FIRST ASSESSMENT | reflection

During my first year as an arts & design student, I took various courses including graphic design, drawing, painting, product design, philosophy, photography/video, art theory, education and an internship. Many of the works I created in these courses were exhibited during the major mid-year assessment.

Presentation day

As the final hours approached and last-minute preparations were underway, the pressure intensified. Although it first appeared that I had enough time to set up, it soon became clear that it wasn’t sufficient based on the work I’d accomplished earlier. This was my first assessment and public exhibition. My first time presenting my creative work to an audience.

Fortunately, I had thoroughly prepared the presentation and organized all necessary materials. In the days leading up to the event, my living room was covered in sketches, and charcoal stains marked my arms and face- Proof of the effort refining every detail I guess.

When the moment arrived, the nerves set in. Speaking about my work and articulating the ideas behind it was unfamiliar and daunting. I found myself instinctively pointing out flaws, perhaps in an attempt to soften potential criticism. Meanwhile, one of the instructors carefully reviewed my magazines and studied my drawings with genuine attention.

The feedback was encouraging. My work was well-received, though I was reminded of my tendency toward self-criticism. I was advised to develop more confidence in my artistic voice and to learn how to present and promote my work more assertively. In the end, I passed the assessment- celebrated, fittingly, with a toast: champagne in a cardboard coffee cup.