Action Plan

I have produced various actions plans but, this is the final one.

Action Plan

By 2019, I will have a degree in Graphic design along with a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and a Level 3 Diploma in Art and design. These qualifications have helped me to get to university now, when I achieve my degree, it will help me to achieve my next life goal; a career within the Graphic design sector.

Before I can make my action plan, I need to research what opportunities my degree will give me, along with the pathway opportunities that can become available. The career path I have decided to go with is Graphic design. The options that I have decided to have as a backup plan is, Brand and Advertisement developer, Medical Illustrator and Art Therapist. The reason why I have decided to be a graphic designer is due to the amount of creativity that is available in this job role accessing my skill set whereas the other options are very specialised. When I finish university, I want to be able to develop as a designer, then I will move on to specialising such as my backup plan options.

To be able to achieve a career in this sector, I will need to gain some experience. How I will do this is by contacting agencies to see if they will give me the opportunity to have an internship, placement or, allow me to shadow. With my placement, I would like to gain experience in web design, packaging, books and magazines, branding, advertisement and any other opportunities the company may have to offer. I would also like to gain new skills including a stronger knowledge of design programs, the ability to understand a client’s needs, find solutions, strong artistic sense, the ability to multitask and confidence in presenting and explaining ideas.

SWOT analysis

Strength	Opportunities
Digital Media	I can use modern day technology
Print Making	Most design are digital, this makes a bold statement
Team Management	Able to work in a team well
Research	Produce accurate work
Web design	Growing career as technology enhances

Weaknesses	Threats
Typography	It is needed for most design based work
Animation	It is a basic skill I need to know as a designer
Visual Merchandising	Limits some career opportunities
Presentations	This is a necessity in the design world
Videography	Not exactly needed but the basic knowledge is helpful

Action plan steps

·       Create a CV and covering letter

·       Research graphic design career paths

·       Plan and develop and online portfolio according to chosen path

·       Create an online portfolio (Adobe Portfolio)

·       Keep an up-to-date Blog

Graphic design agencies that are not looking for interns/ placements

·       Contact the following agency’s ‘Parallel Creative’, ‘The Jade Studio’ and ‘Twentytwo digital LTD’ (Coventry graphic design agencies)

·       I will say and ask the following bullets points…

1.     I am a second-year BA (Hons) Graphic Design student at Coventry University. I am keen on gaining experience within your business as either a placement, internship or shadowing.

2.     I have created book covers, coded a website, created a brand identity within a team where I was the group manager, created a short clip, motion imagery, photography and produced two poster designs for ‘The Angel Vaults Inn’ pub (JD Wetherspoon).

3.     I have experience with working in various Adobe programs including, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premiere Pro.

4.     List the days I am available to work (March till May).

Application for companies looking for interns

·       Also apply for internship with ‘Ignite Hospitality’ and ‘Pinghe’ (adjust CV according to description of job)

·       Possibly chase up application with a phone call

If I am unsuccessful

·       If I am unsuccessful with gaining experience with one of the selected companies, then I will freelance or do the brief offered by the university

Freelancing will allow me to gain better communication and organis