OUGD602: My Brand- Evaluation

My personal branding has been very fragmented throughout this year, not only because I started it at the very beginning and only got back to it mid April but also because I didn't know what I needed it for. I have been uncertain about where I'm going after university and so have spent most of my PPP external engagement finding out exactly what I want to do once I graduate, it was only up to last month that I realised I needed to produce a brand that kept my options open.

I love print making, graphic design and illustration, it seems a shame to have to bundle everything I have into one box and potentially cut myself out from a career in the other two disciplines so I've done my best to create branding that can apply to all three. I made sure my brand, be it in the layout, the pattern or the print packs demonstrates all of my skills in each of these subjects. This along with the adaptable print pack mailer means I can pursue all of these options and adjust little bits to suit what I am applying for.

It was for this reason that I chose not to produce a website. Right now I don't know what I would use a website for, be it an online store for prints or to promote myself as a graphic designer or illustrator and I didn't want to simply create an online portfolio when I already have a behance (and soon a dribbble) for that and I didn't want to use it for an online CV when I already have a linked in for that, perhaps in a couple of months when I have the time and space to consider my online presence that I will produce a website with hopefully as much adaptability as the rest of my branding- but currently it isn't needed and a waste of subscription money. I did have a website last year and paid for it, but I didn't use it or update it and it got little to no traffic so I have learnt not to have something just because you feel you should or because everyone else has one. 

Returning to the branding- I am pleased with it. I think I've successfully built on personal branding each year to finally produce something I am proud of and I feel represents me best. First year was a fumble, second year I got the look but the layout was atrocious and finally this year I am getting there. (Note I say getting there, I don't think I'll ever be fully done with updating my brand). But as of yet this is the closest I've gotten to producing branding material that not only suits me, but that is relevant to what I need from personal branding and hopefully it will go on to get me some work in the near future.