5.05.2010
5.02.2010
Russell Hancock- Graphic Design and the dotted line...
Russell Hancock came to talk to us about his experiences of being a freelance graphic designer after he graduated in 2006. Leaving university, Russell set up 'SOUP' which was a collaborative group who registered as self-employed. Having very little money the group worked for free to try and get established, however as Russel put it, they got 'shafted' as their first illustration he created got totally manipulated by 'Swell Music.' There were no terms and conditions in place and as the work was done for free they just had to let this one go.
The main point of the lecture was for Russell to give us some pointers in what to do and look out for within the industry:
Get money and signatures upfront
Getting people to pay for design isn't always easy
Be sure but be aware of your opinions
Assess free work carefully
Act professional and be treated professional
Ask your mum, i.e think about your design audience
Remember people and be remembered
Sometimes clients are bad
You need good interwebz
Become organised
Get out and socialise
All of these points are such important things to consider and Russell gave us prime examples to back these up which made us completely more aware that it happens. We also learnt how to 'price' ourselves in terms if freelance rates, Russell very kindly provided us with a set of documents including terms and conditions, fee proposal's, invoices and a cover letter which we can utilise if the opportunity ever occurs.
As well as talking to us about the above, we learnt of Russell's development within the freelance world. Most interesting was the take over of the art noveau 'Regal' cinema in his home town of Evesham. We were told of the rundown cinema owned by someone who wanted to let it rot in order to build flats on the land, Russell created a series of images which were to be used as simple decoration on the outside of the building. The work was declined, and Russell took the campaign further by creating a very unique petition. To cut a long story short, he managed to raise enough signatures, the cinema has now been taken over and Russell is being involved in the entire refurbishment and re-branding of the cinema. Such a brilliant opportunity has come of this initially small, low budget campaign and it just goes to show if you want something really badly you will achieve it with hard work and determination.
A really fantastic lecture- similar to the 12in12 talk given by Craig Oldham there were many useful points to consider when we finally graduate in July. I felt reassured to learn that everyone faces difficulties and feel it is important for us to be shown the 'harsh realities' of the design industry. I relish at the idea of having my own company, so I found it a very insightful lecture and one which I am keen to take inspiration from for setting up on my own, finger's crossed that one day I will be able to make a successful career like Russell has done.
Some images from is campaign:
Portfolio Review: Craig Oldham
My first portfolio review was on Thursday at design agency Music over in the NQ. Before the meeting with Craig Oldham I was really anxious and constantly questioning my own practice and whether my portfolio was right, but I suppose there was to be no right answer. Previous to the meeting we were asked to email Craig, approaching him to give us the opportunity to have a review with him. Even though the sessions were guaranteed the way in which we approached was to be included in part of our feedback, in my email I talked about being familiarised with the work done at Music mentioning a particular piece. I felt that it was important to show I knew who I was approaching and their place within the industry. Craig metioned it was important to be personal on the email, including the actual name of the recipitant rather than just sir/madam. I had also made the right decision in attaching my C.V and few images of my work. Receiving positive feedback on my approach put me at ease and the rest of the review was an enjoyable and inspiring experience.
There were four of us in the review, each showing a totally different portfolio's and own methods of working which illustrated the establishment of our own developing practices. It was an insightful experience hearing how others presented their work and Craig's responses and feedback especially because throughout the year we have rarely seen the work of others on the course.
I had recently purchased a new portfolio, I had to because it had purple suede lining and I was excited to be able to show it off! I had kept the pages of my book quite simplistic and the images quite large although I feel it might need refining before we have to display it at the degree show. When it came to talking through my work, there were certain points when I just wasn't able to communicate what I actually wanted to say about the pieces, in particular my response to the brief, '100.' I had no specific reason why I chose to hand cut 100 ways to say hello on 100 postcards, other than because I wanted to. Immediately Craig told me if I didn't like a project and couldn't discuss my reasons behind it, then it simply shouldn't be in my portfolio, a very valuable piece of advice which I will take with me when assembling my portfolio to take to interviews. All in all, the feedback I received was positive and Craig pointed out my portfolio was illustratively strong with evidence of my training in design. It was pleasing to hear someone in industry hi light the areas of my work he felt were strong and the process in which I worked, providing me with some confidence to continue working in a way I choose and to stop doubting my own practice so much.
Sometimes it can be hard when your on a design course being up against some very talented graphic designers who work predominately with digital media, especially when your like me, and all about the hand-made and hand rendered techniques. I was really pleased I attended the session, I had many reservations surrounding the work I have produced up to now, but talking to Craig has reassured me that just because I do not have a graphically strong portfolio, it is still strong in other area's which will hopefully allow me to withstand a position within the industry.
There were four of us in the review, each showing a totally different portfolio's and own methods of working which illustrated the establishment of our own developing practices. It was an insightful experience hearing how others presented their work and Craig's responses and feedback especially because throughout the year we have rarely seen the work of others on the course.
I had recently purchased a new portfolio, I had to because it had purple suede lining and I was excited to be able to show it off! I had kept the pages of my book quite simplistic and the images quite large although I feel it might need refining before we have to display it at the degree show. When it came to talking through my work, there were certain points when I just wasn't able to communicate what I actually wanted to say about the pieces, in particular my response to the brief, '100.' I had no specific reason why I chose to hand cut 100 ways to say hello on 100 postcards, other than because I wanted to. Immediately Craig told me if I didn't like a project and couldn't discuss my reasons behind it, then it simply shouldn't be in my portfolio, a very valuable piece of advice which I will take with me when assembling my portfolio to take to interviews. All in all, the feedback I received was positive and Craig pointed out my portfolio was illustratively strong with evidence of my training in design. It was pleasing to hear someone in industry hi light the areas of my work he felt were strong and the process in which I worked, providing me with some confidence to continue working in a way I choose and to stop doubting my own practice so much.
Sometimes it can be hard when your on a design course being up against some very talented graphic designers who work predominately with digital media, especially when your like me, and all about the hand-made and hand rendered techniques. I was really pleased I attended the session, I had many reservations surrounding the work I have produced up to now, but talking to Craig has reassured me that just because I do not have a graphically strong portfolio, it is still strong in other area's which will hopefully allow me to withstand a position within the industry.
4.29.2010
Under Construction
4.22.2010
oh em ge
It has been such a tough first week back at uni...I think reality has finally hit home (abit too late perhaps??).
I've been confined to my desk all week drawing, cutting, scanning blah blah blah but my ocassional tea and cake breaks (has to be done, thanks to my mum!) have made me want to bake cakes all summer after graduation and not do much else. I think that sounds like a plan, right? Well whilst I should be typing up my endless pages of journal, I had a quick look at Cup of Jo which is one of my favourite blogs and this website had been posted and ofcourse I wanted to share it with you. Have a look at Ming Makes Cupcakes, they are making my mouth water just imagining how good some of them taste!
I've been confined to my desk all week drawing, cutting, scanning blah blah blah but my ocassional tea and cake breaks (has to be done, thanks to my mum!) have made me want to bake cakes all summer after graduation and not do much else. I think that sounds like a plan, right? Well whilst I should be typing up my endless pages of journal, I had a quick look at Cup of Jo which is one of my favourite blogs and this website had been posted and ofcourse I wanted to share it with you. Have a look at Ming Makes Cupcakes, they are making my mouth water just imagining how good some of them taste!
{photo from website}
4.06.2010
Leading on from a brief which was set at uni for an exhibition, I have been working on a brief surrounding idea's of panic. Rather then the quick turn around I had hoped for, it has turned into a more in depth project as I have started to look at how birds can arouse fears and panic amongst humans. Before we left for the easter break, I went to a tutorial and presented the few bird illustrations I had been working on wondering which direction I could take them in. Being very illustrative, it was concluded that I needed to create some more design based...perhaps adding factual text to create a futher dimension to the illustrations and creating more options for the final format in which I could present the birds.
(Sorry about the formatting of the illustrations...not really sure what happened!)
A well needed break
Hope everyone has had a lovely easter and taken a well deserved break from the mountain of work which always seems to be looming at the minute! I definitely did and was very sad to have to return from a week in Malta. I fell in love with the country and the rustic charm the island posesses. Just thought I'd share some of the pictures with you as I need to escape back there (I am already back down to work). I just love how vibrant all of the colours were, especially as the sun never stopped shining! Also look how cute the buses are!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
