Wednesday, 26 October 2011

October reading week 2011 - review

It is now October the 26th 2011, I have had a good first half term of college, lived the student life to the full - a heavy balance of drunken antics and fun to not so much work. Briefs have been read lecture notes have been written but the beer has always come first. I have used this week to set my priorities right and get on with some reading, drawing and essay prep. I am now up date with work set over the past few weeks and plan to get 'cracking' with the briefs set that are in for Christmas.
I am also very much looking forward to getting my hands on my timber I ordered for my first workshop project - the two draw cabinet, just a few more dovetails to practice first.

Dave

Sunday, 16 October 2011

Why Am I Here - What do I want to....

Task 2
1, Identify and explain 5 reasons why you chose to study on this program.

• I wanted to progress from A-levels to a higher education course.
•  I have always been very interested in design and making is a passion of mine and this course just fit the bill.
• It is the perfect opportunity for me to develop my skills in all areas and achieve a degree at the end.
•  Leeds College of art is a highly regarded institute to study at.
•  The college is within travelling distance if I were to move back home.

2, Identify and explain 5 things that you want to learn during your time on the program.

• I want to learn how to use CAD at a proficient level as it will help me throughout my designing and making and on into industry.
• Build up a range of making skills in the workshop both hand and machine production allowing me to become a very versatile and employable furniture maker.
• How work out costings of materials, labour, transport ect - to be well equipped for when I finish the course.
• I want to improve my ability to communicate my ideas, both in drawing and writing.
• How to cut Japanese dovetails accurately.

3. Identify and explain 5 skills that you think are your strengths.

• I think I am good at expressing my ideas, both verbally and on paper.
• I am already quite competent at using hand tools in the workshop although there is much more to learn.
• I have quite a good understanding of and ability to use the machines in the workshop.
• I am an active person – enjoy racket sports and rugby - table tennis.
• I have good organizational skills, in terms of work, deadlines, money ect.

4. Identify and explain 5 things you want to improve.

• I want to improve my essay skills, to allow me to write good dissertations for my degree.
• Gain more confidence in myself, meeting new people and believing in my work etc.
• Broaden my skills-set, to become employable and successful.
• My fitness, to become a better downhill mountain biker.
• A better artist and designer to support my making skills.

5. Identify and explain 5 ways that  you will evaluate your progress.

• I can refer back to my portfolio of previous work as it is in chronological order.
• Keep this blog going and compare work from the dates posted – written, practical and drawing work.
• Get an opinion of my progress from my peers in ‘crits’ and evaluations.
• Get feedback from my tutors on my BA course, both informal views and formal assessments.
• I am still in contact with my design teaches from A-levels – which would allow me to get their views on my progress through my degree and after.

6. Identify 5 questions you want to find the answer to.

• Where will I be 10 years from now?
• Is ‘clustefuck’ a term used though out furniture making of just a Richard Jones classic?
• How do you go about writing a 8000 word essay?
• What is my true passion in life?
• Will I ever win the lottery?