Stage 2 Evaluation

At the beginning of stage two I learned about different materials and equipment that would help me in my work throughout the 3D pathway. I have found that I have become more confident in using the wood and metal workshops and equipment which I didn’t before and I feel comfortable in making decisions about materials that will work best for my projects.

I enjoyed the experimental aspect of the ‘Rubbish Project’ as I could try new materials that I wouldn’t have used otherwise. I noted that I enjoy working with some materials more than others. I also found it easier to quickly find an idea from my starting point with this project which was more difficult for me to do in stage one.

From the rubbish project I learnt that I work more effectively when I have a time plan, I continued to use this to my advantage in the ‘Interdependence’ project. Through stage two I have found that I haven’t had to rush my work towards the end of the project as much I had done in stage one. I think this is something I will take into my final major project and future work as it will help me to stay on track with projects.

I have become more independent with my work, I find that being in a larger group has forced me to make more decisions on my own and not to rely as much on my tutors. I think this is a positive and something that I will continue in my final major project. As well as learning to work more independently I have also learnt to work effectively as a team. This has built my communication skills which will help my in a future career in film effects.

A weakness I have discovered through the interdependence project was that it can be easy to lose focus on the brief when the project is over a longer period of time. I will make sure that my themes are clear throughout my work in the future and that the idea from the brief isn’t lost towards the end.

It’s important for my final major project that I listen to any constructive suggestions from my tutors or peers about my work when it is in the development stages, as I can sometimes follow an idea that might not be as strong as one suggested to me. Listening to suggestions more would give me ideas and allow my designs to grow. This would also help me to slow down in the development stage and export more options which I have rushed in past projects which results in a lack of development work.

Overall I am happy with how I have worked throughout stage two and that I have discovered new methods that help me to work more effectively and also areas of weakness that I can now change and improve. I hope that I can take what I’ve learnt about the way I work and use this to benefit my final major project.