FMP - Personal Reflection on Project

This project has been one of the biggest I have done, especially the research aspect of it. From interviewing Claire from CLAPA to working with Ryan and getting his opinions and feedback. To reading articles and medical journals and finding out things I didn’t even know, and I was born with Cleft lip & Palate! It has been great to build a relationship with CLAPA and the future of this project looks bright. I have had so many more ideas for what I can do for it, continuing into the next term. But for now I think I have achieved what I set out to achieve and that was to educate and start a conversation about cleft lip and palate and to raise awareness of it!

Its been an emotional journey of self confidence and actually talking about past experiences I have had from bullying to doctors telling me I couldn’t do things. I will continue to break barriers and educate people on what cleft lip and palate is. I still don’t see it as a big deal but I have had to go through a lot to come to this conclusion of self acceptance and confidence in myself and my design ability.

There were a few problems along the way but there were overcome with creative solutions. I have broadened skills in trying new processes and revisiting old ones, as well as closing the laptop lid.

I cannot describe or put into words what I felt like doing this project. Because it was so close to me, I didnt think it would affect me emotionally but it really did. It pushed me so far out of my comfort zone that it got to a point that I couldn't really go back and had to just keep going.

My storytelling skills have defiantly improved as well as my copywriting as I needed to think of short punchy text to go with the posts. I have really enjoyed it though once I got past the point of over thinking, and wondering of its good enough to put out in the real world. But I developed the attitude of F***it and just be like its me. This is what I want to say if people like it cool and if not well thats their problem.

It has been weird working on my own after so long, as in some aspects its been beneficial to regain my confidence and I was able to work at my own pace. However, I did miss working in a team. I missed the ability to bounce ideas around and break concepts down, as well as the emotional support you give to one another to get through the project.

I really did push myself out of my comfort zone with this project. From getting in touch with Claire and interviewing her. As well as speaking and discussing further research and development with Ryan. I haven't really spoken about some of the stories that I decided to share on instagram, as it has taken me a while to get to a stage where I am happy to talk about being born with a cleft and thats been partley to do with this project. I am proud with what I achieved and will continue achieving and developing this project further.