Throughout my time at Hydra I have been able to work on a range of internal marketing tasks and progressed on to external client work, dealing with a range software packages and work methods.
Some internal projects that I have been able to work on include social posts and display ads, which allowed me to work closely with the video department and create an understanding of the different processes required for tasks of this nature. This helped me engage with different departments and learn new skills across the agency, right from day one of my placement. I was also given the task of designing a wall graphic for Hydra’s conference room. This was something that took me completely out of my comfort zone due to its scale and having to design something for such a prominent position in the office. Initially, I found I was playing it very safe, however, following feedback from the team, I was able to push my designs. The final design consists of 152 Lego boards and 155,648 Lego bricks, which have just started to arrive, ready for assembly.
Between all this I was given the task of creating an infographic for Hydra, visualising who we are as a company and what we can offer. Following this, I began working on some client work including flyers, image manipulation, collation and resizing; which allowed me to learn new efficient ways of working and organising a mass of images. I’ll definitely be able to take these new skills away with me, to help me both at university and in my future career.
My key interest when starting my placement was web design, and by working alongside the development team I have been able to build a greater understanding of the processes and key stages that need to be followed. In terms of my design skills, I have been looking into XD's Auto Animate and learning these new prototyping features and applying them to projects, as well as sharing these skills with the wider team. Whilst working on wireframes and web design I have picked up a greater critical thinking and bolder approach on designs, this is something that I don't think I would have been able to develop without this time in industry and has helped me find a more effective and efficient way of working.
