Evaluation

I've struggled with this module this year because at the start of the year I realised I actually don't want to be a professional illustrator. I was disappointed that the module became more focused on the professional side of our practice, when the personal side is so much more important to me. Arguably, my practice isn't and won't be 'professional' at all, but largely draws on my personal life and responds to my emotions. 

However, I have identified what I want to do instead of becoming a freelance illustrator. I still want to write and draw comics and graphic novels - y extended practice starting to explore one of my original concepts that I will eventually submit to a publisher, or self-publish as a webcomic series. 

In the next year or two after finishing the course, I want to go to zine fairs and sell some of my small press zines, to see what my market is, and start posting more comics on my  Instagram page. I will expand on the graphic novel concept, 'Doom Mates', that I've been working on within Extended Practice, and have it ready to submit to a publisher within the next five years.

My long term goal is to open my own shop/gallery/event space etc., to share other people's work as well as my own. I'm glad this course has taught me what I don't want to be, and shown me other options for my practice. I've also identified my need to manage my time better - although this partially comes from not feeling passionate about the briefs I chose to do or how I chose to do them over the last 3 years, I do need to keep track of how I spend my time. I think I work best visually, and a large calendar that is visible to me at all times might help me to organise myself more.

Presentation

Creative Presence Design Boards

Portfolio

Creative Presence: Website

My website is live! CLICK HERE

Start-Up Wednesday: Self-Employment

This was a useful workshop for me, because I'd much rather employ myself and be my own boss, than work for anyone. That even includes clients, but if I want to have my own shop or even just write graphic novels, I'll need to know how to manage my own finances and time.

Marketing is very important - HOW do I market myself? Instagram.

Need multiple sources of income, especially at the start - commissions (doing what I like doing - portraits/characters), book advances (are they actually a thing?), daytime work (Wilko or other).

TAXES!!! Keep a record of costs/expenses and expenditures etc - incomings and outgoings.

Don't undercharge - VALUE your own work. Have pride in my abilities and talent - my service and product.

Be NICE!! Who > what - make sure people want to work with me

Start-Up Wednesday: Marketing & PR

SEE PHYSICAL BOOKLET FOR NOTES

I've started thinking seriously about my plans for the future - I don't want to be a professional illustrator but I DO want to write comics and graphic novels, and own a shop/gallery/event space similar to Colours May Vary where I can showcase mine and others' work.

In the workbook we got from Anna Franks, I've written notes and reflections about my practice and my ambitions. 

Career Track Tuesday: Presentation Skills

Having the opportunity to actually present to a group of people I didn't really know actually increased my confidence presenting. In the end, I'm talking about something I love doing, and about myself - a topic I know a lot about!

The 5 main things to think about when presenting:

1. Speed
2. Volume
3. Pitch
4. Emphasis
5. PAUSE!

Don't rush. CONFIDENCE.

Hanbury Hall 26.01.18

Notes from symposium:

Blink Art & Big Active

• Agencies make it more possible for illustrators and other creatives to collaborate? With photographers, animators etc.
• Artists 'live in a vacuum' - agencies can add context and credibility to your practice.
• Blogs can be important if it's your thing - keep clients updated on your practice
• INDIVIDUALITY is important - don't look at what other people are doing/don't compare yourself to others
• Ask clients: "What is it about my work you really like?"

The Dots

• Creatives are 'no-collar' jobs - creative skills, job-hopping, project by project basis
• Machines can't replicate creativity! Our skills are valuable
• Diversity
• Portfolio tips: quality > quantity, tailor it to specific clients, START STRONG, include personality, show passion and enthusiasm, concepts not just final pieces

Anthropologie

• VISUAL MERCHANDISER - curating a shop space to make it inviting for consumers

Ricky Richards

• Pronto Projects - responding quickly to events like national disasters - work becomes iconic and goes down in history!
• Influence of Inputs - generic input = generic output
• Look for interesting/obscure source material
• Preposterous PR - unique responses that make you stand out, like Mr. Bingo!

• Self-directed projects are the MOST important. Show passion and individuality.
• Don't put things in your portfolio you don't want to do again.
• Animation is a great skill to have with rise of internet. 
• IDEAS > style

It's Nice That & Nobrow

• People that aren't suited to commercial publishing
• PERSONALITY!
• Brave enough to do your own thing
• ELCAF - run by Nobrow
• Treat Instagram like an online portfolio
• BUT it doesn't need to be serious
• BE HUMAN - people like helping graduates, they've been there
• DO MY OWN THING

Business Cards

At a zine fair I did last year, I used these stickers as my business cards. I want to continue using them for Hanbury because they're fun and personal like my practice. I can draw something individual on each one and the hand written type adds more personality! Plus I can stick them on people!