Introduction to Study Task 1

As an introduction to study task 1 I was asked to contemplate a number of factors that lead to my decision to study and Leeds College of Art. This included what I wanted to learn during my time at university as well as a self assessment of my current strengths and inspirations. The task was structured in a questionnaire type fashion, to which I had to share my answers with the group. I found this activity extremely interesting as I was able to hear other students opinions and inspirations. 

IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN 5 REASONS WHY YOU CHOSE TO STUDY ON THIS COURSE?

• I chose to study Graphic Design and Leeds College of Art because the small cohort appealed to me. I felt this would lead to a more personal learning experience, with extensive contact time with tutors and the ability to form a closer bond with other students. 
• When attending open days and interviews, both staff and current students talked about the high quality the of the course. This included how well it was written and structured in order to get the most out of the higher education experience. This appealed to me as the course content had been carefully considered in order to provide students with the best learning outcome possible. 
• One of my design teachers at A-level studied at Leeds College of Art and she loved her time at university. She spoke highly about the reputation of the college and her enthusiasm towards the university was unparalleled to any other course I considered.
• Being a small specialist institution meant that I would constantly be surrounded by creative thinkers and practitioners. This appealed to me as the the university is subsequently very focused on design as opposed to being a small singular department in a large mainstream university. 
• My final reason to study on this course is that Leeds as a city has a good reputation in a number of aspects, for example; it is culturally diverse which could provide me with new sources of inspiration, It has a great student network and there is an extensive range of activities and opportunities available in the city. 

IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN 5 THINGS THAT YOU WANT TO LEARN DURING YOUR TIME ON THE COURSE?

• During my time at Leeds College of Art I would like to acquire a holistic knowledge of designers and design styles that can influence my work. I want to expand my knowledge of design to obtain a deep and thorough understanding of theory and practise that will ultimately prepare me for a career in industry.
• I would like to obtain a better understanding of how to use essential design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I can currently use both pieces of software but I often find myself using trial and error in order to perform the correct function. I would also like to expand my knowledge of more traditional art forms such as screen printing as well as being able to become independent on equipment such as the letter press and laser cutter. 
• Learning about how my work can have real life application excites me, I feel I could learn about this through live and competition briefs. Seeing how my work could fit into the industry and potential careers will help me to asses which area of graphic design I would like to specialise in. 
• By the end of my degree I would like to have an extensive knowledge of typography and layout, as currently this is the area of Graphic Design that my knowledge is weakest in. I feel it is a significantly large part of Graphic Design that I need to expand my knowledge of. 
• Finally I hope to learn from lecturers and tutors about a career in teaching. I would be interested to find out their reasons behind choosing to teach Graphic Design at degree level, what qualifications and experience this entails and how they still interact with the industry and creative practise. 

IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN 5 THINGS THAT YOU THINK ARE YOUR STRENGTHS? 

• I feel one of my key strengths is optimism.  I am able to keep focused and enthusiastic throughout long projects and periods of time, this ensures my work remains of a high standard from beginning to end. This optimistic mentality ensures I remain motivated and on task in order to produce good quality outcomes.
• Punctuality is another key strength of mine. This allows me to meet deadlines and attend all essential lectures and studio sessions. I would not intentionally miss contact time with tutors for other non academic reasons as I consider my education to be paramount. 
• Perseverance is important to me as it allows me to produce the best outcomes possible. This encourages me to use trial and error in order to find the best solution to a particular problem, no matter how long it takes. Only then when the best solution has been implemented will I be content with the outcome. 
• Similarly to perseverance I would also call myself a perfectionist. These two qualities share similar characteristics, such as striving to make the the outcome the best it can possibly be. This ethos allows me to strive for perfection and remain motivated in order to complete the task to the highest possible standard. 
• I would consider my final strength to be the ability to use an alternative perspective. This ability allows me to think creatively and produce ideas that form abstract links with the brief as opposed to forming linear structured ideas that can sometimes be less intriguing and innovative. 

IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN 5 THINGS THAT INSPIRE YOU? 

• Inspiration can literally come from anywhere, personally I find organic foods a great source of inspiration. l love the bright bold colours and great flavours that are produced from 100% natural sources. They require no added chemicals, sugars and unnatural substances yet still look and taste incredible.
• I find that the concept of success inspires me as the future can be a daunting thought.  Success can be measured in multiple forms from small everyday successes to success that can define a career, relationship or moment in time. This constant strive for success inspires me to apply myself to every type of situation.
• I find natural structures intriguing, imagery such as the mandala fascinates me because of the perfect geometry that seamlessly intertwines to create an aesthetically perfect design. This appreciation for natural structures extends beyond the mandala to other natural forms such as spiders webs, to which the patterns and shapes are so delicate and intricate that they form a distinct design that is a byproduct of its function.
• Culture inspires me as I find it genuinely intriguing, I love talking to people from different places, countries, backgrounds to find out about their life experiences. Finding similarities between complete strangers and learning about vast differences in subcultures allows me to gain a broadened knowledge of the world. 
• I feel knowledge is the pinnacle of everything around us and it is something I strive towards increasing on a daily bases. I am genuinely satisfied I have expanded my knowledge on a particular subject and can see how it can be successfully implemented into everyday life.