Online Social Presence - LinkedIn

I have set up a LinkedIn account and filled in quite a bit of the information (it says I am level 'expert' when it's not on the preview). 

I actually found it quite hard to write the little summary and still am not that happy with it; I still find it awkward and embarrassing to big myself up, as well as difficult for some reason to describe who I am. I want to re-write it after giving it some more thought. I need to get over this!

The Leadmill, Sheffield

As I think I might be interested in designing and illustrating for the music and events industries as a job, I have sent some relevant work off to The Leadmill Club in Sheffield after they posted on Facebook asking for submissions. If successful, it will be a paid opportunity illustrating for merchandise and promotional material. I would love to have a go at some live work for a real club or music business to see if I actually want to do this! Fingers crossed.

AIMS FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR

I'd like to list a few of my current aims for third year, just to see if I meet them at the end (to sort of measure my improvement?!) It's also good just to get them written down and sorted out. 

1. Improve working with shape - effectively use shape and negative space within my illustrations to create more interesting and contemporary work.

2. Improve working with type - I currently know nothing and have no skills with working with type. I want to build up a knowledge of appropriate fonts for different uses; design boards, branding, presentations, within illustrations etc.

3. Improve working with colour - I feel I'm already quite good at this but still want to improve. Colour can add so much to an image!

4. Use the letterpress - why not! I might not have access to one after graduation so I need to make the most of it while I can.

5. Improve my screen printing skills - again, I feel I'm already ok at this, but ok isn't good enough. I want to be a master.

6. Do a massive screenprint to prove it - see above

7. Successfully brand myself - to help get a job!

8. Build confidence within my work and speaking about my work - I won't get anywhere if I don't believe in it myself and are unable to put myself forward.

9. Build confidence presenting - links in with the above.

10. Make good and useful contacts - creative professionals of all sorts/design studios/advertising agencies/etc.

11. Leave feeling like I've improved massively over the space of a year!

12. Leave feeling like I actually could possibly have a career in illustration.

Self branding?

I have started to think more about how I appear online. I feel like I need some sort of logo or picture that can go universally across all my online platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Blogger, upcoming website) so I can start to appear more recognisable. 

I do quite like this image; I tried to incorporate what I want my work to start to continually become and include (shape, bright colour, texture) and how people who know me might see me (personality?) I am going to try and make a few others and compare them; this did get a really positive reaction when I posted it on Instagram. 

Leeds Zine Fair

Myself and two classmates got a table together at this September's Leeds Zine Fair. It's the first fair I've ever done, and I made a mighty £6 (and spent £3 on samosas at the fair). 

It was so uplifting to see people picking up and engaging with my work as the walked around the fair - even if they didn't buy anything! A few people took my business cards and one lady asked if I would ever be interested in participating in a live art event in Sheffield if I was ever there. All good experience and great to make contacts!

Now I also know what sells well - postcards, t-shirts, ceramic models and badges were all very popular. Screenprints didn't do so well, maybe as they were priced higher. Prints could possibly do better at a proper print fair in the centre of town where visiting customers could be prepared to pay more. 

We also were included in a zine they complied during the fair - it was printed all on risograph, which I was so excited about as I've never done it before! Everyone had to do a quick sketch and they had made it within a couple of hours. My quick doodled design is pictured below.