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!