F.A.F.F

This week is reflected by the simple acronym F.A.F.F. I could really end this entry here as this encompasses my entirety at this current moment. However, this may be severally detrimental to my progression on the course and also being let through the door on Monday morning. So I shall explain;

F stands for;

Factotum, this is how I would describe myself this week, or actually every week. This was most appparent as I approached the week in my usual unbalanced fashioned, unbalanced in every sense of the word !

A stands for;

Arduous, this is how I would currently define A3. This is mainly due to creating the content for the site. Equally reaching the required level of work for next week’s feedback session will be reflected in this word. Another significant word which could easily substitute Ardous would be Arrrrggghhh ! ! (not in a pirate sense, but more a horrific realisation of the work-load sense).

F, number two, stands for;

Fast, this describes my realisation at how I can work when I put my mind to it. Equally fluid could replace this word. This discovery resulted from the two morning lecture sessions which revolved around creating a finished business card in 30 minutes (including a range of initial designs and a final printed version). I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the week and it gave me a real buzz to work under such pressure.

F, number three, stands for…..wait for it……

Floccinaucinihilipilification! This is how I would describe this blog entry. However, it has enabled me to fulfil my new resolution DO NOT FAFF !


So on that note I shall close, this weeks targets are;

• Complete content
• Create lots of screen designs in colour
• Work on obtaining assets
• Work back into A4 essays

False Contractions ?

This week I’ve realised I’m expecting and instead of the usually 9 months I only have 7 weeks, and already I’m nearly half way through! Now as you can imagine this has come as a massive shock to myself, but it does explain a lot of peculiar experiences I’ve been going through. So I’m trying not to panic and I’m working on my breathing….isn’t that what they tell you to do?

This realisation occurred when I experienced a sudden burst of pain mid week bought on by the delivery requirements. It was a familiar ache, yet still caused the same discomfort second time around. With every painful contraction I questioned if it was coming, or was it just a false alarm? I’m sure any expectant mother has the same worries, and equally those of more experience can glide through the process, glowing all the way. Alas not I, still every Monday the morning sickness overcomes me; have I prepared well enough for what is to come? Should I be taking it easier through the birth? I guess these concerns are perfectly natural, or so my midwives reassure me! But I know I can’t worry too much because soon it will be upon me and there’s still so much to do.

Of course there are many pleasurable parts of the experience; strange cravings for ‘fresh tastes’ and indulging in creative passions in preparation for the new arrival. Equally, there’s a certain amount of enjoyment gazing at the beautiful creations of others, or, snidely casting your eye over some of the less desirable efforts. Always, with the knowing assurance that, of course, I will never make the same mistakes they have.

So, I think things seem to be going to be okay and as long as I listen to what the professionals say I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’m still having trouble trying to comprehend having twins, especially giving birth to them simultaneously, but I’m hopeful!

Targets for this week

• Settle on a name
• Get to grips with the technicalities of the birth
• Continue to enjoy some ‘fresh tastes’
• Indulge in some creative preparations

Sculpture Anyone?

After reading the second year blogs on the sculpture park I felt inspired to go. I mentioned it to Steve and he said it might be possible dependant on interest. So, is anyone else interested?

Living the Non Lossy?

This weeks learning has been some what of a revelation and has enabled me to make fundemental discoveries about my life as I know it. Now at this point I would urge Steve not to get too excited as, despite his commendable delivery of the course content, this discovery is more a result of 'self-study’. In fact it is possibly more a result of the ‘dangerous’ excesses of thinking time employed between my travels between civilised Norfolk and some place they call Wakefield!

These life changing events began on the morning of 13th of November as the topic of compression was introduced to the group. Of course the talk was essential to our progression as Interactive Media Designers, or Graphic Artists, to be politically correct! Equally, when coupled with the input we’d been given on colour it was obvious we were building a strong 'technical amoury' to enable many future victories on the design battlefield. Yet, sadly, it was not this 'geek' driven vision which fuelled my moment of revelation. In fact it was the implications that compression and colour had in the context of my day to day life.

As we all know one of my, and many others, major downfalls is time management, or at least the lack of it. Every week is an on going battle to squeeze everything in. So I began thinking of this ‘time’ as a file or a number of files which all could be found in one ‘folder’, the ‘folder’ entitled; ‘Michelle’s life’. The folder, having been created in 1980, was getting pretty full and compression of the major files had been performed. The only problem being the wrong type had been applied, causing a lot of ‘Artifacts’ and in some cases loss of information and colour. The folders were as follows;

Rebecca.gif - In theory a loss-less compression, yet there is a significant reduction in colour range and vibrancy.

Work.jpg - No real noticeable differences to the human eye and overall quality still good yet information has been lost. Recent overly progressive compression is starting to cause defects.

HND.png - Is of a higher quality than ‘Rebecca.gif’ but is no comparison to Work.jpg where it shows noticeable anomalies.

So, to conclude, I feel firstly that some things simply shouldn’t be compressed. And if done continually there will be severe loss of quality until the file becomes obsolete, unable to compare to the original in any way. Secondly, you need to make sure you’re apply the correct compression format to files or qualitive comparisons will shock you and in some cases causes distress and discomfort. Lastly, never delete or save over the original files, that way there is always the chance to start over.

With this revelation now firmly embedded in my thinking I will endeavour to meet the following targets this week;

• Complete compression essay
• Amend TDR essay
• Amend Production Schedule
• Delivery Requirements
• Choose websites for competitive analysis
• Re-organise my original ‘Life’ files

Extreme Design

This week it seems I decided, unknowingly, not to continue to with the usual study but embark upon a stomach churning adventure. Which, in hindsight, I have no hesitation in recommending for classification as an extreme sport. The journey began as reading week came crashing to an end. All that I hope to comfortably achieve was now traumatising my mind as I desperately tried to float off to firework land but with no avail. The pressure I felt over the weekend was tremendous and I began to resent the commitments I had made which were, ever increasingly, eating away at any remnant of freedom I once enjoyed. So the familiar blackness of Sunday evening enveloped my mind and exhaustion prevailed once more.

I awoke Monday, unsurprisingly, in a state of despondency. Still questioning my decisions and contemplating a move to the HNC. The only positive was the fact I had got out of bed and I still was determined to go to college, even though I felt grossly unprepared for the presentations, which I had once been looking forward to. So I arrived at college after practising my talk to a number of unappreciative and unresponsive roads, vehicles and trees. My mind felt a little more settled more in the fact I had accepted my fate and a gentle slide into insanity.

The atmosphere at college was sombre, there was to be no gentle re-introduction, we’d hit the ground but were we running? My only comfort was in the fact I believed in myself and my ability to ‘fly by the seat of my pants’, as I’d done fair too regularly in my teaching career. So with wings desperately flapping I bumbled through my presentation to Steve. Steve who I knew I’d let down by not keeping up the correct level of communications in emails and blogs. I didn’t feel good, I didn’t feel in control and overall a huge wave of disappointment washed over me. Only I could take responsibility for the emotions I was experiencing and the slight burst of relief at completion of the talk was not enough.

My anxiety stayed with me for the rest of the day. I was impatient to know my grades for the first 2 units, as I was certain this would seal my fate. However, my spirits were greatly lifted by talking with the other members of the group. It helped me to re-focus and appreciate what life is really about; enjoyment. So I decided to just go with the flow and make the most of what was left of the day. I guess this was wishful thinking and as we re-grouped after lunch the atmosphere once again became suffocating.

My emotions were still in a state of turmoil, I questioned my every decision; about travelling, my financial commitments, how neglectful I’ve been of people closet to me, all in order to succeed on the course. What had it all been for? I had re-signed myself to a referral, a referral which would create a work load I felt I simply couldn’t cope with………then suddenly, I heard the word ‘pass’.

Confusion…….relief……..guilt……..compassion……..emptiness.

Now a few days on things are settling down and introduction of the new units helped to wash away the emotional perspiration which had clung so defiantly to my skin. Once again the realisation of why I’m putting myself through it all is with me again; the passion I have for Design or Art! So I’m back inspired, stimulated and enjoying being amongst others who share my passion.

I just want to congratulate everyone on their achievements so far regardless of their results, we have all worked so hard. Equally I was in admiration of how professionally everyone dealt with the difficult situation we were faced with. Each and every one of you have my respect.