Final Capstone Reflection Journal Entry
The last requirement of the Capstone Project prior to your Exit Interview is to reflect on the
process by writing a final journal reflection. You must answer ALL the questions below.
Please use PARAGRAPHS IN YOUR WRITING AND INCORPORATE THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS AS HEADINGS.
When completed, please upload this document to your website under Capstone Evidence &
Artifacts Page. The title of your post should be “Final Capstone Reflection.”
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The Capstone is a unique and demanding challenge. In completing it, what did you learn
about your subject? Your skill set? Yourself?
Engaging deeply in the process of creating unique emoticons, I discovered that the art and digital
skills I previously deemed sufficient were just the foundation. The journey revealed intricate
details and complexities in digital design that I had not anticipated. What seemed like a
straightforward task of drawing emoticons evolved into a nuanced exploration of digital artistry,
emphasizing the precision and creativity required to craft expressive and appealing emoticons.
Initially confident in my capabilities, I faced numerous challenges that tested my technical skills
and creative thinking. The iterative process of designing, refining, and finalizing each emoticon
underscored the importance of patience and adaptability. These challenges honed my skills in
digital design software and expanded my understanding of visual communication. Moreover,
managing the project’s timeline and deadlines improved my time management abilities, teaching
me to plan effectively and prioritize tasks to meet objectives. Throughout the project, I
encountered periods of stress and pressure, primarily due to the responsibilities and expectations
tied to the Capstone. Despite these challenges, I realized my resilience and capacity for hard
work. I learned that with determination and effort, I could overcome obstacles and achieve my
goals. This project also highlighted my ability to endure and persist, reinforcing my confidence
in tackling future endeavors with a similar mindset.
How is your project relevant to you, the school or the community-at-large?
Emoticons play a significant role in my daily communication, allowing me to express emotions
clearly and efficiently. The desire to create my own emoticons stemmed from this personal
connection. For the broader community, the project aimed to provide a new set of emoticons that
are not only cute but also effective in conveying emotions. If these emoticons resonate with
others, they can enhance digital communication by adding a layer of expressiveness and
enjoyment.
What impact if any did your Capstone project have on yourself, the community, society?
Creating my own emoticons was a transformative experience that taught me about my strengths
and limitations. It pushed me to expand my creative and technical abilities while managing time
and stress effectively. For the community, these emoticons have the potential to enhance digital
interactions, making communication more vibrant and expressive. By sharing these emoticons, I
hope to contribute to a more engaging and emotionally rich online environment, fostering better
connections among users.
Thinking about the whole process and your finished product, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the significant effort and time I invested in my Capstone project and how
well it turned out. Balancing this project with other academic courses was challenging, but I
managed my time effectively. By breaking down the project into manageable steps, I ensured
that I didn't miss any updates and could steadily progress. I overcame various hardships by
researching solutions and seeking guidance from my mentor, demonstrating my dedication and
resilience.
What was a difficulty you encountered and how did you solve the problem?
One major difficulty I encountered was learning to use new technologies, particularly Procreate.
As this was my first time using the software, I had to invest time in researching its functionalities
and asking for help when needed. Through persistent effort and continuous learning, I gradually
mastered the necessary skills to create my emoticons.
What is one thing about your finished project you wish you could change? Why?
If I could change one thing about my finished project, I would enhance the emotional depth of
my emoticons. While I am satisfied with the overall outcome, I believe adding more expressive
details could have better conveyed the emotions I intended to depict.
What advice would you give to a student who will be completing their Capstone Project next
year?
To students completing their Capstone project next year, I advise starting with a topic you are
genuinely passionate about. Passion drives commitment and effort, making the project more
enjoyable and fulfilling. Additionally, avoid procrastination; adhere to deadlines as the Capstone
is a significant graduation requirement.
What specific source from your research helped you the most? (or least?)
The most helpful resource during my project was learning how to use Procreate. This skill was
essential for creating my emoticons and significantly contributed to the quality of my final
product.
What is one thing about your approach to your project that you wish you could change? Why?
If I could change one aspect of my approach, I would focus more on creating sets of emotions
that I wanted to express clearly through my emoticons. Adding more detailed character
expressions would have enhanced the emoticons' ability to convey specific emotions effectively.
This attention to detail would have improved the overall impact and usability of my emoticon
set.
