Q3. How did your production skills develop throughout this project?

When I started working in the Media Studies domain, my production skills were very basic. I had a general idea of what I wanted to create — something elegant and meaningful — but I didn’t yet know how to translate that vision into a real media product. Over time, through research, experimentation, and feedback, I developed a much stronger understanding of how to combine design, photography, layout, and storytelling into one cohesive brand.

At the beginning, I focused heavily on research. I looked at existing magazines analysing their composition, tone, and use of imagery. This helped me understand what conventions define a professional publication and how I could challenge them. I learned how to analyse design through a critical lens — paying attention to typography, color balance, and structure — rather than just looking at the aesthetic.

Once I started designing my first drafts, I developed my skills in Canva, Heyzine and Photoroom, learning how to build layouts, manage grids, and create consistent visual identity across pages. At first, I struggled with spacing and alignment, but through constant testing and rearranging, I learned how small details — like font size or photo placement — can completely change the overall feel of a spread. By the time I finished my final issue, I could confidently use layers, guides, and adjustment tools to make the design more professional.

My photography and visual direction also improved significantly. Initially, I approached photography more like documentation, but as I learned more about composition, lighting, and tone, I began to think of each image as part of a visual narrative. I experimented with different styles — portraits, close-ups, and environmental shots — and learned how to use photography to communicate emotion and message. I also gained experience editing photos to fit the aesthetic of the magazine, keeping the tones consistent and balanced.

Another key area of growth was in creative decision-making and project management. Working on Global Lens taught me how to plan an entire production cycle — from research and concept to layout and final design. I learned to organize my workflow more efficiently by using visual mood boards, draft timelines, and test exports. This process helped me see the importance of time management and revision.

Beyond technical skills, this project helped me grow in critical thinking and self-expression. I learned how to make intentional creative choices — not just because they looked good, but because they communicated meaning. Every visual, font, and color in Global Lens serves a purpose: to make global issues feel modern, accessible, and human. This awareness of purpose transformed my creative process from intuitive to strategic.

Lastly, my understanding of audience and engagement evolved. Early on, I designed with only my personal taste in mind. But after conducting audience research and feedback sessions, I began to adapt my work to fit what readers actually connect with. This helped me find a balance between my personal creative style and professional audience expectations.

Overall, the development of my production skills throughout Global Lens has been a process of learning to combine creativity with structure. I started with a vision and ended with a product that reflects both aesthetic and strategy. I’ve become more confident not only as a designer but also as a communicator — someone who can turn complex ideas into something visual, accessible, and emotionally engaging.

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For the part of creative representation I chose to create a brochure to include all of my progress together with and audio explaining this steps of my journey:

How my production skills developed through this project

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