Summery Statement......

When I presented my design strategy presentation, I said that my post-uni plan was to try my hardest to become a successful freelance illustrator, specialising in illustrated lettering. I was planning to move to London and work in the pen department at Selfridges as a retail temp whist I pursued my dream, trawling agencies periodically with my portfolio. I also have two placements in London arranged,  the first with Jelly London, an illustration agency based in London, who have encouraged me to go freelance, and who I have had a placement with earlier on in the year. The second is with Tigerprint in London, after having a  weeks placement this easter at the Bradford studio. The placements I had this year really helped me to start to visualize where I saw myself fitting into the industry. This year I have also taken part in all of the pop up shops as well as manchester print fair. I plan to continue engaging in events like this and trying to sell my work independently online. Coming joint first place at Inspire Create and getting a placement off the back of the Creative Milkround event really helped to boost my confidence at the start of the year when I was really doubting my work and employability.
Coming third at the Sh Awards the other day was a completely unexpected surprise, an I now have a 6 month paid placement up north which is a fantastic opportunity. My future plan hasn't necessarily changed, as I still in the long run intend to be a freelance illustrator, however the next year is starting to take shape a little differently than I had planned a month or so ago. The dates have yet to be arranged for the Sh placement, but it means I will probably be postponing moving down to London and possibly postponing my summer placements if necessary. I am planning to create mail outs for the illustration agencies I was planning to target, and try to visit some London agencies prior to starting my placement. I am pleased that I will be able to be earning in the industry I want to work in whilst pursuing my goal, rather than in a shop! I really hadn't thought I was very employable to a studio role, but this recent placement has made me rethink the way I market myself; I am now making sure I market myself as a designer and illustrator equally so as to keep as my doors open as possible!

Horrendous photograph

Full article : http://www.brassagency.com/blog/sh/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Sh%20post

Design Strategy Presentation pdf

PDF Portfolio

Design Presence

Email about my card designs!

Two of my card designs that I completed on my placement look like they might be printed....

New Live brief

E-mail about live brief

E-mails from live illustration brief

It's nice that Graduates competition submission

woohoo!

I came third place at the Sh awards last night which was a real shock! I have won a 6 month paid internship which is just amazing!

Sh awards shortlist

 I received an e-mail informing me that I made the shortlist of 16 applicants for the Sh Awards. 

I had to prepare a 15 minute presentation to present to 6 creative directors which I did this morning! I was really nervous but I think it went really well. and although I don't see myself winning the placement, the various creative directors all seemed interested in hiring me in on a freelance basis, and took my business cards as well as offering me some fantastic advice on interview technique and the layout of my portfolio which actually has inspired my end of year show piece! I look forward to the award ceremony next thursday where our work will be displayed and we will get the opportunity to network with the professionals and the other candidates.