LO 5
Choosing Project
What did I do
After the client presentations, our group talked about our strengths and weaknesses. We discussed which projects we could handle and which ones fit our portfolio goals. We also shared which projects we liked personally and listened to each other’s opinions before making a final choice.
How did it go
The discussion helped me understand my own interests better. I really liked the music video project because I used to dream about being a film director. It made me realize I’m still interested in filming. In the end, we chose the Pride and Icon Films projects as a group.
What did I learn
I learned that it’s important to speak honestly about what I enjoy and what I’m good at. I also learned how to listen to others and make decisions together. This helped me feel more confident in what kind of work fits me.
Retrospective
Next time, I’d try to talk more clearly about what I want from a project. I’d also look deeper into how each project can help me grow. But I’m happy with our choice and excited to explore new tools in the Pride project.
Photography beginning
What did I do
After a photography class, I felt really inspired and went on a walk the next day to take photos. I experimented with angles, styles, and camera settings to create a strong photo set. Later, I also edited the images in Photoshop to better match the atmosphere I wanted.
How did it go
It felt great to explore photography on my own. While traveling with friends, I realised I enjoy taking pictures of people the most, because they feel full of life. Editing the photos helped me express the mood I had in mind, and I kept improving with each try.
What did I learn
I learned that photography really motivates me and fits my creative interests. This experience helped me understand what kind of photos I enjoy making and how much I love capturing real moments.
Retrospective
I want to keep learning by practicing regularly and studying portrait photography more deeply. I’d also like to improve my editing skills in Photoshop to better bring out the feeling I want in each photo. It’s something I want to grow in personally and creatively.
Job application for a Ukrainian Company
What did I do
I applied for a Junior Designer role at a Ukrainian cosmetic company I found on Instagram. To apply, I created a portfolio with my best work and highlighted my small job experience and university projects. I also completed a test task in Photoshop and InDesign, then submitted everything by email.
How did it go
The company responded that they chose another candidate. Even though I didn't get the role, I saw it as a positive step. Preparing the portfolio and completing the tasks helped me see what I can already do—and where I can grow.
What did I learn
I learned that I’m ready to take initiative and try real opportunities, even if the result isn’t guaranteed. It also made me realize the value of showcasing my strengths clearly and continuing to improve my technical and presentation skills.
Retrospective
Next time, I’d refine my portfolio layout and include more variety in my work. I’ll keep applying and use feedback or rejections as motivation to grow. This experience showed me how serious I am about improving as a designer.
Career Day + Next semester
What did I do
I attended the Fontys Career Day to explore different companies and understand which direction I want to choose for next semester. I talked with several design and AI companies, asking questions about internships and their focus areas. I also visited the profiles floor to learn more about Generative AI and Frontend.
How did it go
Talking with students and company representatives helped me see the differences between the courses. GenAI sounded interesting at first, but after hearing that it was very technical and business‑focused, I realized it didn’t fit my strengths. I also heard mixed feedback about Frontend, but I still felt drawn to it.
What did I learn
I learned that listening to others while also trusting my own interests is important. Understanding what motivates me helped me make a decision that aligns with my goals. I also realized that choosing a course is not only about difficulty but about what I want to grow in.
Retrospective
In the future, I’d prepare more specific questions for companies and students, so I can compare the options even better. I feel confident choosing Frontend because I want to build my coding basics, and this decision supports my personal development.
Dutch Design Week (Human Zoo)
What did I do
I visited the Human Zoo installations at Dutch Design Week to explore new design perspectives. I watched several pieces with strong visuals and psychological depth. My favorite was “Mutual Imprint,” where a hug triggers an animation, and I spoke with the Ukrainian designer who created it.
How did it go
Experiencing the installations helped me connect emotionally with the work. Talking with the creator gave me deeper insight into the concept and the production process, which made me appreciate the design even more. It was inspiring to hear how she developed it from idea to final piece.
What did I learn
I learned that interactive design can communicate feelings and ideas in powerful ways, and this made me reflect on what kind of work motivates me. Seeing someone from my own background create such meaningful work also encouraged me to believe more in my own potential.
Retrospective
Next time, I’d take notes or small sketches while exploring installations, so I can remember what inspired me and use those ideas later. This experience reminded me how important it is to stay curious and keep learning from the work of others.
Glow
What did I do
I attended the GLOW Festival again this year to explore the light installations around Eindhoven. For me, it’s a special experience to walk through the city and see how creative ideas come to life in public spaces. The atmosphere was lively and full of energy.
How did it go
I felt even more inspired by this year’s installations compared to last year. The way light, space, and interaction were combined reminded me why I love being part of the design field. It was exciting to see how design can shape a city’s identity.
What did I learn
I learned that experiencing design in real environments fuels my motivation and passion for the creative industry. Seeing how powerful and emotional these projects can be made me reflect on what kind of designer I want to become.
Retrospective
Next time, I’d try to visit with a more critical eye, thinking about what techniques or ideas I could apply in my own projects. Events like this help me stay inspired and remind me why I chose this creative path.
So now I love & hate filming and editing
What did I do/How did it go
I decided to take on filming and editing as my main task, even though I honestly doubted the choice before I even began. From the very first moment, standing in front of the camera felt awkward and unnatural. But after 20 minutes I began to feel more at ease, I started to enjoy myself. Once I moved on to editing, I felt a wave of excitement. I spent a full day searching for the right music, which turned out to be the hardest and most frustrating part. But once I found it, everything fell into place. I edited the sound, synced visuals, and even had to use a bit of AI coding to create a small animation. In the end, I loved the result and felt proud of what I created.
What did I learn
I learned that I’m more capable than I thought when I give myself time to adjust. I found out I actually enjoy the filming and editing process, even if it feels uncomfortable at the beginning. Trusting myself and staying patient made a real difference in how everything turned out.
Retrospective
Emotionally, this task started off heavy—I doubted myself and felt awkward. But by the end, I felt proud, energized, and surprised by how much fun I had. So, yes. Now I like filming and editing!
How it was, semester 3
For me this semester was so fun, engaging and difficult. I worked with new students, teachers and people in general. I chose completely new project for me because i never did it before. This semester and project helped me to become more organized and focused(because u have just one try to film interview). I learned a lot about filming and editing, which actually were my main goals for this semester. And also i realized that there is nothing impossible, because editing reels without knowing language was really fun but I really proud of myself that I did it. I would like to thank a lot my TWISTED group mates(but unfortunately they won’t read my portfolio) for staying always together and supporting each other. Would be so happy to have this semester one more time!
