There is no need to be rude

Today my house mate went into White Flame in Winton and notified me of a poster they had asking about a website update. It seemed pretty simple and I had some really good ideas for improvements. However when I entered the establishment I spoke to the man in charge and tried to have a formal yet informal conversation about what exactly he wanted to change and elements he wanted their site to be updated with. I was however greeted with nothing but rudeness and no information. He was expecting me to make a whole website that was different from what he had only by guessing what he wanted. This would have been unpaid until he had made a selection process. Generally I did not like this mans approach and mannerisms and I thought it would be best simply to walk away from this situation. I could for see myself being messed about by the whole thing and from our lectures on how to deal with a client and the processes of creation I thought that this would not be the right situation for me to enter. This is a shame because I could have done something quite unique and it would have been a good opportunity.

Helpful portfolio hints from Aquent, Emma Barret

Aquents clients include apple, disney, honda, saga, orange and many more world wide companies.



Questions to get you thinking

What area you want to get into?
Who are the top 10 areas within that area?
Research magazine publishers
What brands to you admire?
Who does your work?



Thinks to make you stand out

Good use of type
Strong layout
Relevant work



Make sure you

Continue to challenge yourself by initiating projects
Enter competitions
Work on commercial pieces- use your contacts
Gain commercial savvy- go tot he printers and understand the process, cost and time frame
Join groups, networks



In terms of your cv

take your time
Attention to detail
Cv layout
Ability to handle type, space and copy
Have a 2 page limit, 1 is ideal
Make it professional-do not mistake quirky with creative
Leave out unessential detail
Keep it simple
Not times new roman or arial
Can add some colour
Needs to be a PDF
Tailor to audience



Portfolios should

Show your thinking and ideas + final product
Get them bound into books
Tailored
Research into companies before an interview
Start with your favorite piece of work and end with your favorite
Present it to a friend and get feedback
Ask for some feedback after an interview
Portfolio should be flexible
No work over 5 years
Take work samples especially if they are experimental
Up to 3 pieces of diverse subject matter can be included
Nice to show work in a more 3D manner, for example take photos of work in general every day scenarios

Notes from Anna Stienburg lecture

An account of the average motions taken in producing a professional illustration.

The client will call or email
Negotiation process will take place
The client will send a brief/text
You should then write to confirm a job
Think, do some researching, create roughs
Send roughs to client and make the appropriate changes
The client will then give the go ahead
Do the art work
Send it
Send art work
Get paid
Promote self using examples from job



Helpful Hints

Build an address book of names and people who would employ you. In order to do this make note of art directors names from magazines and other media that suits your style of work.

Send emails out which are short and sweet containing your name, contact details, links and an example of your work.

When you get a phone call about a brief, make sure to consider time restraints and deadlines. Make sure to confirm their and your contact details, what the job is about and what it is for. Ask for a rough size and theme. It is also good to ask where they got herd about you so you know what areas of promotion are effective.
ALWAYS ASK FOR MORE TIME TO THINK AS NOT TO MAKE RASH DECISIONS.

Good contacts and references

Association of illustrators
2nd floor,
Back Building
150 Curtain Road
London
EC2A 3AT

Simon Stern- A rights guide to law and business practice.

Mind blowing concepts

Mind blowing concepts

Feedback

Emediate feedback was gained. All was very positive. The white face was the most liked, however some changes were suggested. I am now going to pursue this idea with less lines and more of a droopy face to make it look a bit more zombiefied.

First concept (Rough)