I have begun to implement changes into site I have been working on.
I was also asked to create a small 'Happy Birthday from Extrados' email graphic (initially for one of the people on the office, but also to be used for others later on).
I also created and set up a Facebook group for Extrados Solutions by Peter's request. For this, I also modified a version of the logo so it was optimised for Facebook.
Even through setting up the Facebook group for Extrados is technically not a part of a graphic designers duties, I was happy to help. I believe it was my standing as a young, technological and social-media savvy intern that I was asked, as opposed to my role as graphic designer.
Most businesses, including Extrados, are starting to realise the potential of social-media. When this occurs, usually the middle-aged CEOs and managers in charge, turn to the younger demographic, for help in order to update their company to the new age, least they get left behind.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Week 5
(20/5/2011)
I continued working on the breakfast invite as well as creating a customer service graphic for one of the sites. I also continued to work on the site design in Photoshop.
As my internship comes closer to the end, I consider my future career options, specifically, the possibility of working for Extrados as a Graphic Designer.
This quote, taken from the readings is particularly relevant to me:
“Creative people are usually driven by curiosity and tend to be more intrinsically motivated - more interested in the rewards of intellectual discovery than in financial or status rewards. Therefore, they are often considered odd both by the general public and by fellow practitioners.
But the reason innovators are less concerned with money and power is that they get their reward directly from their work. They are satisfied by the excitement and wonder involved in the process of: discovery - a fulfillment no amount of money can buy.” (Gardner, 2001)
When I reflect on this, I can relate to the intrinsic value of my creative work that Gardner talks about. If I were offered a position at Extrados, doing what I am at the moment, I think I would be glad to take it, not only for the monetary benefit, but equally as important, for the enjoyment I receive from working in this field and for this company.
I continued working on the breakfast invite as well as creating a customer service graphic for one of the sites. I also continued to work on the site design in Photoshop.
As my internship comes closer to the end, I consider my future career options, specifically, the possibility of working for Extrados as a Graphic Designer.
This quote, taken from the readings is particularly relevant to me:
“Creative people are usually driven by curiosity and tend to be more intrinsically motivated - more interested in the rewards of intellectual discovery than in financial or status rewards. Therefore, they are often considered odd both by the general public and by fellow practitioners.
But the reason innovators are less concerned with money and power is that they get their reward directly from their work. They are satisfied by the excitement and wonder involved in the process of: discovery - a fulfillment no amount of money can buy.” (Gardner, 2001)
When I reflect on this, I can relate to the intrinsic value of my creative work that Gardner talks about. If I were offered a position at Extrados, doing what I am at the moment, I think I would be glad to take it, not only for the monetary benefit, but equally as important, for the enjoyment I receive from working in this field and for this company.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Week Four
Today I continued to work on a website design in Photoshop, and I have also been given an additional task of creating an invitation for a breakfast. As it is for a company event for a technology-based company, rather than a reunion dinner (like the last one), my approach will be quite different in the design.
I am usually working independently, on tasks that have been set for me. This encourages me to figure out how to approach each task, and to utilise my time accordingly.
Although my own work is independent, I have also been helping my fellow interns with some creative advice on the layout and IU for their projects. I am glad to have opportunities to work with them, and they are appreciative of my feedback.
This allows me to practice working with others (another of my objectives), without necessarily working in a group on the same project.
I am usually working independently, on tasks that have been set for me. This encourages me to figure out how to approach each task, and to utilise my time accordingly.
Although my own work is independent, I have also been helping my fellow interns with some creative advice on the layout and IU for their projects. I am glad to have opportunities to work with them, and they are appreciative of my feedback.
This allows me to practice working with others (another of my objectives), without necessarily working in a group on the same project.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Week Three
After the break, I finalised the email invite, subject to last minutes changes, and it will be sent out next week if the provided information is correct.
I also began breaking down one of the websites I had reviewed in order to be able to restructure and redesign it. This was done by separating each pages graphic and text assets and storing them in an folder archive. This will help me to understand the content and features I have to work with, and enable me to add new content easily. I also sketched out the global and local navigation and links for the website in a branched structure so I could understand the user paths easier.
At Peter's request, I am using a template for a Project Plan that Extrados usually uses and filling out the required segments. I will have to conduct some information gathering with Peter so I have all the necessary pieces to begin (re-)building the design.
I believe that these processes I am going through will help me to achieve one of my aims, which is to work to industry standards.
I also began breaking down one of the websites I had reviewed in order to be able to restructure and redesign it. This was done by separating each pages graphic and text assets and storing them in an folder archive. This will help me to understand the content and features I have to work with, and enable me to add new content easily. I also sketched out the global and local navigation and links for the website in a branched structure so I could understand the user paths easier.
At Peter's request, I am using a template for a Project Plan that Extrados usually uses and filling out the required segments. I will have to conduct some information gathering with Peter so I have all the necessary pieces to begin (re-)building the design.
I believe that these processes I am going through will help me to achieve one of my aims, which is to work to industry standards.
Week Two
(pertaining to Thursday 21st April)
I continued working on the invite for Peter. In addition, Peter asked me to make a quick, small "Happy Easter from Extrados" graphic to be emailed out that day.
I greatly enjoyed this small project and Peter was quite pleased with my design. It may be that he has given me these smaller tasks in order to see my design style on a smaller scale, without having to go through a long involved project process.
Even though this projects are smaller ones than most, I am still determined to give my full effort and utilise all my skills and knowledge to complete them.
In my working life in the past, I have always striven to give my best, regardless of the nature of the work given to me, whether it be customer service, IT services, or even pizza delivery. I believe my attitude and work ethic is what has enabled me to succeed in past and I trust it will do the same for me in the future.
I continued working on the invite for Peter. In addition, Peter asked me to make a quick, small "Happy Easter from Extrados" graphic to be emailed out that day.
I greatly enjoyed this small project and Peter was quite pleased with my design. It may be that he has given me these smaller tasks in order to see my design style on a smaller scale, without having to go through a long involved project process.
Even though this projects are smaller ones than most, I am still determined to give my full effort and utilise all my skills and knowledge to complete them.
In my working life in the past, I have always striven to give my best, regardless of the nature of the work given to me, whether it be customer service, IT services, or even pizza delivery. I believe my attitude and work ethic is what has enabled me to succeed in past and I trust it will do the same for me in the future.
Day Two
(Pertaining to Thursday 14th April)
I got to meet the the other intern from Griffith University today, they are all IT-based students working on websites and web-based apps for the company.
Peter, (Managing Director for Extrados) also had me start on a small side project for the design of a formal email invitation for a function. I had to utilise a few communication skills to extract the information needed from Peter, as he was a little vague at first, and usually only contacted me via email. In the end, however, I was able to gain the information I needed to complete the project. I intend to present him with my drafts and make changes accordingly using his feedback.
Although reviewing and analysing the website was interesting, I am quite enjoying creating the design for the invitation. I hope to work on on more graphic design projects in the future, as I find the work agreeable, challenging and exciting. In addition, it allows me to work on and practice my graphic design skills, which is one of my aims for my internship.
I got to meet the the other intern from Griffith University today, they are all IT-based students working on websites and web-based apps for the company.
Peter, (Managing Director for Extrados) also had me start on a small side project for the design of a formal email invitation for a function. I had to utilise a few communication skills to extract the information needed from Peter, as he was a little vague at first, and usually only contacted me via email. In the end, however, I was able to gain the information I needed to complete the project. I intend to present him with my drafts and make changes accordingly using his feedback.
Although reviewing and analysing the website was interesting, I am quite enjoying creating the design for the invitation. I hope to work on on more graphic design projects in the future, as I find the work agreeable, challenging and exciting. In addition, it allows me to work on and practice my graphic design skills, which is one of my aims for my internship.
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