Preparing for your mock exam

Preparation for mock exam

Hello designers. The mock exam for Graphics Design is in 5 weeks and you must make sure that you have enough development work to create a final CD cover in two days. Below is a list of the development/refinement work that we have covered in lesson and would be integral to completing a successful response to the design brief.

Blogger:

·      I would expect to see a description of what the brief (completed lesson 1)

·      Your definition of what typography (completed for homework) should be included to show that you understand the key terms.

·      You created the word memories using a range of Photoshop filters. This demonstrates that you are developing your editing skills, so definitely is worth including.

·      You need to include a description of who Neville Brody and David Carson is and evaluate a range of their work (This should have been completed in lesson).

·      We have developed ideas by trying to recreate some of the effects created by Neville Brody and David Carson. I would expect to see all of this work on your blog, along with an explanation of WHY you have included it and HOW it relates to the brief.

·      Remember to include the imagery that you created based on lyrics that relate to your memories

·      You completed an “Idea Focus” word document. Make sure that you have explained what your focus is and why you have chosen it (e.g. memories of Armthorpe). You should also include your mind map and word-wall on blogger, along with an explanation.

·      Your blog should also include any research relevant to your idea. I would expect a range of posts that include:

>Research from the Internet (Images and information)

>Information relating to your family (e.g. their memories if they relate to your idea).
>Your collage that you finished for homework
>Any photographs that you may want to include in your work (e.g. Could be faces of friends, objects, poses of Carson’s/Brody’s work)
>Any of your own sketch work that you would like to include

>Cuttings from magazines etc

·      The definitions of keywords that I set for homework.

·      You should include your research into the content that should be included on the CD cover (annotated CD covers).

·      A description of the ‘Net ‘work that you have been creating in class and your final decisions. Remember additional marks can be awarded if you clearly show how you have taken one ‘Net’ idea and refined it to make it better.

·      Your mini project ideas (remember that you should have a mini-project for each part of your CD cover). Clearly state how they relate to your focus.

·      The refinement of the mini-projects that you are currently creating (e.g. I tried this, it didn’t work, so I did this.)

Remember that the refinement stage is worth 25% of your overall grade; so don’t just settle for the first image that you create and try and a range of effects that we covered in lesson.

Folder work:

·      ‘Net Designs’

·      Any sketches relevant to your idea

·      Collages

·      Any non-computer related research (e.g. newspaper/magazine cuttings)

The key to achieving a high grade:

·      Record everything - Recording ideas is worth 25% of your grade so be descriptive on your blog. State WHAT you have been doing, WHY you have been doing it and HOW it related to the brief/your idea for each post.

·      Be organised – Make sure that you know what you are doing and why. You cannot expect to achieve a high grade if your work does not clearly show the development of an idea from start to finish.

·      Be creative – Although you are basing the work on the style of Brody/Carson, the examiner will expect to see that you have put your own stamp on the concepts. Try to be as unique as possible and don’t just copy.

·      Wear your heart on your sleeve – Make the project personal to you and don’t worry about what people think. If you love football, have family in other parts of the world or want to express your feelings, then show it in your work.

·      Believe in your idea – The best designers that I have ever worked with have always believed in their idea’s ability to portray the correct message.