CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSION

I have shown that a blog, as a tool used for expression and design, can become an extension of a designer’s creativity and personality. The blogs I have reviewed in this body of work clearly demonstrate how designers can personalise a blog to provide a successful platform to showcase their work, communicate with peers and followers and market their unique products.

I have outlined the benefits that blogging can create for the jewellery design student. Not only is blogging a valuable method of recording design and creative development, it can be utilised as a platform for the student to increase his knowledge of and contact with the jewellery industry.

The feedback I have received from Xtine Stepcic, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Design Lecturer, has been most positive. She has repeatedly remarked on the overall improvement of the first year Jewellery Design and Manufacture students design work. In conversation she spoke of how the students are communicating much more readily with her, improving their working relationship. By having to write on their blogs weekly, their thoughts and feeling are being expressed well, allowing Xtine to understand and communicate with them better.

Xtine has asked me to extend the project to the second year Jewellery Design and Manufacture students. She believes that they too would benefit greatly from converting their design diaries to blog format.

I have demonstrated that blogging as a subject would be a meaningful addition to the University curriculum.

If blogging is introduced in the first year of study the students would continue with their blogs for the duration of their studies. This would provide the lecturers with the ability to track a student’s progress. It will also be a useful tool to both student and lecturer during the external moderation at the end of each year, allowing the moderator to view each student’s effort and progress throughout the year.

I have personally experienced the positive outcomes of blogging. Since beginning my blog, Oh Dear, Megan my work has been showcased on other blogs. I have been featured on Between 10 & 5 twice and, on the second occasion I was interviewed. My work has also been featured on Miss Moss, a popular South African blog and Rooted, a South African online magazine (click here to view interview). These features have resulted in positive feedback, inquiries and business opportunities.

The value of a blog to support, assist and inspire the artist or designer should not be overlooked.