It's December 8, 2018. I am currently finishing up the first semester of my sophomore year as a Digital Design major. As the year 2018 is almost coming to an end, here are the 4 things I learned in school so far:
1. Personality traits can be seen in our design work. During critiques, I would observe my classmate's projects and I am able to get a sense of who they're as a person. I think it's so cool how no matter what we do or design our personality traits come along with us. Observing one's work is a great way to get to know them. Because of how important networking and communication is in the industry, I learned that observing and analyzing one's work is a great way to connect with them. When I was observing my classmate's app prototype and other projects of theirs, I noticed they loved pets especially dogs. I reflect back on my work and realized that my work shows a lot about who I am as a person whether I love fashion, traveling, or sports.
2. I'm in charge of my own learning. A college is a place where you're responsible for your own learning. I've heard many times from parents, high school counselors, and teachers that soon as I am in college, I will be fully responsible for my success. Especially, being a digital design major you're completely in charge of your own learning because digital design is such a vast topic that the learning never stops. Classes that I have taken so far utilizes a variety of different software programs, it is up to me to learn it and create a habit of using it. In the beginning, I wouldn't go back to tutorials taught in class and procrastinate doing my projects. But now, I have learned to use every bit of resource to my advantage.
3. The value of critique. During my first semester of college, I would fear critiques. I loved to share my designs and projects with others but when I was evaluated by everyone I felt insecure and doubtful about my work. After many critiques, I learned to separate myself from own design work. Before, I would look at my work and see it as an extension of myself because I would incorporate my favorite colors or topics of interest. Since people use art as a way to express themselves it's difficult to not to get emotionally attached. So in order to improve, I learned to detach myself from my work. Now when I receive constructive feedback from my peers and professors, I look forward to it because I am able to improve and grow in areas where I'm not as strong.
4. Sketch, Adobe XD, Invision, and Marvel app. During the course of one semester, I was able to learn and utilize Sketch, Adobe XD, Invision, and Marvel app. This semester (Fall 2018) has been so far my favorite semester. I learned so much, especially in my Interactive I class. The pacing of my Interactive I class was somewhat fast paced but because it was fast paced I was able to push myself to get things done. I enjoy working and learning in a fast paced environment because it encourages and motivates me to get things done. I am very content to have learned so many programs that I can utilize in the future.
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