E L L A R O Y
Portfolio 2015/2016
Grade 10
Unit 4 - Yearbook Tasks
Unit overview
In this unit, I moved from designing and printing 3D objects to 2D designs. The designs I created are for this year’s yearbook. The software I worked with was Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. This is a professional and very complicated software that is used by real graphic designers. Illustrator is mainly used for creating vectors. In our case, we were creating Aztec designs to go with the yearbook. InDesign is used for placing in the photos. Learning to use the software was a bit challenging, but I did well. In order to learn the new software, I worked on several beginner tutorials. Once I understood how to do the basics, I was given my yearbook tasks. I was tasked with creating templates for the GBAC template, the cover, the sports template, the class template and the table of contents. I made the first one in Illustrator. When it was finished I had to transfer all the designs into InDesign so that photos may be added. In this unit, we had several checkpoints. During these checkpoints, we got feedback from our peers and teacher about how to make our designs even better. It can be frustrating to have to go back and revise my work so many times, but in the end it is worth it because I have a better design.
How can the work, and skills you gained in this unit, be applied to your real life, or your future?
The most important thing I learned this Unit was revising my work and separating myself from my first idaea. This is crucial as, quoting Ms. Ashley, “Your first idea is never your best idea.” Each one of my templates and especially the Berkeley Times cover had to be re-edited again and again until Ms. Ashley was happy with the final product, which was not my personal favorite, nor my first idea. Additionally, we learned the importance of keeping up with deadlines. Especially when I was doing the class template, I had to finish on time, as a majority of pages use the template, and people from the yearbook club needed our templates to be done.
Reflection on Standards
Strength
Technology Operation and Concepts:
Demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems and operations
Explanation
For most designs that are required for me to do, I am able to use Illustrator and Indesign with ease, and when I get something more challenging, I can troubleshoot to find a solutions.
Weakness
Responding and Connecting: Interpret perceive and analyze artistic work.
Plan for Improvement
I find this the most difficult of all the standards. There is times when I get stuck on a design, and don’t know how to continue, even when given feedback.
