IN MAKING MEDIA, TRUST THE PROCESS
My adventure via Making Media has been incredible after 12 weeks of learning. The journey is filled with emotion—a bit of a mixed blessing. In this reflection, I will discuss my course-related learning experiences and how they could benefit my future profession. I generally succeed in developing planning skills from A to Z for the photo shoot section. In addition, I have learnt how to make magazines and my portfolio website using various professional Photoshop tools, such as Indesign.
​
I had never planned a photoshoot before and underestimated the preparation period since I assumed it was unnecessary. Nonetheless, my mindset shifted following the magazine photoshoot. When we arrived at the filming location, Phu Binh village, even though our team had listed the risks and contacted the interviewer and had their acceptance over the phone, they refused our request to take images and do an interview. I was angry at first, but then I cooled down and recognized the risk was caused by our carelessness in not double-checking with the interviewee and asking permission in person beforehand. However, our team was already exhausted because we had been working from 7:00 am. We tent to cancel the shooting section, but I am aware that if we do, we will not be able to meet the deadlines. I convinced my team to visit every home in that village and ask the residents about the substitutes. Since then, I learned a crucial lesson from this experience: I can only meticulously prepare; I cannot force others to do what I want. In addition, I must make intellectually rather than emotionally choices when faced with a difficult situation.
​
This experience has helped me to improve my planning skills, particularly risk management and problem-solving. Before, I used not to be a careful person, and I would neglect the pre-event preparation phase. However, I have learnt that the more details I prepare, the higher success I get. Having planning skills helps me manage time, tools and resources to reach a goal, and it allows me to use resources efficiently and prepare for the unexpected. I will develop these skills by finding more effective planning strategies on Youtube and ask advice and experience from my friends who pass the courses. This experience is valuable since it will aid me in my future profession. Understanding the process of planning for photoshoots will help me become a good art director that can conduct creative projects effectively.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
In addition, this course helped me advance my design skills. Adobe seems too hard to use, so I have never considered it. I was apprehensive about using a new app like InDesign because I am used to utilizing mobile photo editing applications like Vsco and Picart. At first, I was stressed because I did not know how to do basic things like input photos, and I thought I could not pass this course. Although I understand the tutorial, it is different in practice. However, I have solid foundational abilities and can develop them to produce work that looks professional because of the attentive training I received from my instructor, Mr Soumik. I appreciate the lecturer's patience because he needs to repeat simple concepts a lot. Furthermore, I worked with a brand-new Wix platform for assignment three to create a portfolio website. I struggled to choose the theme and layout that could make my website look professional. Because of having a high ego, I do not want to ask for help. Moreover, I am afraid of peer review sections as I do not want to be criticized. Nonetheless, I realized I could not carry everything on my own. Hence, I need to consult SAS and the lecturer to ensure that my website meets the requirements. I also ask my friends' feedback; surprisingly, their constructive opinions help me create an excellent website.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Through this learning experience, I have learnt to be patient with myself when approaching new knowledge. Learning is a long process; if I rush, I just put myself in a toxic learning environment. Moreover, the peer review learning style is helpful; I will apply it to future courses. I no longer hesitate to ask for help, and I accept that receiving feedback is part of self-growth.
The website's layout, theme, and content were all modified three times. Despite the effort, I believe it is worthwhile because it will be conducive to me in the future. I found that a content creator who knows design can express ideas more effectively and develop aesthetic ability. Besides, multiple skills are essential to help me adapt to this changing world and expand my opportunities for several jobs. After this course, I will continue to improve my design abilities by watching tutorial videos on YouTube and creating graphics for my club's social media projects.
In a nutshell, this experience will live on in my memories. I gained vital skills, which are planning and design skills and a "never say never" mindset as a result of this course. I am no longer terrified of new things and am also calm about problem-solving, which will inspire me to produce more creative projects in the future. This course's grade is no longer necessary to me. Success, in my opinion, is a journey rather than a destination. The process is often more essential than the result. I value my excellent lecturer, fantastic teammate, and every moment I spend with the Making Media course. On my behalf, the lyrics of "Never say never" will bring this emotional journey to a close:
I will never say never.
I will fight
I will fight 'til forever
To make it right
Whenever you knock me down
I will not stay on the ground
Pick it up, pick it up
Pick it up, pick it up, up, up
And never say never
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​