LO5

After the client presentations, our group talked about our strengths and weaknesses. We discussed which projects we could handle and which ones fit our portfolio goals. We also shared which projects we liked personally and listened to each other’s opinions before making a final choice.

The discussion helped me understand my own interests better. I really liked the music video project because I used to dream about being a film director. It made me realize I’m still interested in filming. In the end, we chose the Pride and Icon Films projects as a group.

I learned that it’s important to speak honestly about what I enjoy and what I’m good at. I also learned how to listen to others and make decisions together. This helped me feel more confident in what kind of work fits me.

Next time, I’d try to talk more clearly about what I want from a project. I’d also look deeper into how each project can help me grow. But I’m happy with our choice and excited to explore new tools in the Pride project.

After a photography class, I felt really inspired and went on a walk the next day to take photos. I experimented with angles, styles, and camera settings to create a strong photo set. Later, I also edited the images in Photoshop to better match the atmosphere I wanted.

It felt great to explore photography on my own. While traveling with friends, I realised I enjoy taking pictures of people the most, because they feel full of life. Editing the photos helped me express the mood I had in mind, and I kept improving with each try.

I learned that photography really motivates me and fits my creative interests. This experience helped me understand what kind of photos I enjoy making and how much I love capturing real moments.

I want to keep learning by practicing regularly and studying portrait photography more deeply. I’d also like to improve my editing skills in Photoshop to better bring out the feeling I want in each photo. It’s something I want to grow in personally and creatively.

I applied for a Junior Designer role at a Ukrainian cosmetic company I found on Instagram. To apply, I created a portfolio with my best work and highlighted my small job experience and university projects. I also completed a test task in Photoshop and InDesign, then submitted everything by email.

The company responded that they chose another candidate. Even though I didn’t get the role, I saw it as a positive step. Preparing the portfolio and completing the tasks helped me see what I can already do—and where I can grow.

I learned that I’m ready to take initiative and try real opportunities, even if the result isn’t guaranteed. It also made me realize the value of showcasing my strengths clearly and continuing to improve my technical and presentation skills.

Next time, I’d refine my portfolio layout and include more variety in my work. I’ll keep applying and use feedback or rejections as motivation to grow. This experience showed me how serious I am about improving as a designer.

I attended the Fontys Career Day to explore different companies and understand which direction I want to choose for next semester. I talked with several design and AI companies, asking questions about internships and their focus areas. I also visited the profiles floor to learn more about Generative AI and Frontend.

Talking with students and company representatives helped me see the differences between the courses. GenAI sounded interesting at first, but after hearing that it was very technical and business‑focused, I realized it didn’t fit my strengths. I also heard mixed feedback about Frontend, but I still felt drawn to it.

I learned that listening to others while also trusting my own interests is important. Understanding what motivates me helped me make a decision that aligns with my goals. I also realized that choosing a course is not only about difficulty but about what I want to grow in.

In the future, I’d prepare more specific questions for companies and students, so I can compare the options even better. I feel confident choosing Frontend because I want to build my coding basics, and this decision supports my personal development.

I visited the Human Zoo installations at Dutch Design Week to explore new design perspectives. I watched several pieces with strong visuals and psychological depth. My favorite was “Mutual Imprint,” where a hug triggers an animation, and I spoke with the Ukrainian designer who created it.

Experiencing the installations helped me connect emotionally with the work. Talking with the creator gave me deeper insight into the concept and the production process, which made me appreciate the design even more. It was inspiring to hear how she developed it from idea to final piece.

I learned that interactive design can communicate feelings and ideas in powerful ways, and this made me reflect on what kind of work motivates me. Seeing someone from my own background create such meaningful work also encouraged me to believe more in my own potential.

Next time, I’d take notes or small sketches while exploring installations, so I can remember what inspired me and use those ideas later. This experience reminded me how important it is to stay curious and keep learning from the work of others.

I attended the GLOW Festival again this year to explore the light installations around Eindhoven. For me, it’s a special experience to walk through the city and see how creative ideas come to life in public spaces. The atmosphere was lively and full of energy.

I felt even more inspired by this year’s installations compared to last year. The way light, space, and interaction were combined reminded me why I love being part of the design field. It was exciting to see how design can shape a city’s identity.

I learned that experiencing design in real environments fuels my motivation and passion for the creative industry. Seeing how powerful and emotional these projects can be made me reflect on what kind of designer I want to become.

Next time, I’d try to visit with a more critical eye, thinking about what techniques or ideas I could apply in my own projects. Events like this help me stay inspired and remind me why I chose this creative path.