Reflection

In my Public Relations Publications class we were asked to research and find two stakeholders to make a direct mailer for The University of Oklahoma’s Recruitment Office. The first stakeholder I chose was 17-18 year old High School Seniors in the state of Texas looking for an affordable University. The second stakeholder I chose was Transfer Students from 2 year colleges in the state of Oklahoma.

I was excited and nervous to take on this task because I have never designed a direct mailer before and didn’t know where to start. I was excited to learn more about Adobe Photoshop and how to design a direct mailer.

I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I did my first couple of drafts. Luckily I had design response from my professor about what I needed to be aware of and what I needed to change to make my mailer print ready. I enjoyed working on this project and have learned a lot that I did not know before. I think that I enjoyed this project because I have expanded the knowledge I have in Photoshop and now know how to make a direct mailer.

I definitely feel myself becoming more and more comfortable with Adobe Photoshop. I find myself not looking for what each symbol on the sidebar is and I just start designing without having to double check which tool I am using. I did notice that the jpeg is less colorful than the psd.

I like Adobe Photoshop and InDesign and working with both I now feel more confident in the design process. If I had to pick one of the two I think I would pick Photoshop because I feel more comfortable and don’t second guess myself when designing. I do however want to feel just as confident with InDesign so hopefully I will get there before the semester is over.

If I could do anything different I would’ve shot some of the pictures I used on a sunny day instead of a cloudy day to make the pictures brighter. I am please with my two designs. Below are my two stakeholder direct mailers in order.

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