Get to Know Me
Graphic design is something that is present in every aspect of life from packaging to street signs and to me, it has always been an intriguing concept. It can persuade people to do things they maybe didn't expect to do, just because the designer chose a particular combination of colours. That in itself is fascinating. Then to realise that everywhere you look, there is something that has been specifically designed the way it has makes the idea of learning how, that much more exciting. I want to study graphic design so that I can genuinely appreciate the work that goes into things that we typically take for granted as well as to someday have an impact on people who then see the work, I go on to create.
Going to university to do this feels like the best next step for me to take in order to improve my knowledge and skills of the topic. I look forward to improving through the advice of tutors as well as my peers. My love for graphics grew when I studied Creative iMedia as a BTEC during secondary school. Our first big project was to design a vinyl sleeve based on a given brief and I immediately fell in love with every aspect of it, research and planning included. Throughout that particular project I improved my work based on the feedback received from our teachers as well as classmates which helped me achieve a level two distinction.
This subject encouraged me to go on to study Creative Media at Knowsley Community College (part of St Helens college) where I have improved my skills in relevant research and project planning as well as more practical skills using cameras, editing software and image manipulation software and I continue to do so in my second year.
Throughout my education I have created some designs for no reason other than the fact I simply wanted to. Most of these include re-imagining covers for albums or singles that already exist as well as for completely fictional artists and albums. Some of my personal projects had the sole purpose of trying out a new technique or structure which is something I try to do as often as possible as I believe you cannot improve by doing things the exact same way every time.
Over the summer, I joined a group of young people in starting a campaign which aims to improve the healthcare of children and young people across Cheshire and Merseyside. This project led to us meeting with and presenting for the board at Alder Hey Children's Hospital during which I got the contact information for the team in charge of work experience. At the end of October, I shadowed Alder Hey's communications team for a day while they created content for both Halloween and Diwali as well as interviewing a retiring colleague. This experience gave me insight into how a professional team works together and different routes into the different roles they had before now.
In September, I hope to continue to improve my skills and also learn new ones.