I have previously attained a GCSE in media studies; therefore I
was already fairly competent in using programs such as Photoshop and Final Cut,
although I had no previous experience of using GarageBand. My Photoshop skills
especially have improved dramatically through my level 3 work, and are of a
much higher quality than throughout my GCSE work. For example, I created a
music video treatment in the second year of my GCSE; however the music video
treatment that I have created for this unit of my level 3 course is extremely
better and much more detailed as I have learnt many new skills and techniques.
I am now confident that I can work independently on Photoshop, including trying
out different tools and experimenting with different effects, although I will
still ask for help if I am unsure or if I don’t know how to do something. This
is evident through the magazine cover that I have created, as I had previously
made on in GCSE so I found it quite easy to make and completed this task rather
quickly. I think that my magazine cover is suitable for its audience as it
isn’t crowded with cover lines or splashes that would distract the audience. I
struggled with the use of GarageBand when producing the sound FX as I had no
previous experience of using this program. I found it quite confusing and
difficult but I asked for help with this. I used Final Cut to create my movie
trailer, which I found fun and exciting, although quite difficult at first. I
found this task fun and more creative as we got to film all the clips and then
edit them and add special effects in Final Cut.
I found it interesting and educational to look at other peoples
work as we were all experimenting with different things and learning new skills
from each other, therefore improving our own skills and our work. I also found
it useful when people gave feedback about my work, saying the things they did
and didn’t like about it, which gave me ideas and tips on how to improve it. Helping other people allowed me to
practice my skills. I enjoy making the influence sheets to inspire me with my
work, and the presentation is more creative than just printing off the images
or uploading them straight to my blog.
Our music video treatments had to be presented by ourselves to the
rest of the class, in order to gain positive and negative feedback. In turn we
stood next to the projector screen and read out our treatments with our chosen
song playing in the background. I received positive and negative feedback from
the group which I was open to and took on board. My presentation overall went
well, and I spoke clearly to the audience, also answering any questions that
they asked.
I always follow instructions that are given to me, either in
person or via the course blog; therefore I think I work well under direction.
If there is something that I don’t understand I will try and work it out for
myself before asking for help, and will then ask another member of the class
before asking our teacher as this gives them a chance to practice their skills
as well. Whilst we were working in a group to plan and record our movie
trailers, we alternated roles frequently so that everyone had a chance to be in
front and behind the camera.
I am naturally quite a
creative person; therefore I am often coming up with multiple ideas for my work
and combining them, or having to choose just one to work with. I work
accurately to the task given and always try my best to meet all deadlines which
is usually possible, although there have been occasions where I have asked for
a couple of days extra to complete my work due to illness or appointment. This
brings me to mention that I use the equipment that the college provides, such
as the Mac’s. This is because I am familiar with using them throughout my GCSE
and I also know the controls and the shortcuts. This sometimes puts a strain
onto meeting my deadlines, as I do not have a Mac at home so the majority of my
work must be done in college, although I try to go into the media department
and work on the Mac’s in my study periods. Having a deadline to meet with group
work is more challenging as you have to rely on others to input and produce
work and it can be frustrating if they are falling behind or not putting a fair
amount of effort into the work.
I could improve my skills by spending more time experimenting with
different programs, or practicing my current skills on the programs which I use
the most for my work, such as Photoshop. If I were to try improving my skills
on the programs that I am not as confident with, these would be GarageBand and
Final Cut. I would also like to gain some knowledge and experience working with
Illustrator. I could also attend some educational courses, or find a
summer work experience placement at a media or graphic design company.
