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[Y2: CTS B] Compulsory Question 2: Connections & Engagement

We had an activity about our strengths and weaknesses. Our desires in the future and how we would achieve that. I got to share it around with my classmates and got feedback from it in return. Let start by restating my artistic vision which is that I would love to open my very own studio. A studio where I am able to feely express my creative visons, deliver and bring my clients visions to life. Over the years, I've worked with clients from all walks of life, learning and growing as time went by.

I've made great connections and friends over the period of time that I was in LASALLE. In class, around my classmates who are always supportive and motivating me. I gained a lot from interacting and was able to expand my set of skills to a bigger horizon. Engaging as a designer to another gives me the opportunity to create a connection and learn a thing or two from them.

I have a lot of flaws and it has held me back at a certain extend over the years. Affected me in the way I handle myself creatively and socially. To hear from those in the industry telling me about their upbringing and stories has made me realize that I wasn't alone in all of this.

Social Engagement (Week 3):

Let's talk about social engagement! In week 3 as I previously wrote about in my other blog tackled the problems we faced in Singapore and that was inflation. We had to create a video in response to show how we could relay this message in a form of visual communication.

Visual Communication is a way to communicate and it speaks a lot of volume without needing to say a word.

The Weather Project by Olafur Eliasson. A mesmerizing installation at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in London. Closely resembling the sun, Olafur Eliasson constructed half a sphere which was placed against the reflective mirror ceiling to create a full sphere when turned on. Haze machines breathed fog towards the space which created a sense of atmosphere of being there, near the sun.

An excerpt from the article by NYU, Confluence, "when the viewer sees the reflection of themselves with the sun and mist in the glow of the hall, they are physically seeing their relationship and proximity to the sun, which invites them to reflect on the intimate power of the sun in their lives"

The viewers were documented to have laid on the floor among the others to look at themselves while doing gestures and faces with the strong sunset orange hue against them. Olafur Eliasson included his viewers in the shots of his presentation to highlight the different interpretations left from people.

To take the time to unwind and just reconnect the surroundings, a time to yourself to reflect about everything. It feels calm and warm to look at the pictures of the installation. In a way, CTS has a lot in common with how it has enabled me to slow down and critically asses my decisions and action with a more clear path.

(512 words)

Sources:

Olafur Eliasson’s The Weather Project by Coco Jiang

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[Y2: CTS B] Compulsory Question 1: Manifesto

To put into perspective, question everything. To challenge yourself and build upon those lingering doubts about your own abilities as a designer.

What makes me unique? It's what I would ask myself occasionally. Everyone has their own interpretation of a "perfect" designer and that's what I feel separates us as an individual.

(I was absent from class on this day) I chose this group as it speaks closer and hits home to me as a designer. In a nutshell, failure incites motivation. Adelyn stated, "Do or do not, there is no right or wrong" which directly speaks to me on a personal level. As a designer, mistakes are a crucial part to our growth as we learn from those experience, create, fail and try again to in all, become better versions of ourselves.

"I believe having meaning makes design a lot more important" as stated by Arushi. A purpose of a designer is to create and to create is expanding your vision. A meaning behind those visions and to bring it to life, why? I often ask myself, what's the point? Will my work make an everlasting impact on someone? I don't know for sure. For the audience, seeing is believing and having a purpose incites meaning which in all, meaning creates impact.

To add in, my manifesto would be, "Less is more and more is less"

Simplicity drives one to do more. A simple line art can be interpreted in many ways and allows me to fill the blanks. Linking to Kara's manifesto, "work smart, not hard" speaks a lot of volume and in ways its very connected to how I feel.

This group managed to lay down their inner thoughts which I'm sure is very relatable to designers out there. Failures, Meaning, Purpose, Rights and Wrongs, these terms are what holds us accountable of ourselves. How we perceive and navigate through these obstacles is entirely up to us.

CTS B was an eye opener since day 1. It taught me the importance of taking your time to evaluate the situation and approach it in a more organize form.

Group works were especially the most fun and engaging part of CTS. It gave me an opportunity to express myself and connect in a more deeply manner along with my classmates and the cohort as a whole. It challenged me to speak my mind out which is a given as I'm usually on the quiet side in class.

The skills presented and handed down to me has been very useful in other aspects of the course. Example being Studio, which requires commitment and perseverance to complete the task at hand. Not to say that this doesn't apply to the other modules as well, it certainly does.

To tackle each challenge with a different approach, commitment and expectation is what drives a creator on their feet, to give out to the world and and in the end, themselves.

(484 words)

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[Y2: CTS B] Week 3: This Is How You Connect Practice with Society

To connect socially as a designer can bring a lot of meaningful benefits to one self. Experience, knowledge or even connections can be earned just by putting yourself into the world. An example of this can be small article of Sep Verboom.

He is both a creator and social entrepreneur which works especially to his advantage as he is fond of collaborating with communities and immerse himself into different cultures which expands his skill set beyond in ways he could imagine.

He uses traditional materials and locations to showcase his skills. Interacting with the locals and telling their stores in ways that could resonate with the younger audience and those that are willing to learn about the ins and outs of traditional cultures.

Class Activity (Week 3):

There has been a rise in social issues building up in Singapore as of lately. Some has gotten out of hand and some just simply exist through the days. We were tasked to create a video on one of these social issues plaguing our country and we decided to tackle, Inflation as our main subject.

Inflation has been a rising problem occurring in Singapore as of lately with the rising cost of living and the ever increasing GST rise. GST has been a topic of discussion for awhile now and it's a big factor in a lot of hardships in people lives. Singapore as of lately has been trying to tackle this dilemma by providing GST Vouchers to Singaporeans but personally, I don't feel like it solves any of the over arching problem that is the cost of living for the years to come.

Video Activity starring James, Adelyn, Celest and Scot:

We tried to portray how a simple drink could increase in cost as days go by. It gets to an absurd point where it required either a mortgage or a literal organ. The back and forth POV of the customer and cashier shows their reaction towards the ever increasing price as one is clearly contend and the other not so.

We had a blast concepting and planning this video together and we were proud with how it turned out in the end. Using visuals to communicate in this manner was an especially interesting way to go about this situation. Putting it in a light a playful manner to keep up with the trend nowadays with social media while also addressing the main issue of our society as a whole.

(396 words)

Sources:

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[Y2: CTS B] Week 2: This Is How You Connect Theory and Practice

Self Identity is an expression of one self, to fully describe yourself as an individual and to stand out or separate against the masses. We've learnt the ways a designer can project their identity towards their works which in many ways can be told in multitude of ways.

A great example can be from illustrator, Duckie on Behance. Duckie is a Vietnamese illustrator based in Australia whose artwork bridges the traditional and the contemporary.

The way Duckie expresses themselves with it's unique color scheme and minimalist design makes it timeless. The cute illustrations accompanied with the clean showcase. It shows the thought process between choice of fonts up to the product mockups shown. The blue and orange contrast each other so well which compliments each other so perfectly without hurting ones eyes.

In a way, you could tell immediately that Duckie has cemented himself as someone who is very meticulous with his work and design. Clean and elegant throughout his works showcased in his profile.

Class Activity (Week 2):

We were tasked to add 5 images and 5 keywords that best describe ourselves as a designer in a slide.

Creative, sleepy, games, motivated and introverted are the words that best explains my personality as a person. These simple yet powerful descriptions are the best ways I can properly describe myself as a whole.

Later, we were tasked to create an individual portrait ourselves which turned into a group project instead. We took turns to add an illustrations which best describes us which in the end tuned into a whole portrait.

The different elements coinciding and adding up towards the final illustration that best describes ourselves. It got out of hand so quickly which was hilarious but it ended up as a great icebreaker for everyone.

You could see how each person has a certain flair and style to them. a mixed of different art styles clashing with one another was an eye opener but we still managed to put up something "monstrous" but yet still fulfilling.

(332 Words)

Sources:

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[Y2: CTS B] Week 1: Creative Practice and Critical Thinking

Connecting the different types of skills and practices between everything we do in our walk of life. Processing new information that are handed to us. Critically accessing the situation and questioning the small details surrounding the experiences shared by my classmates which was especially interesting. The different social issues encountered was an eye opener as they could be really similar or just outright outrageous.

I had a fair share of experience with racism and discrimination at work which to whom I shared,

Discrimination against different races in a work environment. it is an ongoing problem that many individuals have encountered but has yet to come forward about. It is especially hard when the victim does not have the power to protect themselves in a situation where race is being abused. Having their reputation put down because of a stereotypical idea or being biased is common among every working individual. Such acts can be the use of a different tone or attitude towards a certain individual.

Racism is also another factor that contributes to the disapproval of this trend. This also tends to create an unhealthy work environment and the relationship among colleagues which deteriorates after time. being on the opposing end can be very daunting and adds a weight to their worries which then they will begin to question about their own existence.

A solution to this could be standing up for themselves but with that, comes with its own risk as well. They could be manipulated and have their own opinions be put down or easily turned against them. 

(260 Words)

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[Summary: Semester 2]

In all, this module has taught me the importance of expanding your knowledge throughout almost everything in life. Art is everywhere, up in the skies to the cracks in the wall and all the way down towards the roots of a tree. I learned that limitations can be broken and can definitely be filled with many more exciting knowledge that is to digest as a designer.

The past following weeks of WOII has been an eye opener on a lot of topics that i have never once thought could be related to design. It was definitely an eye opener to know that everything can be broken down to the little smidge for information and context regarding anything.

If i could recall any memorable activity then it would have to be the visit for the BA & Diploma Open Studio walk arounds. I was such in awe of the display and the different ranges that are so apart from one another. Everyone had their own take on something and turn it into a unqiue piece of art that could be both either make or break. I was exposed and inspired by many of my peers to better futher myself as a designer.

WOII has definitely allowed me to fully express myself without feeling the need to limit myself and which i hope to do so till who knows?

(226 Words)

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[Week 12: Semester 2] Art Ecosystem

1. What do you think are the impacts of the design communication and experiences discipline?

Personally i feel that Design Communication & Experiences has enabled us to explore with so much freedom in mever before ways that i was able to. To experiment, to try over and over again until you get it just right, is such a meaningful experience in itself. It helps us to learn in the process of creating while also being able to discipline ourselves to do better each time as it goes. Communication among other peers has also enabled us to take those criticisms and apply them towards our work. To improve, to get better and better which helps us to enable discipline especially in a very board upon course, such as this.

2. What is one specific area in which you wish to make an impact as a designer in your ecology?

I would love to create an exhibition like any other to promote the meaning of "Let Yourself Out" among the community. Enforcing the importance of expanding your horizens not just as an artist/designer but as a person too. To let your creativtity run wild for the world to see, not being afraid to limit yourself is such a powerful and fun way to do so. I want to be more involved and communicate with the vast community that we artist are seem to always grasp to and be able to share those experiences among other peers alike.

Open Studios was especially really interesting. Both BA & Diploma batches had far exceeded my expectations and also managed to open many doors to explore in the near future. If i were to choose a particularly eye catching work, it would be the amalgamation of everyday toys pieced together to create a hell of a sight to behold.

(266 Words)

Open Studio BA & Diploma Programmes (No Particular Order):

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[Week 11: Semester 2] Postmodernism

Postmodernism is a form of design that is catergorised into two forms, Modern & Post-modernism:

Ideally modern design is leaning towards a more minimalist approach to it's form. Breaking away from the traditional aspect of design and giving its own spin on the aesthetic that is minimalism. Less is more or so they say, sacrificing details to achieve a more simplistic look that caters to the current generation these days. It's pleasing to the eyes and more incline to attract the eyes of passerbys. Easier to dissect and navigate while also staying through to what the original vision that the artist was trying to imply.

Post-modernism. A stark contrast to what modern design stands for. It goes against the norm of minimalism and adds more to what is considered less. Less is boring, which is the main point of factor that drives this form forward. It's more loud in terms of the way it is presented which forces the audience to think outside of the box and ask questions. It's visuals are more striking and out there compared to the more simplistic design of modernism. It embraces what i call chaos but in a more simple manner. Bold in some ways to leave a lingering expression that it wants to be heard and seen. Vibrant colours are also one of the main commonly used methods to stand out among the others, using different colour theories that directly clashes against one another but in a way also manages to stand firm for itself.

These two are different in many ways. Down to their individual unique styles, presentation and overall meaning to their work. Each layered with a purpose to create an overarching story behind the decision that were made.

As seen here by some of the few examples of Post Modernism:

Armin Hoffman (Basler Freilichtspiele & Die Gute Form), Babara Kruger (Money Can Buy You Love), Terry Jones (i-D no. 28, The Art Issue), Peter Shire (Big Sur Sofa) & Andy Warhol (Short Sage Blue Marylin)

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[Week 4 & 5: Semester 2] How to analyse a work of design (Week 4)

I wasn't present for Week 4 but this was what i concluded after reading through the given slides:

There are 5 major components when it comes to analysing a work as such Processes & Purposes, Subject Matter & Meanings, Choice & Use Of Medium, Aspects of Form and Context of Piece.

To summarise some of these components, i'll pick two from the five:

Processes and purposes are the context of activities that it works from and what function does the work serve. It invites you to explore the inner workings of the artist mind and how they operate. You'll have to go more in depth about how and why is it the way it is. To analyse the inner thought process that goes along the decisions that the designer made along the way.

Subject & Matter is a culmination of information that the work is trying to convey to it's audience. It's trying to imply what is being depicted and the information that the designer is trying to provide with it's visuals. We are trying to extract the history of the the information behind the object being showcased.

2. Visit to National Museum (Week 5)

We were tasked with photographing 5 points of interest that tickeled the back of our heads, here are mine:

1: The Architecture

I was in awe as soon as i stepped foot into the building and being greeted by the huge skylight that was raised all the way to the top of ceiling. It gave a sense of scale that was reflected in the area. I love how the modern sections of the building seemingly blended and transitioned into the old looking structures so effortlessly.

2: We drove THIS?

I don't what it is about rickshaws that pulls my gaze upon it everytime i see it. Could it be the design? How simple it was? It's amazing that this was the main point of transport back in the golden days and comparing it to the present, it loses in many ways of course but in itself, it holds a lot of stories and history that is to be told to generations years from now.

3: The Spiral Forest

You are greeted to a projection of a forest that stretches out all the way to the bottom. As you make your way down, you are sureounded by trees and wildlife alike as it transitions into the night with purple trees? When you reach the bottom you'll be surrounded by trees accompanied by the soothing music. Stars starts to illuminate the area and you'll see more wildlife and flowers that blooms around you. I felt so calm and at peace which not a lot of exhibitions manages to do. Truly a memory to remember.

4: Good ol' Singapore

THIS was Singapore in the old days. It's amazing to see how far we've came as a nation and seeing everything in person was a mind opener. The stark contrast between now and the old times is really mesmerizing and a sight to behold. Everything was so simple down to the everyday items that were once used by our ancestors.

5: Singapore Is Out!

A pivitol moment in Singapore's brutal history as it tells us the moment that Singapore claimed it's independence. Seeing how it all unfolds and built up is really foretelling of how far we've came as a nation. The organised articles were scattered across the wall in their entirety. A whole history that dissects the builts up It big and bold to give it a sense of importance and really show how big the situation was back then.

References:

Story of The Spiral Forest: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/whats-on/exhibition/story-of-the-forest

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[Week 3: Semester 2] Semiotics

Semiotics is the study and use of symbolic communication. Semiotics can be categorised in a lot of ways such as signs, logos, gestures and other communication methods. It can be broke down in many ways as told by Ferdinand de Saussure who said "A sign is made up of two parts, the SIGNIFIER & the SIGNIFIED alongside Charles Sanders Peirce who said "Semiotics as the relationship between a SYMBOL, ICON & INDEX.

So what is a SIGN and how do we break it down? A sign is divided into two sections. Signifier being icon, symbol & index and Signified being Syntagm & Paradigm. Denotation which is the precise description of the sign and Connotation, the mental concept generated from signifier or sign. Signifier represents the main image, the focus of the physical object or words being used to visualise to the viewer. We have three type of Signifiers to defferentiate among one another. Icon, Index & Symbol. These three are the main factors to look or refer to when it comes to analysing works. Signified refers to the object that evokes, which can be the concept of an object or emotion.

We were tasked with finding an advertisement or poster and conduct a formal & contextual analysis of the message that it's trying to convey. My group decided to go with an ad campaign by Nike which featured Lebron James, Serena Williams but moat importantly, Former NFL Quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. His campaign especially ganered a lot of media and likewise attention for it's slogan that said "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything." This was refering back to 2016 when Kaepernick when he kneeled for the pre-game national anthem in protest for the racial injustice in the United States. He has been out of the NFL since leaving the 49ers in 2017 and he later settled a case with his former league which he alleged he had been blackballed by team owners. Former President, Donald Trump made a statement "I think it’s a terrible message that Nike are sending and the purpose of them doing it, maybe there’s a reason for them doing it but I think as far as sending a message, I think it’s a terrible message and a message that shouldn’t be sent. There’s no reason for it."

Let's analyse the poster together! The signified being Colin Kaepernick, whose face is the main focus of the poster. Black and white was chosen as the colours to symbolise how important the poster is while sticking to its social values & norms being anti-discrimination. What the image is trying to signify is that it's trying to convey the sacrifices and actions of Colin Kaepernick. The message is strong and straight to the point and there's nothing else around it to distract you from it's main slogan. His face taking up the entire space of the poster to signify the importance that was his actions.

(480 Words)

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[Week 1: Semester 2] Phenomenology

Phenomenology in a sense is the way we interpret or how we see life as a whole. It's the study of lived experience, emotions and the imagination just to name a few. The way different everyday objects or people that are presented to us are differemt with the way we precieve them. Are they a constant? How does it make us feel or why does it feel the way way it does? The different experiences with the way we handle things example being, how does this cup makes me feel? I could just explain the experience i had using the cup and not make any assumptions about why it ws made this way.

Phenomenology can be seperated by reality and consciousness. Like inspecting a work of art, we can dissect and apply phenomenology to it which can give us a different experience and a completely different perspective towards the artist. The notion of perception versus reality. Many different way to see things which can also promote and encourage different ways it can be interpreted. Some of the ways it can be shown is through photography and drawings. For example, Studio Desk's Kathrin worked in her hometown with the tourist board to create a series of illustrations that explores the theme of going home.

We were then tasked with gathering pictures that represented both "Shadow" & "Time" around the campus. It was especially hard as i was still new to this concept but in the end overcame it as i slowly understood the way to intepret both themes effectively. I chose Shadow as my main topic going forward. My pictures screams and makes you question "what else is missing or what lies beyond these walls" I was trying to capture the concept of liminal space with the topic of shadows into one cohesive image. To make the audience question everything and leaving a sense of uneasiness & mystery when viewing these images.

Shadow & Time:

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 3: Connect CTS A to your learning and professional journey

Design For Communication and Experiences, an all rounded course that tackles almost every aspect of design. The core modules presented to us are there to help further enhance our skills in every way. Expanding our skill set to help us navigate comfortably into the ever changing industry that is always evolving as time goes on. The professional journey ahead will be one of the many obstacles to overcome.

I would love to collaborate with Broadcast Media for one of the projects. Broadcast as a whole is a huge ever evolving industry and I've always had a soft spot for film & media, so collaborating with the Broadcast Media team will allow me to expand my horizons into media and allow me to showcase my take on what I feel like it’s appropriate and that is short films. It’s no secret that art & film has had a hand to hand relationship for decades with cinematography that’s groundbreaking or just jaw dropping. A few movies that I can proudly recommend are Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Blade Runner 2049. These movies have changed my perspective on how a story can be told without words but with just moving frames. It’s an artform in itself that speaks a lot to the audience and reveals the complicated mind of the cinematographer. I aim to inspire the eyes that are set on my film and remind them that actions do speak louder than words sometimes.

For my final project, I've thought about diving into the expanding community through interactive art. A living and playable art space that both children and adults can experience altogether. A mini playground in a sense that takes advantage of everything I've learned and transitions that into a space that’s full of colours, shapes and visuals that will inspire the generations to come. It will make use of the environment to symbolise that anything can be art and everything we see can be interacted. The topic title being “Venture Out” which I hope gets across the message that I'm trying to convey.

Graphic Design has always been at the top of the list of jobs that I'm deeply passionate about. I’ve worked in this industry before with different kinds of clients from all walks of life and have experienced all it has to offer. Graphic design is everywhere, you see it, feel it even down towards the small little typography on your instruction manuals. Posters excites, shop fronts invites and adverts create an opportunity/a window to pull you into their products and world without the need to imagine it yourself. It tells you so much by doing so little. That has always intrigued me as a designer, being able to get the point across with simplicity that is so beautiful in itself without over-simplifying aspects. CTS A has created an opening for me to improve on my craft and allowed me to take inspiration from others perfecting my style. This module has also taught and strengthened my confidence to work with others and dive into collaborative projects which will help on my path to get the desired job that I'm striving for.

To conclude, CTS A as a whole is used in every way. Down to the minor things, working its way up towards the bigger picture. Professional environment strives on these components CTS A has to offer to survive an ever growing industry.

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 2: Connect CTS A to all your other modules (and components)

As far as my understanding for the Critical Thinking Skills module goes, I’ve learned a lot during my time at Lasalle and everything to do about this course. It is used in a lot of ways that i’ve never thought it would be able to. Skills like critical thinking, collaboration, self management & awareness are just the few that makes up this whole course, being able to use these skills to our advantage. Other modules like craft, studio and photography uses some of these skills as the foundation to give us a headstart to begin with. For example the skill, CTS A can be used for STUDIO in such ways like thinking outside the box and assessing ways which we can approach a certain design element within our work. Self awareness is how we are able to manage ourselves and read the room, knowing how to handle situations in an orderly way, which can also be applied to the CRAFT module in a lot of ways. Craft challenges my creative juices to run wild and it results in my mind being clouded with different ideas which will make it harder for me to think. Self management comes into play as well and it enables me to organise my thoughts in that moment and reassess my decisions. It presents itself with a lot of trial and error but this is especially normal when it comes to creating what I want to achieve. The final product will always have its flaws but it's those flaws that has taught me the importance of thinking ahead and broadly across the other modules. Collaberation/Cooperation settle in its place naturally as we are often seeking for a helping hand in class. Giving or expressing ideas that are meaningful, positive feedback and criticisms too. Finally, helping one another which speeds up the process of each other works that can greatly benefit both parties.

Onwards, I’ll nitpick two components that i feel takes the most advantage of the skills used in CTS A:

As for the Photography Module, I have to be able to open up to the possibilities that anything can be a picture. We are usually so limited to the things we feel like it’s right because we tend not to explore or get out of our comfort zone. Critical thinking has enabled me to climb out of the box and to see what’s out there, being able to just snap whatever i think that’s pleasing to the eye and widen my perspective on everything photography. Compositions and framing which needs careful precision at times as it will make or break your work. Just the overall technical aspect of photography needs a good sense of self awareness to be able to see what’s possible and however impossible it could be.

Research Framework is an especially interesting topic to tap into as i personally feel like it’s the biggest culprit of taking everything we knew about CTS A into consideration. Getting quotations from books or articles can be daunting but it gets even more daunting knowing that there are rules that we have to adhere to while trying to lift a sentence from one to another. PLAGIARISM, a scary word. It’s common in the writing world for plagiarism to take place but we as students are taught about the importance of originality, giving credibility to the author/writer whenever it's due/possible. The world wide web is the biggest library i know and experimenting on different keywords will get you somewhere and gaining the information you thought was previously inaccessible. But of course there's a few caveat to this, one being misinformation and misleading articles that has nothing credible to do with the source. Twisted stories and words can lead to confusion among not only ourselves but the readers. Carefully threading through the whole slew of information while avoiding the consequences that comes with it.

In conclusion, CTS A has prepared me for these outcomes, challenges and more to come in the near future. This module has greatly benefitted me as a person and how i approach my daily life as a whole.

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 1: How do you understand the Critical Thinking Skills module?

My understanding for the Critical Thinking Skills has greatly improved ever since the first day of class. I never knew the impact it would have on my modules and me as a whole. The last few months/weeks has taught me a lot in terms of all the different skills the module has presented to me. Every skill has it pros and cons and i’ve noticed that this can be applied to my other modules too. But aside from that, the module has changed the way i handle any situations.

If i were to represent it in a visual metaphor, i would say it more of like a foundation being held by pillars. The pillars being the strength/skills i’ve acquired along the way which builds up with time. It strengthens the pillars and eventually levels the foundations and to keep it levelled, learning and giving each skill the same amount of attention that will ensure that it stays upright while holding its position as strong as it needs to be. These pillars represent the core and my understanding of this module. We also had collaborative hands on work which has significantly improve the way i interacted with others and work around accordingly to their strengths and weaknesses, creating bonds and relationships along the way too which has greatly benefit for the long run.

My most memorable activity has to be with the creating of a mind map including a visual metaphor alongside it with the questions being, What is CTS A?, Growth Mindset, Assertion & Conflict, Facts, Reliable & Sources, Digital Media, Collab Skills and Emotional Intelligence. We were each assigned and had to come up with 3 different points per question, explaining and listing core points about the subject matter. We had a lot of fun coming up with the design which we eventually ended on a cow with spilled milk. We had troubles along the way but we improvised and tackled it to ensure that our points got across.

If there was anything we could have improved on or did better than it would have to be the design that we chose. We had the idea of using the slogan “Don’t cry over spilled milk” and decided to go off from that as our visual metaphor. The design of the cow was questionable at best and we had trouble writing the points which didn’t fit nicely into the silhouette of the spot as the the overall cow was cramped with letters that we underestimated the size of. As a result, it felt cramped and we were very limited to what we could write given the small space we had to work with. We could've done more ourselves and pleasing to the eye if we had planned it out sooner.

The cow in question:

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[Week 5] 01. Describe an eventful moment you have experienced in this class, bearing in mind the key ideas of the day.

The logo redesign activity was a mind opener for sure. It challenged us to recreate what was already wildly accepted by us and the public into something unique for the eyes. We were tasked with going around taking pictures of different logos on buildings, cafes etc and pick which one that we would be giving an overhaul to. I went with the Hotel 81 logo naturally. Hotel 81 has a rich history with being one of the most notorious hotels in singapore and even with it cheap room prices, it doesn’t really hold up with its quality. I wanted to see if i was able to redefine the meaning of the logo by rearranging and just switch up it’s overall look and feel.

I figured I could rearrange the letters or numbers and mess around with the space i was given, Different font types and design, adding small elements around the logo which will elevate and add some flair towards the concept.

We also learned the purpose of having a growth mindset is to adapt to any criticisms which we might come across in the future as designers. There will definitely be times when we will be questioned about our abilities to improvise or overcome a certain obstacle. We need to keep a positive mind to this ideas that for instance could change the way we handle situations and to our future cilents.

02. Include selected images of your personal sketches, and explain them, In particular, which sketches did you like most? Which is the least? why?

I chose this one in particular as it gives a lively feeling around it. It insinuates to the viewer that it's been given a new meaning, giving another vibe that the previous version was heavily tied to. I designed it in a way which allows the “O” to slide down the top of the “T” on purpose. It gives it a way more playful essence to the logo which somewhat describes the purpose of the hotel. I gave the fonts a bigger and bolder look to it as I wanted it to really pop in the eyes of the audience.

The logos we came up with:

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[Week 3] 01. We’ve talked about “Self-Management”, “Self-Awareness”, “Empathy” and “Relationship Management”. Which aspect do you think you are strongest at, and which is something you should try to improve?

Empathy. I'm definitely the strongest when it comes to empathy apart from these other two. I've always been the one to lend a listening ear and be there for someone who needs it. I'm able to give advice according to what I feel is right and be more sympathetic regarding the situation. Putting myself in their shoes and just seeing things from another point of view which does help to an extent. I don't get into the nitty gritty bits of it too much as I might give the wrong advice or viewpoint which might turn a good situation into a bad one. Being able to just understand one another and getting to work around the topic to find what will be best for their situation.

If there's anything I should greatly improve on is, Self-Awareness. As much as I am a good listener, I tend to read the room wrong at times. This is especially bad when it comes to a sensitive topic or incident. At times, I'll also blurt things out without a given context which might come out wrong even if it wasn't my intention in the beginning.

[slorpi]

[Week 2] 01. Describe your strengths and weaknesses as a collaberator. What did you do well, and what are some areas to improve?

Collaboration has been a staple for me since the beginning. I’ve collaberated with all types of people/client during my time as a freelance graphics designer. My core strength is being able to work well and create a bonds so we’ll be able to communicate easily with one another. Sharing our ideas and thoughts with each other, giving criticism and feedback for any future projects.

As for weakness, it’ll be not being able to come to work in big groups. I have troubles being able sble to adjust to communicating with one person comapred to large numbers of people at the same time. It gets messy at a certain point during discussions but i’ll always try my best to accomadate to everyones ideas and beliefs.

That is the main area i should improve on as a designer or in general as a person if i want to enable myself to be comfortable in that kind of environment.

02. if you had more time and an unlimited budget, how would you have designed the monument differently?

I would’ve done in a way which would’ve been more clear towards the viewer as i felt that our current monument didn’t really reflect the theme we were trying to go for. I would’ve more text but simple visuals to represent the the theme “portals” to really convey how it would’ve realistically worked in the future. A more minimalist design that extends throughout the whole machine as a whole. Simple but to the point.

First Design (left) / 2nd Redesign (right):