OUGD501 Context of Practice - Module Evaluation

This module has been particularly hard for me, specifically picking a topic/question to write about - initially I chose a subject that was too wide and not appropriate to create a strong argument about, this meant I had to narrow down my ideas to get a finalised question. I think i found this harder than last year because I had already been given direction, because this module was more independent I struggled a lot directing myself - i liked to be told what to look at rather than look myself. Although looking for something myself helped me research something I was particularly interested: Traditional print, letterpress. By learning and exploring this medium it has helped me think about what I would like to write about next year I would like the possibility to learn about sign writing but particularly in context - so whether or not sign writing suits its context. SO for example 'Tesco' - would this still give the same visual identity in a hand painted sign? Although very broad right now this module his geared me up for next year and believe I am ready to tackle the 9000 words.

Some things I like this year:
I really enjoyed exploring with my practical it was very therapeutic and in result I have some really good looking prints - its also given me the idea to use this in my own practice.

Some things I could of done better:
Time management at the beginning of the year - I was very good at managing my time but when I hit the bump in the road with my essay it meant I was pushed for time writing, this is not something I had anticipated as I like to pace out my essay. By doing my research over summer for COP3 Im hoping this won't happen again because I will be more prepared, I also intend to start writing aswell.

Essay:
I enjoyed writing about letterpress and finding more things about the techniques and process's the only downside was it was hard to chose what to write and what not to write as the subject once i researched became broader and broader, if i could expand on my essay I would of liked to add more image comparison and possibly more context into the process of letterpress if i were to do this my essay would of been too long - even so the stuff i haven't included but i am aware about has widen my knowledge on both the letterpress and traditional print.

Practical: The practical was by far my favourite of the module I found this came really easily in comparison to my essay, I found it easy to come up with ideas to show my process and how I could share the same feelings with the people who use this medium as a first come basis. I really connected with my work and practitioners such as a burrill, I enjoyed playing with colour exploration and textures, I will be continuing to experiment over summer with the letterpress for my own personal use.

overall although this module was initially difficult to start I feel learning about the letterpress has allowed me to progress in my own practice as I am heavily inspired by traditional print - I would like to further explore handmade craftsmanship in cop 3 (seen in my proposal)