Since I am now in my final year of my Bachelor of Design, I thought it would be wise to reflect and look back on what has been a crazy 5 and a half years (YES, damn it's been a while). A lot of you might not know that I did a year of Fine Arts when I first started University at College of Fine Arts (COFA) in Sydney. I was majoring in Painting and Drawing, but also touched on Photography, Ceramics, Metal Work and Print Screening and Textiles. Having only had a little bit of experience in these areas, they were definitely difficult, especially in an environment where it felt like the students around me were at level 100 before I even began. Being intimidated definitely held me back and I slowly learnt the intense level of expected quality of work in the first 6 months. However, I can easily say now, being in my final semester ever of University, that my personal confidence in my designs and the pride I have for the work I create has increased by 100 fold.
People don't realise that being in design school is a time to EXPLORE, UNDERSTAND and SEARCH within yourself, with what you want to create and especially how (the methods, the techniques, the aesthetic, the specific materials and the audience you want). After a year, I transferred from Fine Arts and felt my true calling. I knew that in the Art world you would always have to be selfish, you have to have that type of drive that actually drives you crazy, and in a way, it is a rather lonely path. You are the director, the creator and the audience all wrapped in one. As I transferred to Design, I loved having a brief, a client that I could work with and communicate to, to essentially solve a visual problem. As much as it was hard to give up bit of that creative freedom in a way, it fulfilled the need of me wanting to HELP others. Graphic design is a wonderful practise, in which you still highly utilise your artistic abilities but look at a situation or concept with the idea that it has to be viable, attractive and engaging to your consumer.
If you are finding yourself struggling to maintain your motivation during study
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Studying a subject you love can AND will kill your creativity sometimes, because you're not 100% inspired or in the moment. For this very reason, I can't recommend highly enough that you always work on projects OUTSIDE of your university/ study. This is because the projects you get at Design/ Art/ Creative School will never 100% be the briefs you want to fulfil. This way you can start making a portfolio that your proud of. Not a single university project is in my actual graphic design portfolio.
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Start a creative online outlet to get feedback that doesn't actually come from a teacher for once. Sure, they have their advantages, but what I found is that current Art & Design teachers seem to lack the ability to understand current trends and aesthetics. Getting peer review is a great way to get feedback without the pressure of creating something perfect. It's all about that practise! So start up a blog, a Behance or Loop account or even Instagram! Utilise the technology around you.
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Consistency. People who are consistent in life will get the results they desire. If you go for a run everyday, you will soon become fitter than you were before. Start designing something small each and everyday, that may be something as small as a stamp or EP cover. Design a birthday card, a friend's Youtube banner, a band tshirt, whatever you want to do with your design abilities! Being consistent will GUARANTEE that your abilities progress and what you can design will then be boundless. For the first 2 years of university, I didn't do much with my time outside of class, except for extra life drawings classes. I relied entirely on the 6 hours a week that I attended and expected my skills to progress but, once I started putting in the extra work, I actually found it hard to stop. And thanks to that, I know have a portfolio I am proud of. Download my "Get Shit Done" To Do list >>> here <<< if you need that extra inspiration too!
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Create yourself an inspiring place to work in! As comfy as it is to sit in bed with your laptop, it isn't perfect for posture and nether your creativity. Hop on Pinterest to get inspired and create a clean desk space and surround yourself with the right tools. Check out my inspo for a great desk here!
Goodluck to you! & yes, studying is 100% worth it because it gives you that time to really discover yourself.
If you have further questions, feel free to shoot me an email at laurenvingilis@gmail.com.
L U N A H
x
If you are finding yourself struggling to maintain your motivation during study
Studying a subject you love can AND will kill your creativity sometimes, because you're not 100% inspired or in the moment. For this very reason, I can't recommend highly enough that you always work on projects OUTSIDE of your university/ study. This is because the projects you get at Design/ Art/ Creative School will never 100% be the briefs you want to fulfil. This way you can start making a portfolio that your proud of. Not a single university project is in my actual graphic design portfolio.
---
Start a creative online outlet to get feedback that doesn't actually come from a teacher for once. Sure, they have their advantages, but what I found is that current Art & Design teachers seem to lack the ability to understand current trends and aesthetics. Getting peer review is a great way to get feedback without the pressure of creating something perfect. It's all about that practise! So start up a blog, a Behance or Loop account or even Instagram! Utilise the technology around you.
---
Consistency. People who are consistent in life will get the results they desire. If you go for a run everyday, you will soon become fitter than you were before. Start designing something small each and everyday, that may be something as small as a stamp or EP cover. Design a birthday card, a friend's Youtube banner, a band tshirt, whatever you want to do with your design abilities! Being consistent will GUARANTEE that your abilities progress and what you can design will then be boundless. For the first 2 years of university, I didn't do much with my time outside of class, except for extra life drawings classes. I relied entirely on the 6 hours a week that I attended and expected my skills to progress but, once I started putting in the extra work, I actually found it hard to stop. And thanks to that, I know have a portfolio I am proud of. Download my "Get Shit Done" To Do list >>> here <<< if you need that extra inspiration too!
Create yourself an inspiring place to work in! As comfy as it is to sit in bed with your laptop, it isn't perfect for posture and nether your creativity. Hop on Pinterest to get inspired and create a clean desk space and surround yourself with the right tools. Check out my inspo for a great desk here!
Goodluck to you! & yes, studying is 100% worth it because it gives you that time to really discover yourself.
If you have further questions, feel free to shoot me an email at laurenvingilis@gmail.com.
L U N A H
x
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