Capstone Component Three: Professional Reflection


My Capstone experience has allowed me to admire and feel confident about my work. Before starting this journey, I needed to be more optimistic about my work and question my creativity. Still, as the weeks progressed, I could appreciate my knowledge, creativity, work, and quality. The previous experience provided by the program was technical, giving me the tools, knowledge, and understanding of how to approach creative projects. However, the Capstone experience took me on a more personal path where I could appreciate my work from a different point of view which ultimately led me to find my self-confidence as a graphic designer and creative professional. Southern New Hampshire University's website describes the objective of the Capstone experience as a way for students to show their mastery and creative thinking. (“What Is a Capstone Project in College?” n.d.) Overall, while building and refining my portfolio and website, the Capstone experience made my spirit and morale while providing the assurance that I have what is needed to succeed in the professional field.

While refining the selected pieces for my portfolio, I incorporated the feedback from my peers and professor. The most crucial part of implementing the information I received was imagining (and sometimes doing) the recommended alterations without deviating from the initial instructions or concept. Yes, I wanted to use all feedback, but I had to ask myself if those changes would compromise my self-expression and creative voice. Staying true to my vision was a priority as, without it, my work would not have my heart and passion behind it. However, feedback was an essential part of this process which I'm thankful for as it allowed me to view my work differently, not only by receiving it but also allowing me to learn from the critiques I was providing to my peers. Feedback was a scary idea initially, but by the end, it became an indispensable tool that helped me look at my work and overall confidence. The Buffer website defines the type of feedback I provide to others as a “modified criticism sandwich,” which utilizes praising to deliver criticism. (Seiter, 2018)

The academic lessons, knowledge, and experiences I have had throughout the program will be the core of my professional life. Today, I can see what I have learned and mastered with each of my selected portfolio pieces. This knowledge provides assurance that I can create whatever is needed because I have the technical knowledge and understand the elements and principles of design and craftsmanship of my chosen creative career. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) encourages to make professional careers out of current hobbies. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) encourages to make professional careers out of current hobbies. (Crosby, 2001) Before, I had the ideas; now, I have the tools, the proficiency, and the drive to thrive. Before, I had the ideas; now, I have the tools, the mastery, and the drive to succeed.

As a consumer, I expect those who create and deliver content to be responsible; I am also critical of the content and think of how it adds to our society. As a content creator, I respectfully approach ethical principles and social responsibility, regardless of the medium. In addition, I want my work to be inclusive and elevate who we are. The Professional Association for Design (AIGA) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Graphic Designers is a good reminder of what clients, peers, and the public expect of our work and professionalism. (“Professional Association for Design Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Graphic Designers,” n.d.) As designers, we are responsible for the content we produce; a design can bring people together or create more turmoil, which can become the only thing associated with us as professionals. It is up to a designer to decide if just one negative creation will define their career. Therefore, keeping our responsibility up front while designing should be a priority. Awareness of our societal issues will also help keep our products away from interpretations we do not want to be associated with as competent designers. As a graphic designer, my work ethic considers acknowledging collaborations, original works, and following copyright laws. By following these principles, I guarantee results in my career, which I'm proud to stand for.

My original goal when I began this creative academic adventure was to inspire my ten-year-old son. I wanted him to see firsthand that sacrifices do pay in the end and that learning has no age or stage in life because there is always something new for us to master. Knowing that he was involved in my decision motivated me to go beyond any goal I had set for myself as a student. In addition, sharing this journey with my whole family has been an incredible experience that has made us all closer and more supportive of each other. My account is not unique; according to Today's Parent magazine, monetary gains are not the prime reason for parents to return to school. (“Adult Education: What It's like to Go Back to School as a Parent,” 2020)

Unfortunately, my hidden self-doubt had not allowed me to envision a professional life impact or change. Still, after finding my confidence, a fire is guiding me to pursue my passion for creating. I want to share my creativity with others, no matter the scale of their interest, as an employer or viewer of my work. If I were not to make any professional changes, I could still apply my education to my current profession, which has always been a great plus in the overall experience. Therefore, I have not discarded the possibility of continuing my education and adding a master's degree in UI UX design or related. My newly found confidence, along with the completion of my education, has me open to opportunities that, until months ago, would make me nervous. Now, I'm prepared and ready to explore my degree's possibilities.

References

  1. Adult education: What it's like to go back to school as a parent. (2020, June 11). Retrieved December 15, 2022, from Today's Parent website: https://www.todaysparent.com/family/family-life/what-its-like-to-go-back-to-school-as-a-parent/

  2. Benefits of Completing College. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2022, from Utah State University website: https://www.usu.edu/uwlp/files/Confident-Stronger-Sense-of-Self-BCC-Series.pdf

  3. Crosby, O. (2001, October). From Hobby to Career: Transforming your pastime into a profession. Retrieved December 18, 2022, from United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website: https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2001/Fall/art01.pdf

  4. Professional Association for Design. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2022, from AIGA website: https://www.aiga.org/

  5. Professional Association for Design Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Graphic Designers. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2022, from The Ethics Code Collection website: http://ethicscodescollection.org/detail/c9e2e263-695c-4109-906e-8a96e1e26330

  6. Ramirez, R. (2022, July 7). What To Include In Your Graphic Design Portfolio (Even if You're a Beginner) - Self-Made Designer. Retrieved December 18, 2022, from Self-Made Designer website: https://www.selfmadedesigner.com/graphic-design-portfolio/

  7. Seiter, C. (2018, May 9). Step-by-Step: How to Give and Receive Feedback at Work. Retrieved December 16, 2022, from Buffer Resources website: https://buffer.com/resources/how-to-give-receive-feedback-work/

  8. What is a Capstone Project in College? (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2022, from Southern New Hampshire University - On Campus & Online Degrees | SNHU website: https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/education/what-is-a-capstone-project