Throughout this module I have explore three key aspects, firstly, looking at my future aspirations and the next stage in my professional development, where I could find job or work placement opportunities or other routes I could take. Secondly looking at my personal branding and portfolio, online websites and overall professionalism. Thirdly engaging with exhibitions, undertaking reading in a variety of topics and visiting print studios.
This year I have attempted to contact a varied number of design studios which I feel my work and skills could work well, initially having the desire to work abroad I contacted a number of Berlin based studios such as Hort, Patrick Thomas Studio and Node, via posting them a unique screen print which was based on photography and type produced by me. Unfortunately due to lack of response on there side I did not hear back. Later looking at UK based design studios which were recomended to me, I emailed a good number of studios asking if I could come see how they work or to grab a coffee at some point, again I was met with little response. I Luckily managed to set up a meeting with Alec Mozzetti from The Beautiful Meme on the 18th of May, hopefully this will lead to a visit to their studio in London and possible work placement. I also had positive email response from Martyn Wooley of Rabbit Hole design agency in Leeds, though the promise of a reply I have not heard back since.
The short comings may be my own and may be a result of not emailing the correct studios, though I approached studios I wanted to work with. Through impatience of reply I explored different routes I could take, looking at various artist residencies abroad and in the UK. I discovered the Year long MA-style course The School Of the Damned, an alternative art MA based in Leeds which tours the country putting on exhibitions, lectures, workshops and more, I felt this would improve my practice and would help me network and meet creatives from around the country. The course meets one weekend of each month, this gives me time to explore other options at the same time.
My personal branding has seen me produce a full professional branding of my self, this includes an active online domain, social media accounts and business cards. My business cards represent my interests and styles, screen print and bold mixed media products. The branding on my business cards is applied to my Website which contains all of my current work to date and is Updated Regularly.
My personal branding is important and has proved useful in engaging with professionals and other creatives.
This year my engagement with professional ativities and relevant events has been thin. Undertaking a part time Job during my studies has effected my freedom during time not spent in university, though I have managed to engage in a varied range of exhibitions, talks, exhibitions and even art fairs.
Working on live brief the ‘27 Club’ I came third and was featured in the exhibition held at the brunswick, participating in exhibitions gives me great pride in my work. Visiting exhibitions at the design museum, the barbican and other varying gallery visits, these are great ways to research projects and keep a varied veiw of different design related and unrelated art. This year I was approached to take part in two art fairs, one withthe DIY youth arts group at LS6 Cafe and the other during a Belrgrave feast, these helped me get an understanding for freelance style working and helped me connect with other creatives and get my design work out into the public. This events were where my business cards came in useful. Attending talks by Rose Nordin inspired me too look into work alternatives such as art residencies.
Overall I feel my personal branding has reached a professional level and will stand out to potential employees and futrure collaborators. Finding aplace on the School Of The Damned I have secured future steps into the professional industry whilst also keeping my prospects of work open through meeting with Alec Mozzetti in the near future.
