A PERSONAL JOURNEY OF CREATIVE EXPLORATION
As a graphic designer, I’ve discovered the power of passion projects in graphic design and that they hold a special place in our hearts. They ignite our creative fire, fuel our imagination, and allow us to break free from the confines of client work. In this blog post, I want to share my personal journey of exploring my passion projects in graphic design — I was tasked with creating a portfolio of my work as part of my final semester at university.
EMBRASE THE MAGIC OF PASSION PROJECTS
As a student and freelance graphic designer, passion projects have become important to me, leading me to uncharted territories and unveiling hidden potential. They offered me a chance to test the waters of commercial work without the pressures of dealing with paying clients. These projects have not only helped me learn new techniques but also refined my skills and found my artistic identity.
Typography
Typography has always fascinated me, and my passion project “Ubuntu” allowed me to delve deeper into this art form. Completing a case study on a single font was daunting to begin with but it certainly cemented my love of typography. This was originally a Tafe assignment that I reworked and you can view it here. Posters are another great way of using typography in a creative way. Some of my designs can be seen here.
Image left – Front cover of the case study.
My Rock Collection
“‘My Rock Collection’ began as a passion project, a simple appreciation for the beauty of rocks captured through the lens. I was on a search to photograph something different, something left field. Now, it’s on the cusp of transformation—evolving from a passion project to a small online business named ‘My Terra.’ Join me on this blog as I will be sharing some of the journey of ‘My Rock Collection’ as it shapes into ‘My Terra,’ a testament to dedication and adoration for our land.
Image right – A framed photo from “My Rock Collection”
Zen A Day - My Future Passion Project Plans
This is my passion project plan for February 2024, when uni is complete – “Zen a Day”. I have challenged myself to create a daily zen doodle for a month. You can just let your mind wander and see where it takes you.
If you are considering taking up zen doodling, Felt Magnet has a great blog post that is worth a read.
Image left – a zen doodle card received from a friend which has sparked an interest to give it a go.
TOOLS AND RESOURCES THAT IGNITE INSPIRATION
Procreate
Procreate is a powerful digital illustration app that has become my go-to tool for passion projects. Its intuitive interface and extensive features allow me to bring my ideas to life seamlessly. Unleash your creativity with Procreate and experience the joy of digital illustration.
Dribble
Dribbble is a vibrant community of designers sharing their work and inspiring one another. It’s the perfect platform to gain exposure, seek feedback, and connect with like-minded creatives. Join the Dribbble community and embark on a journey of inspiration and collaboration.
Linkenden Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of online courses and tutorials, all at your own pace and convenience. I have expanded my skills and learnt new ones by spending many hours following tutorials and competing tasks.
In conclusion, the power of passion projects in graphic design is undeniable, and my personal journey in exploring them has been a transformative experience. These projects have not only ignited my creative fire but also provided me with invaluable opportunities to experiment, learn, and grow as a designer. They’ve allowed me to venture into uncharted territories, refine my skills, and uncover my artistic identity. From delving deep into typography with “Ubuntu” to capturing the beauty of rocks in “My Rock Collection,” and embarking on future endeavors like “Zen a Day,” these passion projects have been the driving force behind my professional and creative evolution. So, as I embark on this ongoing journey, I encourage every designer to embrace their passion projects, for they are not just a creative outlet but a source of continuous growth and inspiration.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I have been able to grow as a graphic designer through my passion projects. Creative projects reveal the potency of creativity and the potential for growth. It was suggested that I add passion projects to my website for a uni task, and originally I thought, I don’t have any, but on reflection I do, and now these task have a name, and they have become my passion projects.
As I reflect on my journey, I realise that my passion projects have been so beneficial to my growth as a designer. They have nurtured my curiosity, expanded my skill set, and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty of design in everyday life. Each project has been a stepping stone toward building a diverse and impressive portfolio that showcases not only my technical prowess but also my love for creativity. I’ve learned that these personal endeavors are not only fulfilling but also beneficial in demonstrating my versatility and commitment to prospective clients. They stand as a testament to my dedication and adoration for the art of design, and I’m excited to see how they continue to shape my future as a graphic designer.
Header image – Freepik