Why am I here - What do I want to learn?

I chose to study on this programme:

1. As a mature student it felt the best platform to pursue a creative career.
2. The structured programme and intense learning appealed to me more than a course nearer to home which was less hours.
3. Fred's obvious enthusiasm and commitment came across on the Open days
4. I liked the idea of attending a Specialist Art College and the courses links with the Industry and D&AD
5. The location; although the commute can be a pain it is achievable.

Five things I want to learn on this programme:

1. Packaging nets and design
2. A deeper understanding of typefaces and layouts
3. Practical printing and colour management skills such as preparing files for Print in the correct format
4. Understand and designing for Branding and Identity
5. Website set up and design 

Five skills which are strengths:

1. Enjoy researching to the nth degree and beyond to inform and develop ideas and concepts.
2. Project management skills such as achieving deadlines
3. Hard work and tenacity
4. As a mature student I have broader understanding of the world generally and more life experiences to bring to briefs
5. Analytical, confident with the use of spreadsheets and handling data.

Five things I would like to improve:

1. Confidence and speed in hand drawing ideas
2. Designing Layouts particularly more confidence with thumbnails
3. My attention to detail particularly in being able to spot strengths and weaknesses in other designer's work 
4. Refocus and apply myself to the course after the summer break 
5. Increase and improve skills in Adobe software particularly Illustrator and Indesign.

Five ways I will evaluate my progress

1. Re-visit the level of work I was achieving last year and ensure this year's is stronger
2. Evaluating my peers progress in line with my own
3. Asking for feedback from Professionals outside the course
4. Revisit this task in January and April
5. Be honest with myself and also with tutors when considering my progress

Five questions I want to find the answer to?

1. Which Agencies Between Manchester and Leeds are open to Mature students
2. How to value my time?
3. What subject will I be able to write 8000 words about?
4. What it means to be a Freelance Graphic Designer and how do you get work?
5. Is it possible to get special print finishes on a small run?And how much it costs?