OUGD502 - Study Task - Reflection on Summer

Summer Reflection

Visiting friends around the country meant I was able to see other cities such as Newcastle, Liverpool, Alnick and Edinburgh. While doing this it was good to spend time doing and seeing other things especially in cities where I had not been before. From this it was considered that I perhaps worked too hard last year and that I wanted to try and have a better work / life balance during the year, leaving more time to visit and do things that I like during the year. To do this, setting dates for when I want to see or do something will help me to work around and towards these goals.

After visiting Edinburgh again during the summer, where there is an amazing mix of old and new and there is always something new to find, I would at some point like to possibly live or work there.

Visiting Gardens etc for my Wildlife Gardening, Summer Project was particularly enjoyable because it was something I was interested in already and I was excited to do the project on something that I wanted. The project also included having to collect photographic research which allowed me to focus on nature photography which is something I have done a lot of in the past. Within my own work this year I want to continue doing more projects that are on subjects that I have an interest in such as nature and also bring more photography into my work.

Going to a salvage show over the summer was enjoyable because its interesting to work out how old materials can be re-purposed to make new things. Recycling reclaimed materials to create something 'new' and functional with life already, is an interesting concept and means that everything made with salvaged materials is completely unique. Going to the salvage show always provides me with new materials to create products with for my Etsy account. Through this I have found that designing and making objects with reclaimed materials provides a challenge as you have to rethink how things can be used, however is rewarding because you are putting something to use again. Physically making things and working with materials in a Product Design sense is exciting.