What is the most profound thing you have learned about yourself and your creative practices through this course? Have you experienced moments of disruptive wonder? In what ways has your perspective on graphic design practice changed?

The most profound thing I’ve learned about myself and my creative practice through this course is that I really do well when I’m having fun. The presence of play in graphic design leads to personal enjoyment, fulfillment, which in turn leads me to produce good work! I think realizing that this is a really important if not integral component to my design process was healthy and really profound for me. The first project I did in this course, which centered on play (called “how to have fun if you are a designer”) gave me some insights that I tried to bring into the second project. Throughout both of these projects I think there were moments that I experienced some disruptive wonder, but to be honest, the schedule was pretty tight, and because of the external pressure of deadlines (and my work schedule) this was probably hampered a bit.
I think my perspective on graphic design practice has changed in the sense that I see my own practice as the result of a deep and complex process that can be charted or explained, but which often goes unnoticed (especially even to me). I think I’m much more aware of the role of process within graphic design and will look forward to seeing how this plays out in future courses and in my future endeavors.