Course Portfolio Examples

Lucas

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Career Interest — Preferred communications technology path (D3.1)

I’m most interested in becoming a front‑end web developer focused on accessible UI and visual storytelling. This pathway combines my strengths in layout, responsive design, and lightweight performance with a curiosity for motion and data visualization. I enjoy turning early sketches into interactive prototypes, iterating with feedback, and polishing details like typography, color, and micro‑interactions. Over the next year I plan to deepen JavaScript fundamentals, design systems, and accessibility testing, while building small tools and components that make complex information clearer and more engaging.

About — 100-word introduction (Mandatory)

I am a communications technology student with an interest in web design and multimedia. This portfolio collects five project artefacts completed for the course, showing process photos and short statements of intent. I developed the site using plain HTML, CSS and a small amount of JavaScript, and tested it in modern browsers. Building this portfolio helped me practice layout, responsive techniques and presenting my design decisions. I hope to continue learning digital media tools and consider possible careers in web design or digital communications.

Projects — Final products and process

Project 1 — Unit 1 Logo Design

Final logo balances geometric petals with clean type and subtle gradients. I refined anchor points and spacing for legibility at small sizes. Palette selection emphasizes contrast and brand warmth, tested across dark/light backgrounds and export sizes for print and web delivery.
Process Image
Project 1 process image
Process Work
  • Sketched floral badge concepts and gathered references for petal geometry.
  • Built vector layers in Inkscape 1.2, refining gradients and type hierarchy with Bézier tools.
  • Tested alternate colour pairs (RGB #ff6b6b / #7c3aed) with peers before locking the final palette.

Statement of Intent (70-80 words): In the unit 1 "Logo Design", I used Inkscape to design the graphic, applying techniques such as layering, gradients, and text layout. I incorporated principles of color contrast and visual balance, along with geometric composition rooted in mathematical concepts. During the creative process, i experimented with various flower shapes and background forms,ultimately resolving the challenge of unclear visual focus,The final logo is distinctive and creatively expressive.

Project 2 — Unit 1 Symbols and Signs

Finished transit map uses simplified icons, consistent stroke weights, and color-coded districts. Labels follow a clear hierarchy for quick scanning. I optimized spacing and symbol sizes for mobile readability, ensuring landmarks remain recognizable without clutter and that routes feel continuous and intuitive.
Process Image
Project 2 process image
Process Work
  • Researched icon libraries and noted which shapes communicate common services.
  • Drafted a pencil map to organize districts before digitizing the layout in Inkscape 1.2.
  • Iterated symbol sizing (18–24 px stroke, 2 pt uniform) to balance clarity and legibility on screen.

Statement of Intent (70-80 words): In the "Symbols and Signs" project, I created a map using Inkscape to represent various locations and landmarks. I focused on clarity and simplicity, using easily recognizable symbols and a consistent color scheme to enhance readability. The design process involved researching effective cartographic techniques and iterating on symbol designs to ensure they conveyed the intended information effectively. The final map is both functional and visually appealing.

Project 3 — Photographic Experiment

Selected photo showcases sunrise contrast and layered silhouettes. I balanced exposure to preserve highlight detail while reducing noise. Subtle cropping and local adjustments guide attention to the river reflections, reinforcing the narrative mood without overstating edits or losing the natural atmosphere captured on location.
Process Image
Project 3 process image
Process Work
  • Shot multiple angles at sunrise (ISO 200–400, f/8, 1/250s) to compare shadow direction and contrast.
  • Documented exposure settings and adjusted ISO to limit image noise in early‑morning light.
  • Reviewed contact sheets in Adobe Bridge, selecting frames that best supported the story.

Statement of Intent (70-80 words): In this photographic experiment, I explored different lighting techniques and compositions to capture unique perspectives. I utilized natural light and experimented with angles to create depth and interest in my photos. The process involved taking multiple shots and adjusting camera settings to achieve the desired effects. The final images reflect my intention to highlight textures and contrasts, showcasing my growth in photographic skills and understanding of visual storytelling.

Project 4 — Black and White Photography

Final portraits emphasize expression with directional light and deep shadows. I kept backgrounds minimal to reduce distraction. Contrast curves and dodging accentuate eyes and cheekbones, maintaining skin texture. The series reads as a set, unified by framing, tonal range, and consistent gesture-driven poses.
Process Image
Project 4 process image
Process Work
  • Planned shot list emotions and practised expressions with the model in a controlled studio setup.
  • Set up a single 500W key light (45° angle) with reflector cards to sculpt highlight and shadow.
  • Edited RAW captures in Lightroom Classic 12, fine‑tuning contrast curves (+30 blacks, –20 highlights) for drama.

Statement of Intent (70-80 words): In this black and white photography project, I focused on capturing emotions through facial expressions and body language. I utilized high contrast lighting to emphasize features and create dramatic effects. The process involved directing subjects to convey specific emotions while experimenting with different angles and compositions. The final photographs successfully communicate the intended feelings, demonstrating my ability to use monochromatic techniques to enhance emotional impact in visual storytelling.

Project 5 — Movie Scene Recreation

Process Image
Project 5 process image
Process Work
  • Storyboarded key frames while noting timing cues (0:14–0:22 beat markers) from the original sequence.
  • Coordinated props and lighting tests (3200K tungsten + daylight fill) to align mood and colour temperature.
  • Layered sound design in Premiere Pro 2023 and applied teal–orange LUT (FilmConvert Nitrate) for cinematic tone.

Statement of Intent (70-80 words): In the "Movie Scene Recreation" project, I aimed to replicate a memorable scene from a film using video editing techniques. I focused on matching the original scene's lighting, camera angles, and color grading to achieve a similar aesthetic. The process involved careful planning, filming, and post-production editing using software tools. The final video showcases my ability to analyze cinematic elements and apply them effectively in my own creative work.

Recreated scene matches key framing, lens perspective, and color temperature. I timed actor beats to original edits and built a simple three-point lighting plan. Grade leans teal–orange for cinematic contrast, with subtle film grain added to integrate props and backgrounds convincingly.

Research — Industry inspiration and skill development

To understand professional expectations, I gathered references on video editing techniques, photography resources, color theory, and lighting setups. These sources guided both the technical process and the creative statements for each artefact.

Video editing workflow and techniques

This YouTube tutorial demonstrated advanced editing workflows, timeline organization, and transition techniques that informed my approach to the movie scene recreation project.

Watch Video Editing Tutorial

Cinematography and scene composition

This video resource explored framing, camera angles, and visual storytelling principles that helped shape my understanding of recreating cinematic scenes effectively.

Explore Cinematography Guide

Stock photography and visual references

Pexels provided high‑quality reference images for composition, lighting study, and creative inspiration across multiple photography projects, offering insights into professional visual standards.

Browse Pexels Library

Color palette inspiration and theory

Muzli Colors offered curated color palettes and harmony principles that guided my logo design choices and helped establish consistent color schemes throughout the portfolio projects.

Explore Muzli Colors

Photography lighting techniques

Shotkit's comprehensive lighting guide explained key light positioning, reflector use, and shadow control techniques that directly influenced my black and white portrait setup and execution.

Read Shotkit Lighting Guide

References

References are formatted in MLA style to credit the research sources that shaped the process reflections and project statements.

  1. "Video Editing Tutorial." YouTube, 2024, https://youtu.be/3iVVM_DgWY4?si=NtF1YpMlk9rV1547. Accessed 15 May 2024.
  2. "Cinematography Guide." YouTube, 2024, https://youtu.be/hQigUH0vZSE. Accessed 15 May 2024.
  3. "Free Stock Photos." Pexels, Pexels Inc., 2024, https://www.pexels.com. Accessed 15 May 2024.
  4. "Color Palette Inspiration." Muzli Colors, InVision, 2024, https://colors.muz.li/. Accessed 15 May 2024.
  5. "Photography Lighting Guide." Shotkit, 2024, https://shotkit.com/photography-lighting/. Accessed 15 May 2024.

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