LIVE PROJECT - WEEK 5 - Learning Agreement

This week I wrote my Learning agreement which is basically a written statement of what you plan to achieve over the duration of the project, in terms of physical outcomes but also in skills and knowledge. The word count aim is 400-600 words and should include your aims and outcomes that are stated on the brief and a weekly plan that shows time management skills. 

MY LEARNING AGREEMENT

For this project, I have opted to take option 2 of 3 (Live Project). This project entails working closely with designer, Kait Bolongaro who will firstly inform us of the history of Bolongaro Trevor, their philosophy, consumer profile and details of their garments; how they are made, where the inspiration comes from and their key pieces.

We are split into three different groups, labelled with our chosen specialism (e.g Womenswear, Menswear, Communication). Our first job is to build a narrative for the collection by collecting research as a group and deciding on a final concept that falls in line with the brand’s current philosophy and aesthetic. We will then conduct a range plan, which will determine the size of our collection, taking the season into consideration (Autumn/Winter). From this range plan, we will work together to design garments that work coherently and carry out the brand’s design aesthetic and philosophy whilst also remaining modern. A design selection will take place, finalising the collection, which will lead onto pattern making and then garment engineering.

Our aim is to create 30-40 garments that work together to compose approximately 12 outfits. Communication students will be working alongside us to build an idea of the narrative behind the collection that will then be the center point for a lookbook, promotional video and any other marketing strategies. We will also be taking part in workshops that will hopefully strengthen our knowledge in technical areas of pattern cutting and garment engineering.

For assessment, I will be updating a weekly blog with continuous reflection and evaluation throughout. This blog will be a visual and written journey of my experience of the project where I will talk about tasks I have taken out during the week, notes that I may have taken, and things that I have learned. The reflection and evaluation element of my blog will help both me and my tutor to identify the skills and knowledge that I have gained during the project, as well as my general feelings in regards to my experience and progress.

I will also write a 2000 word report that will be presented in a logical and well laid out format with the use of relevant visuals. This report will include information on Bolongaro Trevor, my experience whilst working for the brand and skills that I have gained during the process.

I hope to develop existing skills but to also learn new ones. Particularly in pattern cutting and garment engineering as I feel that these skills will be most valuable and useful in the future, especially in third year. I feel that my current pattern cutting skills aren’t as advanced as I would like them to be, I would love to feel more confident in that area. I also hope to gain confidence in public speaking and working in a group as this is also a skill of mine that I feel needs more improvement. These two things have always been my biggest weaknesses and I would love to overcome them or at least feel more confident about them.