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Mastery Journal Final Month

Wow! This has been an exciting but also stressful year throughout the MFA program at Full Sail University. Each course in my degree program contributed to my personal and professional development as a media designer by giving me insight on design techniques and how to successfully define clients needs. The program gave me knowledge on brand development, copywriting, how to conduct and gather research. These techniques helped me complete my thesis project by keeping things simple and following the design process. By sticking to what I learned in the program, I was able to wake up and realize my weaknesses and strengths as a designer and map out how I progressed over time after exploiting these weaknesses and strengths. 

This chart shows my progress throughout the MFA program at Full Sail University. The beginning of semester two was my lowest point of the program. After gaining control of my studies in the middle of semester two I began to fall to a semi-low point where I was struggling. Semester 3 started off stable but I made progress and felt the most confident a little further into the semester. 

This chart outlines all of the twelve months that I was in the MFA program and each class that was taken. Each course gave me a different thought, feel, and what was done during that class. I mapped out all the experiences I had during this journey and placed them under each class and semester I thought was appropriate at that time. 

This is the experience map that I created when pitched the assignment. This map explains not only my thinking, feeling and doing throughout the three semesters, but also my personality as well. I am a huge football player that loves the game but unfortunately had to take a step in a different direction. This map still shows what I thought was the best decisions far as each semester goes with what I was feeling, thinking, and doing that semester. 

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Mastery Journal Reflection 11.4.2

During this month’s class I learned a lot of new material that can be used to lead me closer to my journey to mastering my skills. Some things I took away from this months class is re-learning and really understanding the degree learning outcomes. Understanding that, Connecting, Transforming, and Synthesizing is all about research and combining that research with your knowledge to create something of entirely new means. Solving problems relates to understanding a problem that is at hand and over coming that problem through evidence of reasoning that is accurate and compelling to the audience or consumer. Innovative thinking involves creating unique solutions that aren't normal ideas. How you have to over step those boundaries in order to be innovative. Then, acquiring competencies is all about the designer and what things they have learned and how can those things help them as a designer in the future. 

Below are some screen shots of work done in this past months projects: 

Home page of website created for the thesis presentation. Links to my portfolio and this journal are included on every page layout. 

Connecting, synthesizing, and transforming informational text about what research I could connect and transform in to entirely new forms.  

Showing and explaining the process of connecting the research found on Kyoto and using the research to turn the logo into new forms. 

Solving problems page tells information about the project chosen to demonstrate  approaches that were tried and rejected and as a result an evidence of reasoning was giving backing up the reason for that solution and why it is the best way to go.  

Using RedRover’s Prevention T-Shirt campaign as a tool to show the evidence of reasoning and why the problem was solved in this particular way. 

Innovative thinking informational text tells of creative solutions that were unique and different from competitors that exceeds a project expectations by crossing and extending known boundaries. 

Showing the process that lead up to the creation of the traditions logo and the unique solution behind it. 

Acquiring competencies informative text tells of things I as a designer have learned and experienced good or bad, simple or challenging. 

This image shows a tool that I struggled with at the beginning of the program and acquired knowledge to better my skills with this tool and to help my future endeavors. 

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Mastery Reflection - Measuring Design Effectiveness

During this course we were challenged to create surveys or questionnaires that pertain to an element of our chosen non profit organization. The questionnaires consist of questions made for the target audience. The questions ask about the mood and feel of the campaign when observing the ads. Beginning the questionnaires was a struggle due to having multiple demographic questions. By requesting feedback and prototyping the questionnaire, I was able to get valuable critiques from the targeted audience respondents, to help structure the questions to gain better, more detailed responses. This journey of making surveys was inspiring and educating.  

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3Z8D2VS

AD(A)

AD(C)

AD(B)

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Mastery Journey Entry - Week 10

Throughout this class I’ve learned a lot about how to simplify things to find solutions to design problems. During this journey I ran into problems finding photos that would cohesively relate to the overall prevention campaign. After careful photo research I found the best solution to the problem. I plan on moving forward with other promotional materials such as a mobile website or even a new campaign logo. 

Sketches

First T-shirt Revision

Second T-Shirt Revision

First Digital Revision 

Second T-shirt Front Revision

First T-shirt Back Revision

Digital T-shirt Back Revision 

Sketches

First Digital Revision

Final Digital Revison

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Mastery Journal - March 25, 2018

Design Integration was one of the most exciting courses yet as we revised our projects in hope to better connect them to the consumers. I really appreciate all of the ideas my classmates and instructors suggested to be maximize my potential and explain vividly what the project is about. Below are some screenshots of this months work as they progressed to the finalized stage:

Bookmark Sketches - Front

Bookmark Sketches - Back

Bookmark Digital Form - Front First Submission

Bookmark Digital Form - Front Second Submission

Bookmark Digital Form - Front Final Submissions

Bookmark Digital Form - Back First Submission

Bookmark Digital Form - Back Final Submission

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Prevention Campaign - RedRover

In this course revisions were made to a previous ad campaign given in our effective writing class. This course has taken the previous work and evolved the ads into professional pieces by including new typefaces, hierarchy of line weight, and placement of text. By including these techniques, the ad campaign is more cohesive and connects with the viewer. I plan to move forward with the campaign by adding a number of cohesive campaign elements such as, bookmarks, informational pamphlets, buttons and t-shirts. These elements will bring more people or donators to the campaign and also be promotional objects to gain the interest of viewers that are unaware of the campaign.  

Prevention Campaign Ad #1

Prevention Campaign Ad #2

Prevention Campaign Ad #3

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Mastery Journey Reflection

Starting the course was amazing and so exciting to be learning how to edit videos. I was excited to be making a mock tour come to life. Although fun, I really struggled with time management. Going forward I will continue to learn more and manage my time accordingly to improve my capabilities of becoming closer to mastery.

Ocean Wave Finalized Mood Board

Wake Boarding

Sea Turtle Swimming Up Shore

Artist Playing the Guitar Before the Crowd

DJ Tuning His Board 

The Atmosphere and Energy of the Crowd

Ocean Waves Logo w/ Sound Spectrum

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Mastery Journey

As the journey continues to Mastery, I would like to slow things down and speak about some restructured goals that have came to mind during this last month. Although a creative director’s position may be ideal, I believe it’s best to learn how to build a website from start to finish on my own. Having those set of skills would bring more jobs and open up a lot more opportunities for me as a web designer. When researching web designer job descriptions, I came across a lot of details about the responsibilities of a website designer. Also, the typical employers of web designers and their salaries and requirements.

I believe I would want a different scenery when looking for a job as a web designer, because I am adventorous and love meeting new people. I also found out that salaries ten to be higher in London and the South East of England. So I would start by looking there and hope to win a software company over with my portfolio or resume. Another way to increase your salary faster as a web designer is to be first to specialize in emerging technologies.

This course has been insightful with all of the research found and critiques from my classmates. I learned all sort of new skills and understanding, when it comes to designing website comps or gathering all the information before you start designing in a adobe program.

Below are some assignments from this month’s course:

Mood Board

Wire Frame Sketches

Preliminary Sketches 

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Promoting to save sea turtles through concerts... Mood Boards

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Man, with the Master Plan

This mastery journey has been inspiring and informative. Though some times were harder than others, the outcome was magic. Progressing is the only thing left to do. My goals in the future are to continue to advance on the delivery of my work and be more creative. Also, to continue to grow with writing and presenting my information. These are some of my goals that I want to accomplish and keep gearing towards superiority in these skills as a media designer. Below are some lessons we completed for our class and also some testimonial ads we presented in our campaign. 

Targeted Audience for Non Profit Organization - RedRover

Targeted Audience for Non Profit Organization - RedRover

Non Profit Organization Testimonial Ad Campaign - RedRover

This projects goal was to raise awareness about helpless animals that have no shelter, no food, and no water to survive. The tagline "Things are looking up, every dollar you donate"  is just an incentive, to remind the audience that their money is appreciated and isn't being donated without a cause. 

Non Profit Organization Testimonial Ad Campaign - RedRover

This testimonial ad was created to raise money to help shelter animals owners who are facing domestic violence and pets need somewhere to stay throughout there situation. RedRover offers financial assistance programs to those in need of animal care.  

Non Profit Organization Testimonial Ad Campaign - RedRover

This testimonial ad raises awareness of animal cruelty. It shows that you should never judge a book by it's cover. Just because the dog is in an aggressive stage doesn't mean he is all bad. Maybe he is screaming for help because he has been apart of a domestic violent situation. This ad gets the audience attention about animal cruelty.

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Kyoto, Japan

This is my revision of Kyōto, Japan and its geographical, cultural, and traditional  concepts. A few changes were made to enhance the vision of each toolbox. 

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S.W.O.T Analysis

First I would like to go over my threats towards creating a these toolboxes. My biggest threat I believe was keeping everything together, connecting and being cohesive. One way I could try to over come this is thinking the page as a whole blank sheet and making sure everything is cohesive. 

Geography

My strengths in this tool box would be the pattern a logo variations. My weakness, on the other hand, would be trying to relate more feeling to the toolbox. My opportunities would be trying to somehow incorporate more of the primary colors within the texture. 

Modern Culture

My strengths in Modern Culture Toolbox were my photos. The photos had meaning and feeling behind them. Also, my use of graphics and feathers stand out. My weakness would have to be using complementary colors throughout the toolbox. Perhaps, I may boost the feeling or mood of the toolbox applying this technique. My opportunities would be to boost the feeling of the toolbox by applying more complementary colors. 

Tradition

For strengths in Traditions I would have to suggest the color theory was the best represented. My weakness would consist of, placement of subheads and type that is condensed is hard to see when scaled down. My opportunities would be to find a similar bolder font and move around subheads to better align type and graphics. 

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Kyōto

When I started this Design Process for the tourist attraction logo I had quite a few ideas on how to incorporate Kyōto’s geographic features. During our class critique assignment I was advised that the gates shown in the first picture of sketches was a great symbol that could stand out on it’s own. Also, that I should try to put the typography either below or underneath. I took the advice and incorporated that idea in my next sketches. I also was suggested that the pagodas seen in the second picture first row was really bold and known entrances for gardens. I took the advice and came up with better logos and plan on using all I learned from critiquing and my fellow peers to proceed this Mastery journey. 

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MDMFA Program - Full Sail University

The first couple weeks of the Full Sail Media Design Masters Program have been informative and calm. I have the feeling things will become more and more challenging as we progress in our ascend to Mastery. I noted a few key take aways that I believe will have the most impact on my experience as a graduate student. 

From the first video session I learned some important values about designers being detail-orientated and being able to take rejection well on ideas that you may think are genius. Learning to take rejection as a tool or an opportunity to improve your work is key to becoming a great Designer. When projects are given with expectations, as a Designer, working to Master my technical or written skills, it is best to always exceed project expectations. Being at the expert level requires you to challenge yourself even more than normal. Don Larson provided great advice during the session one video. Larson indicated that most students that participate within the live sessions, interact fully in discussions and workshops, and begin their assignments early in the week usually comes out the program with all the tools needed to survive within this Industry. 

Professor Kratz opened up in session two explaining that as Graduate students we are required more independent thought and more action, this is not passive learning. Collaborating with your peers and sharing your knowledge is a tool that could definitely impact my journey because it’s just the nature of the business. I will always work with others to obtain a goal. To be a expert designer I must learn how to listen and apply new ideas. Being able to communicate effectively is a must, written or verbally. During this session I also learned that being innovative is creating something unthought, fresh, and exceeding expectations. Coming up with a new form opens your mind to creative thinking. Having these tools will allow me to be able to demonstrate an expert level of technical skill while communicating effectively to the targeted audience. I am committed 110 percent into this design program. All around, the program will acquire me with the tools and necessary strategies to reach an expert level. 

The only question that still remain for me would be: 

Are there any differences between the two titles, Graphic Designer and Media Designer? According to the Design Industry.

My expectations for the MDMFA Program at Full Sail is nothing short of my goals I plan to accomplish while in this program. I expect nothing less but expert level classes as I know my Professor will expect expert level work from me. I desire to reach an expert level of verbal and written communication by the end of this program. My goals during the MDMFA Program are simple: Complete each course with more than minimal effort for each project, Work hard and become dedicated to making expertise my speciality, understand in depth about research strategies and communicating my work effectively to others. Looking at a year from now after graduate school, my long-term goal is to start my own Design firm where customer service is key. Servicing customers with logos, flyers, websites, business cards, campaign branding, brand packaging, etc. I also have a goal to come out with my own clothing line. These goals are not unreachable in any circumstances. I believe the MDMFA Program at Full Sail University will help me achieve these goals. 

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This video really helped me when I first started using Illustrator, try it out!

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Here is a list of my courses for my Media Design Masters Degree at Full Sail University: 

1. Mastery: Personal Development & Leadership 

Goals: Gain Understanding of what Mastery means, Learn how to utilize concepts for my personal development, Develop professional leadership skills. 

2. Defining Client Needs

Goals: More understanding of my clients industry, Be fluid in strategically planning a multi-media campaign, Improve knowledge on research strategies.

3. Brand Development 

Goals: Understand the essentials in developing effective marketing communications, Learn the history behind brand development in media design, Be able to utilize additional insight through research for future projects. 

4. Effective Copywriting

Goals: Improve verbal and communication skills, Be able to rationalize and explain based on research through my writing skills, Sharpen writing skills in order to extend the power of my design and to craft effective communications. 

5. Design Research

Goals: Be an expert at translating concepts into visual communication, Learn new research methods and tools to use in my field of interest, be able and liable to make more informed design decisions. 

6. Organizational Structures

Goals: Improve organizational skills of research execution, Bring all my work to a professional level of execution, Expand my creative mind even further. 

7. Design Strategies and Motivation

Goals: Achieve professionalism with all visualization concept assignments, Be more active at motivating others as well as myself, Maximize the impact and effect of communicating. 

8. Design Integration

Goals: Develop techniques of incorporating innovation and methods of developing creativity, Become more consistent at utilizing the media, Prepare myself for the ever-changing landscape of the media design profession. 

9. Multi-Platform Delivery 

Goals: Become more knowledgable in the various types of media available for communicating information, Master my ability to successfully create professional deliverables, Understand how to develop a unified multi-media campaign. 

10. Measuring Design Effectiveness

Goals: Understand interpretations of my work by targeted audiences, Refine presentation skills, Understand in depth about marketing strategies. 

11. Thesis: Presentation of Design Solutions

Goals: Receive an A for my “Thesis”, Speak clear and explain points and decisions made and why they were made, Understand feedback and use it as a stepping stone to my next journey. 

12. Professional Practice

Goals: Learn more about legal and ethical issues on a global scale, Be able to present myself and my abilities as a Media Designer clearly, Understand even more tools to achieve my goals and find my pathway to success.  

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Everyone! This site is great for design and leadership points. Tell me what you think!