The Make It In Design Summer School.

I love keeping a design challenge going so when I saw the free Summer School advertised over on the Make It In Design website I couldn't wait. I signed up for two tracks, the Intermediate and the Advanced (there is also a Beginner's track) and eagerly awaited my first brief. In all there have been three briefs with two weeks in between to design and submit. Here I reflect on what I have achieved.

Brief 1
I was very impressed by the amount of work that had gone into producing the background information related to each brief. There were trend reports, inspiration, colour suggestions and mock-ups to use. Instructions were clear and encouraged an individual response. The first challenge for both tracks was interesting and I was able to develop ideas that I was really pleased with. Below you can see a peek of my ideas.

Brief 2 
I loved these briefs as soon as they pinged into my inbox. They enabled me to really have fun and experiment with lots of different ideas. Below you can see some designs that evolved from the starting points given. It was great because it was a change from the first set of patterns I produced. I was also able to post in the very supportive closed Facebook group attached to the Summer School. A great way to engage with fellow designers.

Brief 3
This is where I am now, designing for Brief 3! Again these have been great and I am enjoying them enormously! Submission date is Thursday. For each brief there has been a submission date which is great practice for designing to deadlines. Designs from all designers have then been published via an online gallery. It is fabulous to see the amazingly diverse work from everyone. Here is a sneak peek of my last challenge! Because this Summer has been more of a staycation for me it has been really useful to keep the creativity going and be challenged. I'll definitely sign up next year!