Full Sail Online: Project & Portfolio 2, Week 4

As we wrap up our Project & Portfolio class, two assignments are due. One requires us to use all of the projects we've created for  ad campaign (and then some) and create a proposal using InDesign. The second assignment is an assessment of the class.

I believe Full Sail is constantly updating their curriculum to offer the best possible classes relevant to our field of study. I'm not sure if that is why there seems so be so much confusion as to what classes we've already completed, but there is. We have only utilized InDesign one time and that was simply clicking, inserting images, and changing text. Luckily, we have Lynda at our disposal but it just seems odd to require a final assignment in a program we've had no formal instruction on.

We also were instructed to make our class assessment in the form of a video. There is an update posted in class that because we have not yet had our digital audio/video class that we may simply reply in a standard text post. For one, this isn't accurate; we just came from that class. We also were required to create a commercial in Week 2 based on our experience in the class that he's claiming we never had. Which is it? We don't have enough experience to film ourselves talking about the class informally but we do have enough experience to create and edit video for an ad campaign. The DAV class should be irrelevant for this anyway because very early on in the program (before any classes of much substance) we were required to make a reflection video. We also did this in our digital photography class. It's a completion grade and we weren't going to be graded on content. So, why does the DAV class even matter in this instance? Most of us opted to not make the video.

I also have only received few and random grades thus far. Week 1 is pretty much graded, Week 2 is not, and Week 3 has one grade returned. All with little or no feedback on the assignments. It is a little irritating considering this final project contains all of the assignments we've worked on, yet we have a very unclear idea if what we've done is acceptable.

The assignments that do have class averages (meaning, I just didn't get my grade yet I suppose) are all in the high 90's. Most people in this instructor's other class report getting 100's for everything. I'm getting the feeling that there is something that goes on behind the scenes that creates a situation in which instructors benefit more from passing a student than helping them develop.

As we go though classes, we're told it is a good idea to make connections with instructors and students for networking. I have found maybe one instructor that I have felt like maintaining contact with. Others merely seem along for the ride.

I can't imagine my next class (College Math) will yield much more in the way of instructor interactivity because I don't think it will be necessary. Even so, these last three classes have been quite a bummer as far as instruction goes.

Full Sail Online: Project & Portfolio II - Design

These types of classes are strewn about my program. They each involve different assignments based on the knowledge gained through previous courses and some of the fundamentals of design. This particular module includes designing a cohesive ad campaign for a celebratory day.

Week One- Pick Your Day & Make Your Logo

World Nerd Day Logo

Given a decent sized list of days to choose from, I decided upon World Nerd Day. I’m a nerd, my husband is a nerd, my son is a nerd, and my daughter is half-nerd. I know the culture, interests, and activities associated with nerdism and thought it would be really fun to design in honor of such a fun, although fictional, day.

After creating some concept sketches, I came up with my logo and designed it in Adobe Illustrator. My instructor gave me some feedback to help tighten up the logo and this was the final result.

Week Two/Three- Short Format Video, Social Media Mockup, & Outdoor Advertising

First, we had to create a short commercial for our day. This included music composition, video editing, and delivering our message in 15 seconds or less. You can see mine at the bottom of this post.

The first time I’ve ever edited a video was in my previous class where I learned the skill. I’m still building my skillset in that area and I’m far more confident in my design capabilities than in my video making/editing capabilities.

Next is a social media mockup. Only one is required but I believe I’m going to go with a two-pronged approach. My Facebook mockup can be seen below and I’m still deciding whether I’ll be utilizing Twitter or Instagram for my second. Instagram is in the lead, though.

Earlier in the week we had to complete a discussion post about the different types of outdoor advertising. I never realized there were so many different types of “billboards” that utilize all sorts of technology. Perhaps I’ve seen them; I just never really gave them much thought (other than what they were advertising).  Admittedly, I haven’t started on this yet other than brainstorming. I plan to get this rocking tomorrow.

Week Four (next week)- Client Presentation & What I Learned Video

Because I haven’t posted about this class week for week, I’ll include this here. We are provided an InDesign file that sets up our client presentation. All the work done for our celebratory day thus far will be included as well some information regarding tone, look, feel, and a general overview.

The What I Learned video looks to be a 0 or 100 grade. There is no content grade and the instructor seems to want us to be brutally yet entertainingly honest. I loath doing these videos but the pressure is much less considering merely doing it will earn me the completion grade.