Professional Identity
My role within the design process previously was one which operated in the background of projects, attempting to keep everything in-line and enhance the strengths of other designers. While there are still aspects of this in my current work habits, I have personally tried to take a step forward and provide personal touches to the designs I deliver. This is mostly because I now have a more comprehensive understanding of where my abilities lie and their value within the context of a project.
I am a firm believer that one can do anything they put their mind to, given enough time to do so. This is my most vital strength as a designer, as I constantly strive for something which always tries to meet my personal expectations. I am not someone who is put off by the amount of expected hours needed to complete a project, instead I view it as a framework to operate within and make the most out of each minute. This is reflected in my workflow, dedicating at least one moment in the day to each project I am involved in, to keep a consistent level of progress which pays off in the long run.
In the previous year I stated that my biggest pitfall as a designer was my expected standard of quality and my ability to manage feedback. This is no longer the case as I am significantly better at managing my expectations and working within the scope of my abilities. Instead I believe my weakness lies more in my current skill set of self expression and being confident in what I have to show. Personally I am not the most self-assured individual, always preferring my work to talk for itself so I can avoid the ‘spotlight’. Realistically this is impossible to avoid and sometimes hinders my more unique ideas to never see the light of day.
Vision
To summarize my vision the best I always use the analogy of books, which are all physically the same, a collection of pages held by a cover that contain a message for the reader. It is a product whose emotional value surpasses its physical significance, all the while using the simple method of communication of written language. It sets each one apart displaying the norms and beliefs of the authors who composed them. Even if two people were to read the same story, their connection to the narrative can vastly differ hence creating unique experiences. Moreover, books are not only made to read but to also keep upon a bookshelf, and display its cracked spines that retain moments to be revisited by the individual or others.
This is what my designs should achieve, a simple yet effective experience that allows the user to directly connect to values integrated. They should not be thrown away after they are no longer needed, on the contrary they should be displayed and savoured for what they have done. Convert to what is just a collection of papers held by a cover, to a narrative that inspires and surpasses its physical significance.