08/12/2014
Alex Tomlinson - "2014 Folio Builder of the Year" has just posted a review of Folio Builders:
"Just a few reflections on what I've learned this year with the help of Steve/Foliobuilders;
Upon beginning year 12 Visual Communication and Design, I was a student which ultimately lacked both direction and an understanding of the intricacies of design and the design process. Through the help of Foliobuilders, however, I was able to get my feet back on the ground. With the due date of my year 12 folio looming, Foliobuilders allowed me to expand my somewhat limited folio by filling the many gaps in my knowledge. Throughout my time working with Foliobuilders I learnt a great many things, including the different methods of thinking during the design process (convergent and divergent thinking) and the importance of not immediately launching into 3D sketching, exploring a range of 2D concepts beforehand. Perhaps one of the most important things I learnt with regards to the design process, however, was an intuitive and in depth method of concept selection, ensuring that I was able to pick concepts which suited the design brief most effectively. This is a skill which I am certainly glad to have and I’m certain will be applicable in further studies.
In addition to this, Foliobuilders also provided me with a variety of new technical skills in software packages such as Photoshop and Solidworks. This increased understanding of what initially seemed to be very complicated programs allowed me to present and refine my work to an exceptionally high standard, resulting in a final piece which was as production ready as possible and even 3D printed. Much like the techniques I learnt with regards to the design process, these technical skills will also be applicable in further studies, providing me with confidence and a strong foundation on which tackle the new challenges which university design courses present.
Overall, I found that Foliobuilders encouraged me to persevere and break through the initial frustrations which I experienced, solidifying that design is what I want to study during these coming years and pursue as a career later in life. So to those year 12’s that are perhaps unsure of how they feel about design (as simply a subject or a career), feel as if they are missing some important information/skills or even wish to simply refine their skills, then I would thoroughly recommend you check out Foliobuilders!" Alex Tomlinson - "2014 Folio Builder of the Year".
