PP Presentation Script

Didn’t know what I wanted to do- so decided to refine what I didn’t want to do.

I decided to create a list of things I like and don’t like, with the aim to dilute and refine until I figure out what I want to do.

I knew I didn’t want to work on briefs that I found boring, wanted to be engaged with the work i was creating
Or work on anything for clients that wasn’t paid, dangerous route to go down. Want to build confidence enough to aproach paid work.
Didnt want to be told what to work on, looking for guidance, not dictated.

The first big stem towards my practice was working digitally,
Previously based heavily on ink> moved the ideas to digital

Loved the convenience of working digitally, and the aesthetic it allowed. Gave me the oportunity to explore broader subject themes through opening up my creativity (easier tools) took ideas from ink work and applied them digitally- grey tones + textures

I was producing much more work, and I was much happier with what I was making overall.

Computers on the yes list.

Through developing my work digitally- I inevitably moved on to working with type and graphic design+ layouts. Something I really enjoyed + wanted to learn more about- so much so that I based a lot of my COP work around this.

My use of type and layout improved a lot and i really enjoyed working with it.
I feel my work had a more finished look to it, especially in layout briefs like penguin, work looked infinitely better.

Work took on a much simpler aesthetic, very shape based and refined. With an emphesis on type. Lead to explore yorkshire brief- which was one of my favourites to work on,

I loved the finished look of the images I was making, and the ability to lay out my own work made things much easier, and added another string to my bow in terms of design work- something clients might be looking for?

Graphic design on the yes list- this followed through to spark my interest in products and packaging

Started to look for briefs based around this. Allowed me to explore both illustration + graphic design + typography,

I love working with products + packaging, allows me to use both illustration + GD. allows using tools discovered about marketing + advertising through COP studies. Lots of professional applications = lots of potential work.

Once I felt my work was at a place where I felt confident enough to go and find work...

As well as putting my work out there on Instagram/ Website etc,I wanted to be a bit more proactive about finding work and approaching clients so,.....

This lead to my first majoy paid brief for a company called natural bed company, the brief was large (45 sets of instructions) but paid very well.

Hated working on the brief, very dry and boring, not what I wanted to be doing. Began in november- in march I was told to start again (with payment) which i didn’t mind, but have ended up completely regretting saying yes as I now hate it- total grid.

Fairly happy with the way things are going, have been offered the opportunity by another major company to produce intructions for their products (they have about 200 pieces) hopefully dont want them all doing, starting in july.

I learned to not base the work I was doing purely based on the money, my own sanity is just as (if not more) important.

Abusing peoples work seemed to work in terms of finding paid briefs.

Or worded better… Proactively approach clients.

Also leaned to not take on briefs I had literally no interest in. shot myself in the foot there.

I didn’t want to be in a position where I had to rely solely on briefs that I have to go and find myself or wait for them to come to me, so I decided to set up a business where I can generate an income without having to constantly work on it.

Digital brush sales allow me to earn a passive income, to a global audience, without having to maintain heavily.

Making contacts who are promoting and talking about my products and work.
Low working time allows me to work on my illustration practice without having to worry about income or desperately finding work.

Wanted to create a short bio out of the discoveries I have made over the past 3 years about how I work.

So where is my current practice

My current practice is shape drive, and very digital. The course has lead me to have the confidence to continue to explore different ideas and themes, whilst maintaining a general voice and way of working.

Beginning to explore my personal interests through experimentation and making, rather than working to specific briefs.

After Uni

I have consolidated my practice to be as simple and refined as possible, allowing me to be able to…..

Continue to develop BrushUp to allow me to be able to work on my own illustration based work.

Questions?