Reflection on achievements.

Below I have listed my achievements of today, and have also reflected on how I could have improved, or noted any obstacles I had to overcome.

Today's achievements:

• Today I went into Preston town to collect business cards. I was initially very apprehensive knowing that hairdressers are usually closed on a Monday I thought this would be a major limitation, as this is a profession most renowned for holding ‘business’ or ‘salon’ cards.
• I managed to pick up a range of business cards and cards with similar properties from companies such as: Regis, The Mall, Dr&Herbs, Samaritans, Scouts and Rymans.
• I found that charities used business-type cards a lot, however there’s was for a different reason, I called it a ‘pocket friend’, something victims, for example of domestic abuse, could carry around with them.
• Banks were keen holders of business cards for individual staff members to show intimacy with new clients. Alliance Leicester, Halifax and Lloyds provided cards for me.
• I later paid a visit to Granthams and saw a whole stand of mock business cards, alluring potential customers to try different formats and coatings, for example laminated, UV, gloss.
• There were also different weights of paper, different qualities and slightly different sizes.
• I found the standard size to be: 85x55 mm. The rounded corners and abnormally shaped cards added character, whilst still adhering to the main necessities of a business card.
• I also analysed example business cards and found some to be potentially useable, yet others had unnecessary additions, for example the signature strip.
• After including these business cards in my sketch book, and annotating them with regards to size, style, colour, format, imagery and information provided I them moved on to look at the floor plan.
• After researching basic examples of floor plans on Google Images, I used the search engine to generate a useful site for me. I discovered Floorplanner.
• I viewed a demo of a completed floor plan, both in 2D and 3D, which gave me great motivation to create something so professional in appearance myself.
• I also had a trial run of creating my own, just acquainting myself with the software.

In Reflection:

I feel that today has been as extremely successful day for me with regards to making progress. I have considered options for business cards that I never considered before – for example different shapes and the UV coating which really inspired me to be creative with my design.
I am delighted to have discovered floor planner software and will spend tomorrow getting to grips with the programme. I must also begin research into event invitations.
I am very happy to have all the work assembled in my portfolio and to have it sectioned off making it easily digestible and understandable.