JOURNAL
Week 1 (15/1/2020)
This is the first day of professional experience class. Lecturer asked us a few questions that really
made us think about our future pathway. She asked :
made us think about our future pathway. She asked :
1. Do we have some experience in any freelance job before?
2. Which company have we done our internship there?
3. How was our feeling and experience during our internship?
4. What is our future plan after we graduate?
It’s actually some really common questions where people will ask us too but it really makes me think
of it deeper. Do I want to be a basic designer worker first? Or enter agencies for a few years
experience? After that open a design firm? All of these lead to where we want to go after our studies.
How far we wanted to go?
of it deeper. Do I want to be a basic designer worker first? Or enter agencies for a few years
experience? After that open a design firm? All of these lead to where we want to go after our studies.
How far we wanted to go?
Also, we’ve given a short brief about our subject module & assignments. We have some discussions
on what skills we have? (in soft skills & hard skills) We have a self understanding test given by the
lecturer too. I had an answer in my heart when the lecturer asked us what our plan was for the future.
Some of the students want to be workers, but I felt that to be a worker is a must. I wanted to be an
employer after being a worker, set up a company to produce great design & do business in the
meantime. I think everyone has their own pathway & dreams, it depends on how you want your life to
be? So there’s no right or wrong, as long as it’s your way to make money, to make your dream life
come true.
on what skills we have? (in soft skills & hard skills) We have a self understanding test given by the
lecturer too. I had an answer in my heart when the lecturer asked us what our plan was for the future.
Some of the students want to be workers, but I felt that to be a worker is a must. I wanted to be an
employer after being a worker, set up a company to produce great design & do business in the
meantime. I think everyone has their own pathway & dreams, it depends on how you want your life to
be? So there’s no right or wrong, as long as it’s your way to make money, to make your dream life
come true.
In conclusion, I’ve learned that there are different employment modes including in-house design,
agencies, business start up and freelance. These employment modes depend on our interest and
the future pathway where we want to go. According to the World Bank, it is estimated around 26% of
the Malaysian employees are freelancers and it is still increasing now. (EntrepreneurInsight, 2020). In
Malaysia, graduates or designers nowadays are going to the freelancing trend, there are more
companies prosecuting the remote work system. (EntrepreneurInsight, 2020). Instead of being tied to
working at an office facing the computer and a desk, workers are taking their laptops home or
designing on the fly from a coffee shop or any places that makes them comfortable. (Williams, 2019).
It is still enclosed to the company's guidelines, but just that you may complete work from your
comfortable home or save some daily costs. Whereas agencies in Malaysia nowadays are getting
less attention in the society due to their working mode and the monotonous of ideas.(Williams, 2019).
Therefore, thinking deeper into it, I felt the trends are also changing the working mode and the
designers in the society. However, different employment modes have their pros and cons too.
(Turnbull, 2011). It’s upon your choices whether which is suitable for you and which kind of
employment mode can make you more productive.
Department that I would be interested in is in the idea concept field, as in branding, campaign, or
departments that need creative ideas. Being a creative director or art director before starting my own
company is one of my goals. It seems so far but I would try my best to achieve this goal. Sometimes
I will ask myself, what actually I’m doing everything so hard for? What’s the point? These questions
took me years to find it out, even now I don’t really have an exact answer. However, the reason why I
wish to be in the concept idea field as an creative director or art director is that I hope to help sort
through the creative chaos to find those ideas with the most promise. Also, to help figure out how the
work will live in the world, that is, how real people will experience the campaign. (John Kovacevich,
2015). In the meantime, sort out a creative idea or execution, being out of the box. These are what
we should expect from a creative director. (John Kovacevich, 2015)
References
John Kovacevich, 2015. 12 Things You Should Expect From A Creative Director. [online] Medium. Available at:
<https://medium.com/@JohnKovacevich/12-things-you-should-expect-from-a-creative-director-e82711528b1f>
[Accessed 20 April 2020].
Turnbull, C., 2011. Freelance Gigs Vs. Studio Jobs: Which One Works Best For You?. [online] Web Design
Envato Tuts+. Available at: <https://webdesign.tutsplus.com/articles/freelance-gigs-vs-studio-jobs-which-one-
works-best-for-you--webdesign-3021> [Accessed 13 May 2020].
Williams, E., 2019. Trends Of 2019: How We Work. [online] Creative Review. Available at:
<https://www.creativereview.co.uk/trends-of-2019-how-we-work/> [Accessed 12 May 2020].
EntrepreneurInsight, 2020. Gig Economy A New Job Trend In Malaysia?. [online] EntrepreneurInsight.
Available at: <http://entrepreneurinsight.com.my/gig-economy-a-new-job-trend-in-malaysia/> [Accessed 12
May 2020].
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Activity 1: click here
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Week 2 (22/1/2020)
On this day, we were introduced to IKII luggage as our work replacement’s company. After the
lecture, the lecturer and I had a discussion on previous self-branding & portfolio. She gave me some
comments and suggestions on my portfolio website in the future. We also discussed the personal
brand self-assessment study and more about inside ourselves & outside ourselves.
It is to sort out our self-branding that reflects ourselves as a designer because what makes us a designer is our personalities, our strength, weakness and the way we express our emotions, feelings
to become an idea. For instance, I’m heartbroken when I see the sea is full of plastics that affect the
animals. Therefore, what I feel becomes a motivation to make me create and design a campaign or
any stuff to make a change in this society using designer’s power. Meanwhile, this is important
because design is something persuasive and reaches large audiences. The message that spreading
through works would positively affect society. (Sarah Pajouh, 2019). In Paul Nini’s article, he
mentioned “a designer’s most significant contribution to society would be to make sure that the
communications created are indeed useful to those for whom they’re intended.” (Paul Nini, 2004).
Hence, our personalities and the way we express our emotions through our creation is important, in
which there are three key points to spreading a socially responsible message. They are, make sure
the message we want to show is accessible, relatable, and aligned with our values or emotions.
(Sarah Pajouh, 2019). This is what makes us a good designer, not just about designing but the messages and emotions from our works could actually affect society.
Being a designer is not just designing things. I think the beauty of designers is that we can actually go
through everything in the world. We can learn things from different projects and see things from other
aspects. We might not know the possibilities of our imagination that urge a creative and new
execution. Therefore, there are few points I’ve learned in the class that it is important for us as a
designer. It is:
through everything in the world. We can learn things from different projects and see things from other
aspects. We might not know the possibilities of our imagination that urge a creative and new
execution. Therefore, there are few points I’ve learned in the class that it is important for us as a
designer. It is:
1. Observation
Observation usually in the context of experience research. It’s watching someone undertake a
process, task or activity, the behavior or the response to some issue, or the interaction with a product
or service. (Luella Paine, 2019). It actually helps the designers to pay close attention to detail and has a
specific goal or outcome in mind where this is usually how an idea came out.
process, task or activity, the behavior or the response to some issue, or the interaction with a product
or service. (Luella Paine, 2019). It actually helps the designers to pay close attention to detail and has a
specific goal or outcome in mind where this is usually how an idea came out.
2. Research & interest on a topic
A context allows designers to shape their ideas by considering what people desire and use, and
somewhere to focus all their creative energy. (Freach, 2011). And research provides ideas. Therefore,
research is important because it is not just research on human behavior, but systems behavior: social,
technical, environmental, political, and economic systems. All of these will provide designer ideas.
Besides, it provides the designers with an understanding and analyzing culture where different
countries have different cultures, so it’s important to research before designing for another culture.
somewhere to focus all their creative energy. (Freach, 2011). And research provides ideas. Therefore,
research is important because it is not just research on human behavior, but systems behavior: social,
technical, environmental, political, and economic systems. All of these will provide designer ideas.
Besides, it provides the designers with an understanding and analyzing culture where different
countries have different cultures, so it’s important to research before designing for another culture.
3. Communication skills
Communication skills for designers as in how we present or sell this idea to the client. It is to prevent
the works from being underestimated and wasted. Behind the artworks, the expressing of thoughts
and process becomes a vital component for designers.
the works from being underestimated and wasted. Behind the artworks, the expressing of thoughts
and process becomes a vital component for designers.
Other than that, I’ve also learned the pros and cons of different employment modes. I’ve been an
intern in a small scale design house, where the relationship between designers and director are good.
Instead, working in the agencies where sometimes there might be politics and the relationship are not
as good as we thought, I prefer working at a smaller scale design house. However, each mode of
employment has its pros and cons. Below is the summary of the pros and cons of each employment
mode that I’ve learned:
intern in a small scale design house, where the relationship between designers and director are good.
Instead, working in the agencies where sometimes there might be politics and the relationship are not
as good as we thought, I prefer working at a smaller scale design house. However, each mode of
employment has its pros and cons. Below is the summary of the pros and cons of each employment
mode that I’ve learned:
(Rubens Cantuni, 2020)
I’ve been a design freelancer too, even now still getting some freelance jobs. To be honest, I love the
working mode of freelancers, where you can choose to take the project or not upon my interest. Again,
it also depends on different people, some may like to work in agencies but some don’t. It depends on
which working mode is best suited for you.
As a conclusion, being a designer has few points to pay attention to, which is observation,
communication skills and research. Also, it’s good to have discussions about inside & outside
ourselves. I enjoyed the process when the classmates and I were discussing our inner and outer side.
Sometimes, what we didn’t notice is what the others noticed. There’s no right or wrong in our
personality, everything has a reason or purpose for their existence and there’s a balance in this world
to make it work. Just like there are sunny days, so there are rainy days too. Nothing is perfect,
imperfect makes it perfect. So what matters is the personality of the people that you are comfortable
with.
References
communication skills and research. Also, it’s good to have discussions about inside & outside
ourselves. I enjoyed the process when the classmates and I were discussing our inner and outer side.
Sometimes, what we didn’t notice is what the others noticed. There’s no right or wrong in our
personality, everything has a reason or purpose for their existence and there’s a balance in this world
to make it work. Just like there are sunny days, so there are rainy days too. Nothing is perfect,
imperfect makes it perfect. So what matters is the personality of the people that you are comfortable
with.
References
Luella Paine, 2019. Design Research: The (Not So) Secret Art Of Observation - U1: Experience Research
Consultancy. [online] U1: Experience Research Consultancy. Available at: <https://www.u1group.com/design-
research-the-not-so-secret-art-of-observation/> [Accessed 20 April 2020].
Consultancy. [online] U1: Experience Research Consultancy. Available at: <https://www.u1group.com/design-
research-the-not-so-secret-art-of-observation/> [Accessed 20 April 2020].
Freach, J., 2011. The Art Of Design Research (And Why It Matters). [online] The Atlantic.
Available at: <https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/05/the-art-of-design-research-and-why-it-
matters/239561/> [Accessed 20 April 2020].
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Available at: <https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/05/the-art-of-design-research-and-why-it-
matters/239561/> [Accessed 20 April 2020].
Rubens Cantuni, 2020. Should I Be A Designer In Agencies, Startups, Big Companies, Or Freelance?. [online]
Medium. Available at: <https://uxdesign.cc/designer-in-agency-startup-big-company-or-freelance-
8df1f2c8e5d9> [Accessed 13 May 2020].
Sarah Pajouh, 2019. The Role Of Social Responsibility In Graphic Design. [online] Medium. Available at:
<https://medium.com/@info_88059/the-role-of-social-responsibility-in-graphic-design-4b953a327b4e>
[Accessed 13 May 2020].
Paul Nini, 2004. In Search Of Ethics In Graphic Design. [online] AIGA | the professional association for design.
Available at: <https://www.aiga.org/in-search-of-ethics-in-graphic-design> [Accessed 13 May 2020].
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Activity 2: click here
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Week 3 (29/1/2020)
Before the lecture, we were asked a few questions :
1. Do we experience any challenges during our presentations?
2. How is our presentation flow usually?
I feel the answers all inside my heart. Thinking that the biggest problem I had during the presentation
is nervousness & grammar. Today’s class was about presentation skills. Lecturer shared her
experience with us that she will have some small hand movements during the presentation & this is
normal. It can release our nervousness.
is nervousness & grammar. Today’s class was about presentation skills. Lecturer shared her
experience with us that she will have some small hand movements during the presentation & this is
normal. It can release our nervousness.
I’ve learned 2 main things today which are the presentation skills and communication skills. Well,
presentation skills are actually different from communication skills. Presentation is what you say or
show. Communication is how you say it. (Jeffrey Gitomer, 2016). The best way to identify the
difference is thinking about our lecturers or tutors in school, if you still remember him or her and what
they talk about, you can’t wait to get to their class, hung on their words. They were great
communicators. (Jeffrey Gitomer, 2016). In the business industry, great communication skills are one
of the lost secrets of success. (Jeffrey Gitomer, 2016). We can’t avoid presentations in our life as we
need to face clients and our managers. Therefore, what we can do is learn the presentation skills
and communication skills to make us better. There are a few points we need to pay attention to in
the presentation which is preparation planning, relevant contents and appropriate visuals. (Insider
and Inc., 2014). It is significant that good preparation and relevant content was done before a
presentation to avoid misunderstood or doubt in the content of the presentation. As humans will feel
bored with only words, it is necessary to input some visuals such as images or videos to excite the
audience. As in communication skills, of course, it is better to have fluent speaking. Also, interaction
with the audience is a communication skill too, letting the audience to remember you.
presentation skills are actually different from communication skills. Presentation is what you say or
show. Communication is how you say it. (Jeffrey Gitomer, 2016). The best way to identify the
difference is thinking about our lecturers or tutors in school, if you still remember him or her and what
they talk about, you can’t wait to get to their class, hung on their words. They were great
communicators. (Jeffrey Gitomer, 2016). In the business industry, great communication skills are one
of the lost secrets of success. (Jeffrey Gitomer, 2016). We can’t avoid presentations in our life as we
need to face clients and our managers. Therefore, what we can do is learn the presentation skills
and communication skills to make us better. There are a few points we need to pay attention to in
the presentation which is preparation planning, relevant contents and appropriate visuals. (Insider
and Inc., 2014). It is significant that good preparation and relevant content was done before a
presentation to avoid misunderstood or doubt in the content of the presentation. As humans will feel
bored with only words, it is necessary to input some visuals such as images or videos to excite the
audience. As in communication skills, of course, it is better to have fluent speaking. Also, interaction
with the audience is a communication skill too, letting the audience to remember you.
During the lecture, I had a big empathy with the lecturer. I told myself I must cope with the problems
that I faced during the presentation. Therefore, after the lecture about presentation skills, flow, and
how to make it interesting, we are required to think of a topic for our next week presentation exercise
to test our presentation skills and help us in improving our presentation. Meanwhile, in the class, we
also discussed many interesting topics about scientific and astrology, paranormal stuff after the lecture
to give a rough idea on what topics we can choose for next week's presentation exercise.
that I faced during the presentation. Therefore, after the lecture about presentation skills, flow, and
how to make it interesting, we are required to think of a topic for our next week presentation exercise
to test our presentation skills and help us in improving our presentation. Meanwhile, in the class, we
also discussed many interesting topics about scientific and astrology, paranormal stuff after the lecture
to give a rough idea on what topics we can choose for next week's presentation exercise.
The presentation topic I’ve chosen is:
Does MIB really exist?
References
Insider, B. and Inc., P., 2014. 7 Excellent Ways To Start A Presentation And Capture Your Audience’S
Attention. [online] Financial Post. Available at: <https://business.financialpost.com/business-insider/7-
excellent-ways-to-start-a-presentation-and-capture-your-audiences-attention> [Accessed 13 May 2020].
Http://Www.Elavatesales.Com/Partners. [online] http://www.elavatesales.com/partners. Available at:
<http://elavatesales.com/partners/the-difference-between-presentation-and-communication/> [Accessed 13
May 2020].
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Activity 3: click here
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Week 4 (5/2/2020)
In today's class, we have a presentation on a topic we chose. Before we entered our presentation,
IKII luggage's founder, Jacky, came and had a short meeting with us, requesting each of us about our
portfolio & giving some rationale explanation to him. We are required to enter his company for 10
days work replacement from next week onwards. Therefore, he gave a short briefing about his
company and wants us to think about which part of his company needs to be improved.
IKII luggage's founder, Jacky, came and had a short meeting with us, requesting each of us about our
portfolio & giving some rationale explanation to him. We are required to enter his company for 10
days work replacement from next week onwards. Therefore, he gave a short briefing about his
company and wants us to think about which part of his company needs to be improved.
After that, we have our presentation session on the topic we have chosen. The lecturer gave me some
comments on my slides. She is looking forward to a more interesting opening of the presentation.
Besides, It’s better to insert more visuals into my presentation slides such as relevant images and
videos.
comments on my slides. She is looking forward to a more interesting opening of the presentation.
Besides, It’s better to insert more visuals into my presentation slides such as relevant images and
videos.
I realized the mistakes I’ve made is that I’m nervous when giving presentations. Also, there are not
many visuals in the presentation slides. This is the biggest issue that I’ve need to improve.
many visuals in the presentation slides. This is the biggest issue that I’ve need to improve.
On the same day, I’ve researched IKII’s Instagram site and its branding. I realized there are a few
issues that I feel not interesting and can be improved:
issues that I feel not interesting and can be improved:
1. The feed planning of IKII’s social media
When I first entered their social media site, it got me confused and my eyelids felt tired. It is
because the feed is too colourful where it makes me confused where I should see first.
Instead, I think they should plan the feed nicely to avoid those issues. It’s good that they
have a mindset to not hardsell their products on social media sites. However, I think what
they missed out is the planning of the feed. It can remain the same, using travel photos for
their feeds, but should have a planning on which photo to put where is better.
2. The branding of IKII’s
They mentioned to us that they hope their brand is towards the “artsy” and “Rimowa” feel, which is
more artistic instead of a brand that sells luggage only. However, When we suggested the branding
idea of artsy too and pointed out the issue, they refused to accept. Instead, they claimed that they
don’t want their feed to become “hardsell” so they put a lots of colourful travelling pictures, where I
felt these 2 thing is different.
more artistic instead of a brand that sells luggage only. However, When we suggested the branding
idea of artsy too and pointed out the issue, they refused to accept. Instead, they claimed that they
don’t want their feed to become “hardsell” so they put a lots of colourful travelling pictures, where I
felt these 2 thing is different.
3. The photographs/pictures
The photographs or pictures are too colourful where they have no planning. Instead, I think they
should plan to take some photographs that are not too colourful to balance the whole social media
feed.
should plan to take some photographs that are not too colourful to balance the whole social media
feed.
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Activity 4: click here
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Week 5 (12/2/2020)
Today’s topic is about the pros and cons of working freelance. The most common and direct questions we would asked ourselves is :
1. How do we charge our clients?
2. Do we have a contract with clients?
Before entering contract knowledge, I’ve learned the pros and cons of freelancing. Freelancing is a
career nowadays. (WIRED, 2018). However, it may also depend on if we are suited for freelancing. To
make it clearer, we need to ask ourselves whether freelancing or owning a studio? Both are different
whereas freelancing is work from home, but having a studio needs to find the people who share the
same ideological viewpoint as partners.
Assume that freelancing urges us to handle the design administration ourselves, where it actually
helps us in learning the process. Besides, if freedom is what you need in the design field, freelancing
is suitable for you where you can make decisions on your own. (LAUREEN MILES BRUNELLI, 2019).
However, there are drawbacks for freelancing too, as in finding clients will be the battle. It will be an
insecure job. (LAUREEN MILES BRUNELLI, 2019). I think what’s best suited me is having a stable
design job, meanwhile getting freelance jobs from clients outside. This is what I thought of to ensure
I have a secure income.
(Alscher, 2019). I figured out that I lack this knowledge ----- contract knowledge. There was some time
that I’m not stand strong enough to reject some of the client’s requests which made me feel
offended. Hence, It’s useful for me to know how to make a good contract to protect myself. In this
class, I’ve learned that a good contract should include the terms and conditions written clearly. Also,
the details of all services requested and the details of clients. (Format Team, 2019). The most
important is also the deposits before starting the design. It is to ensure we don’t do free designs for
the clients and avoid them to run away. (Format Team, 2019).
I’ve always learned things or get experience from freelancing. I’ve encountered clients that do not
know what they want and keep changing ideas. Therefore, I solve this problem by creating a
questionnaire form for them to fill up. It is to guide through what they want and easier for me in
working on the design. Again, it’s all upon our choices if we would take the risks to have an insecure
job when we choose to be a freelancer. I believe there’s always a solution to make that job is what
we wanted, the only thing is that how we think out of the box, having our own way to stand in the
design field.
References
WIRED, T., 2018. Technology Opens The World Of Online Freelancing. [online] WIRED. Available at:
<https://www.wired.com/insights/2013/04/technology-opens-the-world-of-online-freelancing/> [Accessed 13
May 2020].
LAUREEN MILES BRUNELLI, 2019. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Freelancing?. [online] The Balance
Careers. Available at: <https://www.thebalancecareers.com/should-you-work-for-yourself-4035267> [Accessed
13 May 2020].
Alscher, D., 2019. The Guide To A Foolproof Graphic Design Contract. [online] Learn.g2.com. Available at:
<https://learn.g2.com/graphic-design-contract> [Accessed 13 May 2020].
Format Team, 2019. How To Put Together A Freelance Graphic Design Contract. [online] Format.com.
Available at: <https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/design/graphic-design-contract> [Accessed 13 May
2020].
Work Replacement 1 : click here
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Week 6 (19/2/2020)
In this day’s class, we have discussion on our journal and self-branding ideas. We discussed how to
write our journal or reflective writings. We were given some tips and points on how to write a critical
journal. They are:
1. What led us to the idea or the thinking
2. The source of knowledge on how we get this information
3. Our reflections, as in our point of view, what we feel and or our opinions and ways of thinkings
4. Lastly, the date of this journal/diary
Since the first day of class started, I’ve been struggling a lot in writing critical journals. I’m lost in
writing the journals. However, it is a great learning within the writing process. It makes me learn lots
of new skills and knowledge where I found this is totally new for me. Therefore, I felt this is a good
learning process. Now, I’ve a clearer mind on how to write a journal and slowly get used to it.
As for the self-branding ideas, the lecturer commented that my ideas for self-branding can work but
need to improve on the rationale and how it relates to me as a designer. The ideas and progress
were all stated in the assignment journal.
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Self-branding assignment journal : click here
Work Replacement 2 : click here
Week 7 (26/2/2020)
In this week’s classes, we are working on our work replacement task, which is having video shooting for our client, IKII. During the shooting process, we’ve faced obstacles and learned things from it.
What I learned from it is the time management and the schedule planning where I felt it is important for a project. It is to keep projects on track, set realistic time frames, assign resources appropriately and manage the outcome quality to decrease errors during the projects. I’ve noticed and learned that the schedule planning helps to reduce project failure rates. Also, to reduce potential risks. Lesson learned, we’ve made some mistakes during the shooting of the video, and we improved it by correcting the mistakes.
The process was all noted down in the work replacement journal.
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Work Replacement 3 : click here
Work Replacement 4 : click here
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Week 8 (4/3/2020)
We have discussion and tutorials with the lecturer for our self-branding assignment ideas finalisation. After the previous discussion on my self-branding assignment, I’ve learned to input stronger concepts and make the concept become more related to what makes me a designer. Therefore, I’ve prepared the corrected concepts and ideas for the lecturer to overview in today’s class. It was managed well that I can continue with my ideas and have further development. The only thing I have to pay attention to is the way I presented to the audience, how I was supposed to let the audience get the message straight from the first sight and understanding.
On the same day, we continue with our work replacement project, which is the video shooting for our client, IKII. It was a challenging day of shooting where the shooting venue is indoors and we have not much experience in indoor video shooting. We’ve learned skills again during the shooting. And, my teammates and I managed well to finish the shooting and move on to the next step. However, there is still areas that we need to improve from the video shooting skill. The progress was all noted down in the work replacement journals.
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Work Replacement 6 : click here
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Week 9 (11/3/2020)
In today’s class, I’ve learned about the professional skills that being a designer should have. The
skills including:
1. Communication skills (BRONWEN REES, 2017)
First of all, we need to know our clients, understand them too. It is important because when we are
facing the clients we need to avoid design jargons, as in designers word phrases. They will not
understand the word phrases that designers used, same goes to we will not understand so much
into their business type word phrases. Therefore, in the meantime we avoid design jargons, we need
to read the diverse subject matters and trying to analyse situations from different aspects.
2. Presentation skills (Fabricio Teixeira, 2017)
During the presentation, we are not only to present our objectives clearly but to begin and continue a
dialogue with clients. It’s like “selling” the ideas and pursuing them tactfully, let the visual speak
themselves. Meanwhile, let the clients know about our structure of ideas. For instance, the first stage
will be identifying the problems then we will go into the solution etc. Also, listen to the client's
comments and thinkings.
3. Negotiation skills (Diego Mendes, 2013)
Sometimes, we will face clients that would request for more things and wanted to add more stuff to
do. Thus, in this situation, we need to protect ourselves by negotiating with them if we think that it
might not make it within the timeline. Of course, when we are negotiating to request for extending
the deadline, we must communicate in a manner way to avoid any offence with the client.
4. Networking skills (ALISON DOYLE, 2019)
Networking always important when dealing with people. It is because networking could help us
someday. For example, if there is any obstacles or issue faced during the process, we should
communicate with the client in a manner way to ensure the relationship between each other would
not be affected.
5. Problem-solving skills (Interaction design foundation, 2017)
When both clients and designers meet an issue, it is necessary to find the balance between each
other to solve the problem but not only benefits aside.
I’ve met some clients with some issues stated above, that is why I felt this class is very important to
designers as sometimes fresh designers will neglect the communication between clients and
designers. In my thoughts, I think even though how excellent the idea is, but if there’s
miscommunication between each other, all the hard works will be wasted. It is the networking and
communication skills that matter because humans are living things that need communication.
References
BRONWEN REES, 2017. Effective Communication Strategies For Designers. [online] Toptal Design Blog.
Available at: <https://www.toptal.com/designers/product-design/effective-design-communication-strategies>
[Accessed 13 May 2020].
Fabricio Teixeira, 2017. The Relationship Between Design Deliverables And Presentation Skills. [online]
Medium. Available at: <https://uxdesign.cc/the-relationship-between-design-deliverables-and-presentation-
skills-56c713694446> [Accessed 13 May 2020].
Diego Mendes, 2013. Negotiation Is A Must Have Design Skill. [online] Medium. Available at:
<https://medium.com/@DiegoMendes/negotiation-is-a-must-have-design-skill-3be80a3d575b> [Accessed 13
May 2020].
ALISON DOYLE, 2019. Use These Skill Words When Applying For A Graphic Design Job. [online] The
Balance Careers. Available at: <https://www.thebalancecareers.com/graphic-design-skills-list-2062400>
[Accessed 13 May 2020].
Interaction design foundation, 2017. Design Thinking, Essential Problem Solving 101- It’S More Than
Scientific. [online] The Interaction Design Foundation. Available at: <https://www.interaction-
design.org/literature/article/design-thinking-essential-problem-solving-101-it-s-more-than-scientific> [Accessed
13 May 2020].
Activity 6 : click here
Work Replacement 7 : click here
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Week 10 (18/3/2020)
Due to COVID-19, we were all staying at home for class. Today’s class were doing work
replacement task. We update lecturer with our progression on the work replacement with IKII.
This is the very first time I’ve felt it is a very serious situation that the whole world is fighting with the
virus. It actually makes us experience what we usually didn’t pay attention to such as humanity, the
preparation for urgent cases, the scenes we usually didn't really realize and many more. I think in
this situation, we must all work together and give cooperation to fight this disease, instead of just
panicking and criticizing. Deep in heart, thanks to all the front liners and citizens that give
cooperation, including all the people who risk their lives to stand on their position.
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Work Replacement 8 : click here
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Week 11 (25/3/2020)
Due to COVID-19, we were all staying at home for online classes. Today’s class discussed job interview and the tips for a job interview. Before entering the discussion, we were asked a few questions to test our professional level in a job interview. The questions are:
Questions:
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
2. Why do you apply for this position?
3. What is your greatest accomplishment thus far?
4. How do you deal with criticism?
5. What did you like most about being a designer?
6. What do you anticipate to be negative about working with us?
7. You are currently stuck or unsure of the work. What would you do?
8. You received 2 different sets of instructions from the AD and AE. What would you do?
ANswers:
1. Hi, I’m Chrystal, a junior graphic designer. I have my advanced diploma in visual
communication and a bachelor degree in digital media.
2. I’ve seen through your projects and works at the website, it’s interesting and suits what I
desire for. I heard that you are looking for designers so I would like to make a try on applying for
this job
3. My greatest accomplishment is to get invited to Korea and Taiwan for the awards ceremony.
Also, the moments that I’m being informed I won a prize incompetition. Of course, the bigest
accomplishment is the advancement throughout the years of studies.
4. I would accept all the criticism as an advice. However, if it offended me or have some
misunderstood inside, I will stand against myself to defend myself and give a good
explanation.
5. Well, the most thing I like being designer is the way we look into things, issues and creates
ideas or solution. It could let me learned a lot of stuff as in different perspective and
produce a good design.
6. Before I applied for this company, I’ve assumed there are things that will be going to worse.
However, I accept it and I’m willing to take this opportunity to learn things from it too.
7. I will ask the Creative Director to have some suggestions and see whether my idea was
to work.
8. I will be the one who passed on the message, also make a conclusion or analyze the intsruction,
avoiding misunderstanding.
avoiding misunderstanding.
Other than that, we were thought some things that need to be prepared before an inteview, which is:
1. CV
2. Portfolio (digital, hard copy)
3. Study certificates (advanced diploma and bachelor degree
4. SPM result
5. Dress well
It was quite exciting when discussing job interviews. I think it is very important that a student might don’t know how a real interview looks like. Therefore, I actually felt lucky because I get to have a mock interview with agencies before. It was a fun and nervous experience. However, it is a great opportunity to let the students have at least some basic knowledge of job interviews. I felt that be punctual also a manner to the employers. It’s an image of us. Thus we should not be late for job interviews too. Instead, we should reach earlier at the office 30 minutes earlier.
Meanwhile, I did some research and extra readings on the basic knowledge before getting into job
interviews. It is important to know these knowledge as we may face unpredictable issues when it
comes to interviews. Before we get into the interview, we need to understand the job we are applying
for and research about the company. (Robby Vanuxem, 2020). Prepare some good questions to ask
during the interview. It is best to think of unobvious but interesting questions that will set us apart
from other candidates. This is to exemplify that we’re prepared, keen and committed to the role and
the company. (Robby Vanuxem, 2020). It helps in our impression for the employers, as in they will
conclude that you're very interested in the job or the company. (Manpowergroup, 2020). Besides,
practicing the interview skills and having rehearsals brings extra benefits. While organizing our
thoughts on paper, rehearsals should be done verbally, alone, with a friend or career counselor.
(career education, 2020). Think about how we can demonstrate our skills and experiences in an
interview because this can give us more confidence on the day. Well, make sure the documents and
files are well prepared to use it while having interviews. (Robby Vanuxem, 2020). It is to show your
basic professionalism in the working field.
References
Robby Vanuxem, 2020. 14 Things To Do Before Your Job Interview. [online] Viewpoint - careers advice blog.
Available at: <https://social.hays.com/2016/12/22/14-things-to-do-before-your-job-interview-2/> [Accessed 13
May 2020].
Manpowergroup, 2020. Interview Questions | Job Interview - Experisjobs.Us. [online] Experisjobs.us. Available
at: <https://www.experisjobs.us/exp_us/en/career-advice/20-tips-job-interviews.htm> [Accessed 13 May 2020].
career education, 2020. Things To Do Before, During, And After Your Interview | Columbia CCE. [online]
Careereducation.columbia.edu. Available at: <https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/things-do-
during-and-after-your-interview> [Accessed 13 May 2020].
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Activity 7 : click here
Work Replacement 9 : click here
Work Replacement 10 : click here
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Week 12 (1/4/2020)
Today’s class is about our portfolio and the progression of our assignment. Before this class, I’ve
never thought some important points such as “copyrights” and “resume” need to apply in an online
portfolio website. Besides, it is important to decide our structure based on the target audience. For
instance, who will I wish them to go through my portfolio website? Which projects need to be seen first
by grabbing their attention at first sight. Therefore, I’ve learned that there are a few points I need to
pay attention to when creating our portfolio website.
never thought some important points such as “copyrights” and “resume” need to apply in an online
portfolio website. Besides, it is important to decide our structure based on the target audience. For
instance, who will I wish them to go through my portfolio website? Which projects need to be seen first
by grabbing their attention at first sight. Therefore, I’ve learned that there are a few points I need to
pay attention to when creating our portfolio website.
Things need to include (Capella University, 2018):
1. Introduction - A starter page that introduces my brand
2. About - A short description of me
3. Index - lists of projects need to put in portfolio website
4. Pages - individual images of each project
5. Resume - summary of my skills
6. Contact - A professional email or phone number that allow people to reach me
7. Copyright - A text that notifies the audience the works are legally protected
Some points are new to me where I’ve never thought it would be necessary to include in my portfolio
website. Lesson learned!
website. Lesson learned!
I have some thoughts and agree with this class. We as the designers, search for clients or
employers. However, before they hire us, they need to find us. Research shows 93% of job seekers
don’t have a personal website. (Smith, 2013). “It’s a no-brainer in this day and age,” said Steve
Attardo, a designer of Ninetynorth Designs. (Marianne Litman, 2016). Portfolio is one of the most
powerful lead conversion tools in your marketing armoury. (Talentbridge, 2017). It portrays a
compulsive picture of the work we have completed in the past. In fact, 63% of the decision to hire a
candidate for a creative job is usually influenced by the portfolio. (Marianne Litman, 2016). This will
lead to the new clients that can be looked forward to in the future. It distinguishes us from the
competition. When they see our projects match their criteria for what they want, that is already a lead
that we are qualified by the time they contact us. Thus, I think a strong portfolio is necessary when
we seek job opportunities or some interesting projects. Before we get known by the audience, we
must prepare ourselves with our “weapons”. It's the same as “to do a good job, one must first
sharpen one's tools”.
References
Capella University, 2018. Why A Portfolio Is Important For Your Career. [online] Capella University Blog.
Available at: <https://www.capella.edu/blogs/cublog/why-a-portfolio-is-important-for-your-career/> [Accessed
13 May 2020].
Talentbridge, 2017. 5 Reasons Why You Should Create A Portfolio For Job Hunting. [online] Talentbridge.
Available at: <https://talentbridge.com/blog/5-reasons-why-you-should-create-a-portfolio-for-job-hunting/>
[Accessed 13 May 2020].
Smith, J., 2013. Why Every Job Seeker Should Have A Personal Website, And What It Should Include. [online]
Forbes. Available at: <https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/04/26/why-every-job-seeker-should-
have-a-personal-website-and-what-it-should-include/#751cb08c119e> [Accessed 13 May 2020].
Marianne Litman, 2016. Design Portfolio: How To Attract Clients With Your Online Portfolio Website. [online]
Format.com. Available at: <https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/design/create-design-portfolio-that-
attracts-clients> [Accessed 13 May 2020].
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portfolio website assignment journal : click here
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