Evaluation

I knew when I first started this project, it wouldn't be easy, however I totally underestimated how hard it would actually be! Saying that though, that in no way implies that I didn't enjoy every minute of the experience. There is nothing easy about setting up your own business, and there's so many more elements of work involved that you don't even realize exist until you actually get to it!

Throughout the project, despite my experience in the graphic design and publishing world, it was still a massive shock to the system the amount of work that had to be done and the amount of responsibility that I had over the whole process. I can safely say that through this experience I've learnt so much about the graphic design and publishing industry.

Plymouth Student, for example, has taught me the way deadlines work in the industry, how to network, how to negotiate with people, how to correctly format layouts for print, how to organize people, how to maintain professional relationships and so much more. It was also a great experience to work with a team of people, and was interesting to see how the dynamics changed with friendship being involved.

Despite all this however, I would do a fair bit differently, but I think it all takes time to learn from mistakes, especially with the start up of a brand new business with no experience in doing so. I would be more organized with my time so I could more productively use my time to get certain things done. I'd also try and organize so someone else would be in control of the distribution, since through the decisions and mistakes made, it's definitely a whole job for someone else without any other responsibilities.

Obviously, the project is currently live, so I will always be facing challenges as PS continues into the future. Already, there has been some changes made to help the running of the business more smooth and for me to take more of a role of editor and director, rather than overseeing and doing everything. I'm excited as PS develops and expands, and am very grateful for the opportunity I've been given to allow this dream of a publication to become a reality.