried to contact designers who are known for creating art through design such as David Wolske and Dave Towers. This would have given me more understanding into a possible field that my design practice could morph into and to learn about new techniques to include into my design. 

To curb this hesitation in getting myself out there, going to CV and portfolio workshops would have been a large help, at least in bettering my chances in getting a reply. Going to external design talks/conferences would have opened me up to new ways of contacting.  

My online presence as a designer is limited with just a website being the only platform to view my work. Remembering the talks of creatives who came into uni, I doubt there was one who did not have a clear online presence that allowed them to communicate themselves as a designer and to connect to other professionals. 

Having a proper website however does make me seem more professional and serious about my work and is effectively the portfolio I send through over email. 

Despite these setbacks, this was the year that I've spent most time developing my personal practice. This is the year where I have found a certain niche within design that I want to pursue and the number of art exhibition visits reflect that. I have an identity for my design practice that I feel is a reflection of my maturity after studying on the course. 

The fact that I have an internship lined up means I have a good starting point to get the ball rolling in the industry. And instead of seeing it as a missed opportunity to work abroad, going back home would expose me to Eastern thinking on design, further developing my attitudes and approach. Also, because Singapore's design scene is emerging, it provides real opportunities to create a unique style for the country. Getting an internship at a design studio I align myself with negates much of the limitations of my professional practice. 

Why these art galleries matter

It is apparent that there is more effort placed on visiting art galleries and museums compared to contacting and being exposed to design studios/creatives. 

I think a lot of it comes down to my interest within the arts and willingness to break away from looking at graphic design for inspiration. 

I find it valuable within my practice to look at things from completely different perspectives. This helps break boundaries and to advance my skill in design. It stops me from getting too narrow minded in my inspirations or approach and going to see these art exhibitions give me a better understanding of how I can become a multi disciplinary designer in the future, determining which areas of art can be incorporated into design and how design can be used to display art.

Going to these galleries further betters my possible exploration into spatial design and curation of content, which is beneficial considering how I am aiming to work alongside studios/clients with cultural institutions.