- During the next few days and weeks, I will continue to work on my web-site and set up my on-line shop, ensuring that I produce quality merchandise in sufficient quantities. I will be producing new material in different mediums to post too.
- I will contact publishers who have requested pdf portfolios at the London Book Fair 2013, ensuring that they are sent correctly and efficiently.
- I will complete my Nikahrat book, making sure that it is both completed to a high standard and correctly printed in a professional manner. I will then pursue my contacts to see if they are interested in seeing the completed version, as much interest was expressed at the London Book Fair.
- I will produce more stock for exhibition and sale at MCM Expo and 2013 ELCAF where I will have stalls.
- I will attend an interview with the Principal of the RSA Academy, Tipton, where I have already had in depth conversations with the Director of Arts, Humanities, Sports and Leisure and the Art Advanced Skills Teacher. My forthcoming interview is related to the school’s interest in giving me a bursary to be the Art Intern during the academic year 2013-2014. In this role, I would prepare materials, work in classroom situations to support staff and work with smaller groups of sixth form students to assist them with their International Baccalaureate studies in Art and to help with BTec Art courses. I will also be required to do tutorials with students and lead short seminars on practice. My assistance will be required to produce display for around the school and assist with school productions.
- I have had recent confirmation that I have been invited to do approximately 25 hours of paid examination invigilation at the RSA this spring/summer
- I will contact the editor of the local independently published Villager magazine, Kingswinford, with a circulation of over 10,000 copies, to discuss with her the possibility of me producing art work for the magazine. I will also enquire about me placing an advertisement in the magazine to show case my work.
- I will continue to look at suitable PGCE courses for 2014-15 for teaching secondary Art. I am aware of course and entry requirements and will be making a UCAS application when the window opens, ensuring that I have successfully completed my Skills Tests prior to interview.
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Next steps for the future...
LOG LIST...
This is a general log of all the people I have contacted spoken to and sent work two over this project.
Who? The Cat's Whiskers, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham.
What? Village gift and trinket shop.
Action? Enquired about if they stock work done by local artists.
Reaction? They said that they did but were put off about the fact I will not be living in Cheltenham after July.
Left them with... A business card.
Reaction? They were very grateful for it and wished me the best of luck.
February 20th
Who? The Cat's Whiskers, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham.
What? Village gift and trinket shop.
Action? Enquired about if they stock work done by local artists.
Reaction? They said that they did but were put off about the fact I will not be living in Cheltenham after July.
Left them with... A business card.
Reaction? They were very grateful for it and wished me the best of luck.
March 30th
Who? The Potting Shed, Kingswinford.
What? Gift and trinket shop.
Action? Enquired about the possibility of selling any work in the shop. Took example of cards and plushies.
Reaction? Very interested, especially in the cards. However, told that the shop is in financial trouble with a risk of closing so they didn't want to risk any investments until financial security was in sight.
Left them with... sample of greetings card and plushie.
Reaction? Very grateful and a promise to keep in contact being as I will be living locally after July 2013.
April 8th
Who? The RSA Academy, Tipton, West Midlands.
What? Secondary school and sixth form.
Action? Volunteering work to help the Art Department curate a student exhibition. Meeting with Acting Principal afterwards to discuss an internship.
Reaction? Positive feedback concerning my efforts to set up the exhibition. Many students also asked for extra help with their work which I gave where possible.
Left them with... Contact details.
Reaction? Currently in discussion concerning a possible paid internship as an art technician after I have graduated.
April 14th
Who? The Court Hotel, Earls Court, London
What? Hotel
Action? My profession came up in conversation with the manager.
Reaction? He seemed very interested and began to talk about possibilities for advertisements, art in the hotel.
Left them with... Business card.
Reaction? Taken kindly.
April 15th
Who? The Puppet Company.
What? Company specialising in making puppets for educational use.
Action? Introduced myself and what i am interested in.
Reaction? Interested in my ideas and passion but told that they have in-house puppet designers.
Left them with... Bertie plushie.
Reaction? Taken very positively.
Who? Ghostly Publishing.
What? Publishing company specialising in teen fantasy and sic-fi narratives.
Action? Took my business card and explained as to what illustrations I specialise in.
Reaction? Seemed very interested.
Left them with... Two appropriately themed business cards.
Reaction? Taken thankfully but asked to write down my e-mail address.
Who? Ivy Group.
What? Book publishers of all sorts of categories.
Action? Asked to speak with an Art Director.
Reaction? Told there was not one available but given contact details and instructions to send a PDF portfolio.
Left them with... Business card.
Reaction? Taken thankfully.
Who? Egmont UK.
What? Book publisher specialised in brand books for children and apps.
Action? Asked to speak with an art director.
Reaction? Told one was not available but given details to contact and send a PDF portfolio to the appropriate person.
Left them with... Business card.
Reaction? Taken thankfully and commented on such "cute little characters".
April 16th
Who? Templar Publishing
What? Book publisher specialising in children and teen with some gift and object books.
Action? Arranged an appointment to speak with the Art Director.
Reaction? Really impressed with my portfolio, really interested in The Nikahrat, could see me doing work in more editorial illustration and working on my own narratives. Suggested I begin to look for an agent.
Left them with... The Nikahrat.
Reaction? Very grateful and made comments on taking it back to show the 'head office team'.
Who? Marvel Comics
What? Comic book company.
Action? Arranged an appointment to speak with the Art Director.
Reaction? Very interested in my line work skills and themes. Unfortunately, they couldn't offer me any work but they directed me to Knockabout Comics.
Left them with... Business card.
Reaction? Very thankful and wished me the best of luck.
Who? Knockabout Comics
What? Comic book company.
Action? Arranged an appointment to speak with the Art Director.
Reaction? Very impressed with original narratives and clever writing. Commented on my strong gothic influence coming through my line work pieces but unfortunately couldn't offer me anything. Referred me to Blank Slate Comics and also suggested seeking an agent.
Left them with... Bertie Plushie.
Reaction? Very surprised and thankful with comments referring to giving it to partner as a present. Also wished me the best of luck at Blank Slate.
April 17th
Who? Orion Books
What? Book publisher.
Action? Arranged an appointment to speak with the Art Director.
Reaction? Commented on strong style and interesting narrative themes. Suggested I move towards editorial illustration and seek an agent.
Left them with... Business card.
Reaction? Taken thankfully.
Who? Andersen Press.
What? Children's book publisher.
Action? Asked to speak with an art director.
Reaction? Told there wasn't one available but directed to go the right person to send a PDF portfolio to.
Left them with... Business card.
Reaction? Taken Thankfully.
Who? Summersdale Publishing.
What? Book publisher.
Action? Spoke with staff to enquire about speaking to an art director.
Reaction? No one available but given contact details and instructions to send a PDF portfolio.
Left them with... Business card.
Reaction? Taken thankfully with comments about nice design.
Who? Walker Books.
What? Children's book publisher.
Action? Asked to speak with an art director.
Reaction? Told no one was available but directed to the right person to e-mail.
Left them with... Business card.
Reaction? Taken thankfully but asked to write down e-mail address.
Who? Indepenpress Press Ltd.
What? Independent book publishers.
Action? Asked to speak with art director.
Reaction? Told one was not available but another member of the stall team sat down to look at my portfolio. Told it wasn't really what they specialise in but they were interested in my narratives.
Left them with... Last 'Moxley'.
Reaction? Taken thankfully and comments were made on the writing style and the illustrations complimenting the theme.
Who? Self Made Heroes.
What? Comic publisher.
Action? Asked to speak with art director.
Reaction? Told one was not available but the team member sat and looked through my zines and commented on the originality but suggested I create a more resolved collection of works into an anthology.
Left them with... Business card and last 'King'.
Reaction? Taken thankfully and wished me the best of luck.
Who? Distributers for Flanders.
What? Distributer of German and Scandinavian publishers.
Action? Asked to speak with an Art Director.
Reaction? Told there was not one available as they were only a "middle man" but I was given a contact list of all the publishers they worked for.
Left them with... Business card.
Reaction? Appreciated but refused as the team member thought there would be no use to them.
EVALUATION: London Book Fair 2013
I arrived in London on the Sunday night so I could be at the venue early to set up and organise the stall to the best aesthetically positive appearance. With the help of Benedict on Monday and Wednesday morning, we were able to set up the stall and wait for the students who I was expecting to arrive for the first two hour time slot (09:00-11:00 am).
In terms of last minute clarifications, I used the Facebook group I had set up specifically for the task of contacting students about the Book Fair. People seemed to be online a lot more around the date of the Book Fair for one reason or another and this worked to my advantage as they checked Facebook regularly so I didn't have to wait too long to have several replies and confirmations.
Portfolio: I was really pleased with how my portfolio turned out and how well it represented my talents and skills. The overall feedback was positive, with many people commenting on the fact that they believed I had a good skill and very good execution of thoughts and style when concerning characters and line work. A lot of people commented on my material sample I had printed too and wanted to feel it.
Website: The website was live but as far as I know, no one looked at it while I was at the Book Fair.
Twitter: I used my official twitter account to comment and tag the London Book Fair Team about what my thoughts were on the whole experience. On Wednesday, after sitting in on some very interesting Egmont Publishing talks and releases, I commented on how good they were. Not long later, the book Fair team retweeted my comment and replied.
It doesn't sound like much of a triumph, but it got me exposed to a very large range of people.
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| Screen shot from my Twitter page. |
Business cards: The business cards did very well! There were some nice comments about the work I had used and the sleekness of the layout. I did have some people question where my e-mail was and this has now lead me to rethink the next time I have any printed. No bad comments were made however and only one book distributor refused to take one.
Moxley: All copies went on Monday. Each one received a surprised, pleased reaction to the fact it was free and people stood and read it to the end, commenting on how the illustrations were simple but did the poem justice.
King: All copies went on Monday. I wasn't around unfortunately to see them go.
Bertie: Received very well! Took six and came back with two. People who I gave them too were very shocked and took them gladly, even if they hadn't read the limerick. After they had I got the impression that they understood the character and the presentation more.
Earrings: Only able to make two pairs due to time and resources. I wore one pair and left the other pair on the table for promotional giveaway. Luckily, I was at the stall when they went. I was able to talk to the woman and she commented on how interesting they were and asked if I were selling any more on a online shop. When I said I was planning to but didn't have a shop yet she asked to let her know when I did set up a shop and we swapped contact information.
Bags: Bags all went but I was never around to see them go. From this I can only conclude that they were successful.
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
PLAN: Getting ready for The London Book Fair 2013...
Voluntary organisation of the Pittville press stall-
With a month in advance, I have volunteered to be the main student presence at the Pittville Press stand. To help out members of staff and organise other students attending, it is my duty to set up a rota to make sure all students attending experience being on the stall and interacting with the public and potential clients. This is a challenging task as it is difficult to contact a group of people all at once and try allow them all free choice about what they can do. Of course, it is the individual's right to not volunteer to assist or to turn up, however it is my responsibility to remind people if they have promised to help and have others willing to help incase anyone doesn't show.
It would be unprofessional to leave a stall empty and most certainly loses custom!
After finding out key times of opening/closing and specific illustration talks, I have devised a timetable for the three days. As the stall is quite small in size, no more than 2 students/tutors can be minding the stall at once. Everyone is trying to act professional and mature and a group of students usually leads to gossip and chatter, putting off some of the more professional businessmen.
Each time slot is 2 hours long except for one on Wednesday afternoon which is 60 minutes before a publishers talk starts. Two hours sounds like a long time but if the stall is busy and there are lots of people to interact and talk to, this goes quickly. It also gives people minding the shifts before or after enough to time speak with other stalls or publishers or relax for lunch/ exploring.
Business cards-
I ended up designing six variations of business cards. This allows me to give out very specific one to the right potential clients. Also, it maximises my opportunities concerning a wider exposure.
I have full colour, minimal colour, characters, line work, cuter themes and darker themes. I also have one directed at The Nikahrat. Making things more interesting, I have a mixture of portrait and landscape orientated cards too.
I have left the back of the card blank to leave space for writing extra information. It also makes my logo sticker stand out better. I took inspiration from a tutor when designing these business cards when choosing to have a single-sided or double-sided card. I decided to go with single-sided because if someone like the image on the business card, they are going to most likely keep it in a place where that is visible. Having the website on the same side makes it easier for the view to remember or type into a search bar.
With many phones and other devices easily accessing the internet, I have only given my website address because all other contact information is on my website.
Bertie plushie-
I created an odd but sweet looking character called Bertie. Her story is in the form of a limerick that is printed on her attached tag.
The limerick twists to an odd perspective at the end and this distorts the sweetness of the character once the audience knows more about her. She is a small, compact size and in terms of packing for display, her tag, though large in size compared to her, fits nicely behind.
I also have my logo and website on her back.
Books and zines-
I have had some printing troubles with making my books and zines so I do not have a large amount. I still have some as example pieces to showcase what I can achieve.
EXTRAS-
Earrings= made with inkjet shrink paper.A very nice thought! I will see what reaction they receive and I may consider making more in the future.
Bags= Always useful things to have! Clever way of advertising to passing people too.
With a month in advance, I have volunteered to be the main student presence at the Pittville Press stand. To help out members of staff and organise other students attending, it is my duty to set up a rota to make sure all students attending experience being on the stall and interacting with the public and potential clients. This is a challenging task as it is difficult to contact a group of people all at once and try allow them all free choice about what they can do. Of course, it is the individual's right to not volunteer to assist or to turn up, however it is my responsibility to remind people if they have promised to help and have others willing to help incase anyone doesn't show.
It would be unprofessional to leave a stall empty and most certainly loses custom!
After finding out key times of opening/closing and specific illustration talks, I have devised a timetable for the three days. As the stall is quite small in size, no more than 2 students/tutors can be minding the stall at once. Everyone is trying to act professional and mature and a group of students usually leads to gossip and chatter, putting off some of the more professional businessmen.
Each time slot is 2 hours long except for one on Wednesday afternoon which is 60 minutes before a publishers talk starts. Two hours sounds like a long time but if the stall is busy and there are lots of people to interact and talk to, this goes quickly. It also gives people minding the shifts before or after enough to time speak with other stalls or publishers or relax for lunch/ exploring.
Business cards-
I ended up designing six variations of business cards. This allows me to give out very specific one to the right potential clients. Also, it maximises my opportunities concerning a wider exposure.
I have full colour, minimal colour, characters, line work, cuter themes and darker themes. I also have one directed at The Nikahrat. Making things more interesting, I have a mixture of portrait and landscape orientated cards too.
I have left the back of the card blank to leave space for writing extra information. It also makes my logo sticker stand out better. I took inspiration from a tutor when designing these business cards when choosing to have a single-sided or double-sided card. I decided to go with single-sided because if someone like the image on the business card, they are going to most likely keep it in a place where that is visible. Having the website on the same side makes it easier for the view to remember or type into a search bar.
With many phones and other devices easily accessing the internet, I have only given my website address because all other contact information is on my website.
Bertie plushie-
I created an odd but sweet looking character called Bertie. Her story is in the form of a limerick that is printed on her attached tag.
The limerick twists to an odd perspective at the end and this distorts the sweetness of the character once the audience knows more about her. She is a small, compact size and in terms of packing for display, her tag, though large in size compared to her, fits nicely behind.
I also have my logo and website on her back.
Books and zines-
I have had some printing troubles with making my books and zines so I do not have a large amount. I still have some as example pieces to showcase what I can achieve.
THE NIKAHRAT
MOXLEY
KING
Earrings= made with inkjet shrink paper.A very nice thought! I will see what reaction they receive and I may consider making more in the future.
Bags= Always useful things to have! Clever way of advertising to passing people too.
PLAN: Promotional material...
Preview of 'The Nikahrat'.
I have the first 15 pages complete to go towards my FMP narrative project. I would like to make a small number of books to take around the London Book Fair mainly to show art directors. This is to promote my original work but also to test its potential popularity. I could meet a publisher willing to consider the book once it s finished if the preview attracts them enough.
'Moxley' zine.
The poem of 'Moxley' was first created by me back in November 2012. I attempted to make screen printed copies using white ink on black paper. Although this was a very good idea and forced me to work in a personally unconventional way, I didn't get the desired results.
This time, I aim to digitally print the zine, giving the black and white contrast a stronger effect. I would like to see how the zine would work on a smaller scale too. Making 'pocket-sized' books is always a sweet idea, bringing the content down to a more personal level.
Copies of 'Moxley will be handed out to publishers who seek original works but don't have an Art Director available to speak to me.
'King' zine.
Inspired by Jamie Mills' "Wake", this is a concertina strip of paper, with the poem and illustrations looping around the corners. "King" is a much more stylised and specifically themed original poem and would not be suitable to give out to lots of publishers. Therefore, these will go on the Pittville Press stand for people to take if it attracts them.
Plushie.
Small plushies seem to be very popular both to make and to be bought. They are also a fantastic way of exposing characters. Using an original short piece of writing, I intend to create a character that would work well in plushie form.
This, I am predicting, will have a warmer welcome and attract a wider audience as any character translated into plush form instantly becomes 'cuter'.
Business cards.
Business cards are very important! They are a quick source of exchanging contacts with potential clients and also a great way to expose samples of your skills in illustration. A person will pick up a business card if they like the layout and the image, so I need to make my cards interesting and clean looking.
Stickers.
For this particular purpose, I want a bulk of stickers made purely for my illustration/brand logo. It's a nice touch to pieces, like a signature. Hopefully over time, this logo will be recognised and people will be able to tell that it is my work, even if the styles are different.
RESEARCH: Promotional material...
CASE STUDY 1: Chris Haughton
The main message that Chris Haughton tries to convey with his products is his strong beliefs in fair trade and the environment. Alongside images of products on his shop, Chris also includes images of the women who work at a home and charity where his products are made under environment and fair trade guides.
The addition of extra information found on Chris' blog emphasises the importance of his continuous involvement. Here, he documents visits he embarks upon to Nepal to visit the charity and view the amazing products being made by hand.
Following this pledge to be hand made, organic and fair trade, Chris' products reflect their designer's aims through the use of natural plant dye, renewably sourced raw materials and hand-printed methods.
CASE STUDY 2: Donna Wilson
The main message that Chris Haughton tries to convey with his products is his strong beliefs in fair trade and the environment. Alongside images of products on his shop, Chris also includes images of the women who work at a home and charity where his products are made under environment and fair trade guides.
The addition of extra information found on Chris' blog emphasises the importance of his continuous involvement. Here, he documents visits he embarks upon to Nepal to visit the charity and view the amazing products being made by hand.
Following this pledge to be hand made, organic and fair trade, Chris' products reflect their designer's aims through the use of natural plant dye, renewably sourced raw materials and hand-printed methods.
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| 'A Bit Lost' handmade plushie. |
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| Detailed shots of packaging showing item description plus statement expressing the company's values and mission. |
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| Item description on shop describing the bag's features and production information. |
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| Item description on shop showing the production information of these hand-printed lamps. |
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| Photo accompanying the 'A Bit Lost' plushie showing one of the female workers following a pattern. The use of clean, light working space and good quality technology show the potential buyer what their money does to help a just cause. |
CASE STUDY 2: Donna Wilson
Donna is a fantastic case study to look towards in terms of producing fresh ideas on a regular basis and general product entrepreneurship.
Her website is a hosting site for the many products she creates, with her designs stretching from glasswares to her odd characters, first made by hand from reclaimed clothes.
It's good to see that Donna has been successful in creating a living solely from products. She found a niche market at the right time and used rising popularity in illustrated objects and modern kitsch to her style of art's advantage.
Running like a proper business now, Donna's site has a range of overlapping categories. All products fit into an object category, yet there are "£25 and under", "Matching Sets" and "New Product" categories too. This is good for reaching a wider audience with a mixed number of needs and desires.
Her website is a hosting site for the many products she creates, with her designs stretching from glasswares to her odd characters, first made by hand from reclaimed clothes.
It's good to see that Donna has been successful in creating a living solely from products. She found a niche market at the right time and used rising popularity in illustrated objects and modern kitsch to her style of art's advantage.
Running like a proper business now, Donna's site has a range of overlapping categories. All products fit into an object category, yet there are "£25 and under", "Matching Sets" and "New Product" categories too. This is good for reaching a wider audience with a mixed number of needs and desires.
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| Shop front. |
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| Most interesting item that Donna sells. (Personal opinion) |
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| Most engaging/appealing plushie character Donna designs. (Personal opinion). |
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| Page for £25 and under. |
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| Page for new items. |
CASE STUDY 3: Jamie Mills
In my opinion, Jamie has been a respected illustrator since he was in his final year of the Illustration course and I was in my first year. I admired the small books he produced and the consistency in his fine, detailed style throughout his work. Now, I can admire his products. Although creation of new products seems to be slow, there is a constant stock and he usually isn't caught out of selling out at shows. This shows good practice and business skills.
The particular zine "Wake" interests me because of it's length and concertina layout. I also really like the idea of the story looping round onto the back of the paper. Use of a clip and a extra tab of paper to act as a closing bind makes the zine lie flat and in shape. The clean design compliments the graphic, almost Scandinavian looking illustrations. The use of a different colour paper is a nice touch too. If done on white, the zine would not have appeared in such a professional manner.
In my opinion, Jamie has been a respected illustrator since he was in his final year of the Illustration course and I was in my first year. I admired the small books he produced and the consistency in his fine, detailed style throughout his work. Now, I can admire his products. Although creation of new products seems to be slow, there is a constant stock and he usually isn't caught out of selling out at shows. This shows good practice and business skills.
The particular zine "Wake" interests me because of it's length and concertina layout. I also really like the idea of the story looping round onto the back of the paper. Use of a clip and a extra tab of paper to act as a closing bind makes the zine lie flat and in shape. The clean design compliments the graphic, almost Scandinavian looking illustrations. The use of a different colour paper is a nice touch too. If done on white, the zine would not have appeared in such a professional manner.
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| Etsy shop front. |
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| Photos, description and price of Jamie's zine "Wake". |
PLAN: Website...
From these case studies, I have drawn up a plan which I intend to follow when creating each section of my page.
Start page:
Logo in the centre of the screen. This is then a link to the home page.
Home page:
Navigation titles along the top. Link buttons to Facebook and Tumblr blog down the left-hand side. The home page will consist of my about me section, with a drawn self portrait and a Twitter App.
The Twitter app will allow people to view my social media activity, allow potential clients to follow me and also allow them to Tweet me directly from the app.
Gallery:
The gallery will be split into four categories, Pen and Ink, Paint and Pencil, Textiles and Sketchbook. Each button will then direct the viewer to a 'SimpleView' gallery show containing the appropriate content.
Contact:
The contacts section will include my e-mail address and links to my Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter.
Collaborations:
I thought it would be important to have this page as I am involved in a couple of collectives.
Shop:
This will be a link to an external site once I have set up an online shop.
For now, it will just be a page saying "the shop is coming soon".
Start page:
Logo in the centre of the screen. This is then a link to the home page.
Home page:
Navigation titles along the top. Link buttons to Facebook and Tumblr blog down the left-hand side. The home page will consist of my about me section, with a drawn self portrait and a Twitter App.
The Twitter app will allow people to view my social media activity, allow potential clients to follow me and also allow them to Tweet me directly from the app.
Gallery:
The gallery will be split into four categories, Pen and Ink, Paint and Pencil, Textiles and Sketchbook. Each button will then direct the viewer to a 'SimpleView' gallery show containing the appropriate content.
Contact:
The contacts section will include my e-mail address and links to my Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter.
Collaborations:
I thought it would be important to have this page as I am involved in a couple of collectives.
Shop:
This will be a link to an external site once I have set up an online shop.
For now, it will just be a page saying "the shop is coming soon".
RESEARCH: Website...
The first thing I need to decide upon
is the name of my website. This is the most vital part of the first
impression I have on a potential client. Anything complicated or
confusing will put a busy client off. The length is important as if
the address is too awkward to type, it will once again put clients
off having to enter it.
First name thoughts:
First name thoughts:
stishillustrations.co.uk = NO.
Although it feels easy to type and it
isn't too long and complicated, it looks wrong visually. If it is
glanced at quickly, the amount of 'S' and 'L' letters seem too close
and makes it look messy.
theworkofstish.co.uk = NO.
Same problem regarding the untidiness.
In this case however, my eyes make out “the work o fish” when
looked at quickly. Although this is just my personal optical
illusion, I cannot risk a potential client experiencing the same
embarrassing situation.
emilywhite.illustrations.co.uk = NO.
The stop has broken up the words so it
is clear to see. My only problem is the use of my real name. I had
originally chosen the alias “Stish” because it is more like a
brand name for my work. It can be applied to more products than just
a normal name.
stish-illustration.co.uk = YES.
I have decided to go with this as it
ticks all my requirements. It feels easy to type, visually it is
clear and it describes exactly who I am and what I do in two words. I
feel a hyphen is better than a stop to break up the words as it gives
a wider break between the words and it still visible at reading eye
level. This is important as if someone did not see the stop, they
could dismiss it and if passing on information to another possible
client, they could copy the address incorrectly, potentially losing me
exposure and custom.
Next, I want to look at how I want my
website to look and be laid out.
CASE STUDY 1: Eri Wakiyama
(www.eriwakiyama)
Eri is a fashion illustrator based in
New York but originates from Japan. Since 2007, she has kept a
Blogspot which soon spread onto a inspiration Tumblr blog. Recently
she has created an official portfolio website.
My favourite features...
Home page:
Home page consists of a large single image which also incorporates her name. The different categories of her work are listed down the left side. Buttons to bottom right also invite the viewer to share the page on Facebook and Pinterest.
Home page consists of a large single image which also incorporates her name. The different categories of her work are listed down the left side. Buttons to bottom right also invite the viewer to share the page on Facebook and Pinterest.
Portfolio Flash:
I really like how the page moves in
the style of a slideshow left and right. It also flows up and down
too to move to the next and previous projects. I think this Flash
coding would be a bit too complicated for me, plus it does take up
the entire website. Everything has to revolve around this coding and
I don't think that this in particular is suitable for me.
CASE STUDY 2: Isabel Greenberg
(isabelnecessary.com)
Isabel is a young recently graduated
British illustrator. Mainly focusing in narrative work, Isabel also
turns her hand to many other projects.
My favourite features...
My favourite features...
Home page:
Nice and straight to the work,
Isabel's home page displays a neat arrangement of thumbnails that
direct the viewer to that particular project. The projects are also
listed down the left hand side of the page. Personally, I think the
writing is too small and in a difficult font for one to quickly skim
a glance down and find a particular project title. However, I suppose
any more would overshadow such nicely presented thumbnails. I do like
the fact that links to the about section, shop and blog are in a
different colour. This separates the projects for the additional
information.
About section:
The writing again is small but clear
to follow and consistent. The main thing that first catches the
attention, however, is the 'self portrait' illustration, nearly in the
centre of the text. When my eyes were drawn to this, I found that
contact information borders the top and the bottom. The top being her
direct contact and her agents information underneath.
The use of third person I personally
think looks better and more professional. Here, Isabel directs
attention to upcoming projects, important information such as her
University, her past clients and awards. This would be a very good
idea to do something similar but currently in my illustration career,
I don't feel like I have got enough of a repertoire just yet.
Shop:
Although it looks small, Isabel has
for sale pretty much the same things that she takes to shows and
conventions. This shows a reliable and constant stock of work. The
use of Big Cartel is interesting too.
Keaton has become a very popular
illustrator and musician over a progression of years, with exposure
ranging from BBC and The New Yorker Magazine, to clothing lines Topman and
Drop Dead. However, it is widely known and emphasised that he is a
recluse and does not like too much interaction. Recently this
behaviour has seemed to lessen due to his fanbase and popularity but
when he was still promoting his illustrations, he was deemed a very
mysterious person to talk to and get information from (see this illustrated interview, where he refused to meet the interviewer in person and answered questions through drawings.). His website shows this old, hard-to-follow
personality working alongside the new popularity and demand.
My favourite pages...
Start page:
This is the first point of advertising
new/upcoming releases and events and now is mainly directed towards
his music career. Something on these lines would be exceedingly
useful, especially by ways to promote my FMP narrative when it is
complete and in a physical format.
Navigation/home page:
The term 'navigation' is more
appropriate in the case of Keaton's home page. Central navigations
that distort when rolled over by the cursor animate this
first-seeming bleak and empty screen. The nest is also a link to his
Tumblr blog. Nothing is really clearly marked as to which link can
direct you to a particular page. This brings on an inquisitive game
of 'trial and find' until you fall into Keaton's frame of mind and
recognise symbolism and clues to get to your hopeful destination.
“Gather”:
For his about section, the term "gather" is used in the sense of gathering information about Keaton. This was created back when he was very reclusive, as shown through "he doesn't like to talk about himself". The use of a mailing list button is a very handy idea, especially now his music has become more desired. This way, automated messages get sent to fans who wish for it.
“Acquire”:
This is the shop front to take the viewer to different sites when you can buy particular items. This is a very useful idea as Keaton has music on iTunes, yet he has stockist of physical CDs and vinyls. Some special edition music pieces creep onto the 'Merchandise' site. However, this is mainly kept aside for apparel and his first book "Gloaming" (Published by Pocko Publishing, 2012).
“Procrastinate”:
This is a very odd and interesting section to the site! The title "procrastinate" is self-explanatory. The collective collage of images are flash-based and individual objects highlight when the cursor crosses them. In most instances, this would indicate that it is an active link to another area. In this case it is completely the opposite. There is no link to the object, so this confuses the viewers and draws them into a challenge of 'find the working link'. It leaves you inquisitive for an amount of time and even more so when the cursor-sensitive area for each object is specific. This means you can highlight an image, but roll over the same image on a different area, and nothing happens.
Monday, 22 April 2013
PLAN: PORTFOLIO...
Things to consider when composing my portfolio:
- Size- Portfolio should be around A3 size with images A3 or less. This makes it an easy, portable size that is not massively space-consuming yet you still have a decent enough size to show off the quality of your work.
- Different styles and skills- Arrange similar styles or themes together e.g. observational drawings, characters, narratives.
- Clever placing- On top of grouping work into categories, I need to make sure my best pieces are in the most prominent places. A commission piece would go at the start and my favourite/proudest/sentimental piece at the end. This way, the value and quality of paid work is first presented to the client and a good end piece will finish nicely and possibly start more of a personal interaction about that particular piece.
- Amount- A good number of pieces to have in total would be between 10-15 pieces. However, because I tend to work on a smaller scale, I will have quite a few pieces that match into sets. For this then, I am taking the approach of 10-15 sleeves of work. This may cause some problems but this gives me the extra challenge of tweaking my portfolio to still work in a professional, consistent manner.
SO...
from this, I can now begin to decide what work would show off my potential the best.
1. Design work...
WHAT ARE THEY? Black and white line work. Usually for much more realistic or stylised effects.
WHAT CAN THEY BE USED FOR? Apparel, band/music promotion, comics, aesthetics, editorial.
WHO WOULD THIS APPEAL TO? Clothing brands, magazines, musicians, lifestyle advertising.
Example...
 |
| Line work occult design. |
2. Characters...
WHAT ARE THEY? Character designs, individual to accompany original and adapted narratives.
WHAT CAN THEY BE USED FOR? Games, narratives, logos/mascots, advertising.
WHO WOULD THIS APPEAL TO? Most people. Very engaging and aesthetically pleasing with lots of potential.
Example...
 |
| Example of stylised observational drawings. |
3. Printing/textiles...
WHAT ARE THEY? Mainly pattern based designs, incorporating patterns, shapes and characters.
WHAT CAN THEY BE USED FOR? Fashion, apparel, homewares, product merchandise.
WHO WOULD THIS APPEAL TO? Fashion and home businesses, lifestyle businesses, musicians.
Example...
 |
| Design of a snood using an original character pattern. |
4. Narrative...
WHAT ARE THEY? My original creative writing pieces.
WHAT CAN THEY BE USED FOR? Books and publishing. Good compliments to characters and visa versa.
WHO WOULD THIS APPEAL TO? At whoever I decide to aim the individual pieces.
Example...
 |
| Spread of narrative zine 'Moxley'. |
HOW TO RESEARCH AND USE POTENTIAL CLIENTS...
- Make a note of publishers/producers when looking at books, magazines or cards.
- Look through illustrator website such as Behance or Under-Consideration to see what others are doing to get themselves exposed.
- Look in art directories such as AOI and Bikini Lists.
- Don't be shy to contact companies that produce one's favourite books/cards/plushies/etc.
- Find contact details for art directors or editors and if the information seems out of date then e-mail or phone to check if the details have changed.
- Only send to a company work that would be appropriate for its needs.
- If you are unsuccessful with one client, don't be afraid to ask where you would be suitable for and who you could possibly contact.
- It doesn't hurt to swap a few clients and contacts with friends in the business too. If you were unsuccessful, there's no point in keeping a client hidden.
- Try and focus your profession into conversations where appropriate.
- CARRY BUSINESS CARDS/CONTACT DETAILS ON YOU AT ALL TIMES!
- Make a strong online presence. Comment on blogs and communities and promote pages.
- Keep positive connections with clients who have used you in the past or have helped to refer you to other clients.
- Small freebies don't hurt to send to your most reliable clients.
- Enter competitions and ALWAYS aim for first prize!
- Consider charity work/commissions too. It doesn't pay but it gets you exposed.
Researching my needs...
Before I can create appropriate promotional and portfolio outcomes, I need to think about what I aim to gain from this experience.
1.Career in Secondary Education
2.Career in Narrative 'object' books
3.Freelance Editorial work
My ideal career path after university is to work towards a PGCE in Secondary School Art & Design. For this to be achieved, I need to demonstrate key strengths and skills in all forms of artistic knowledge. I also need to gain experience of working in a classroom environment.
I already have had experience working in secondary school environments and I have a part-time job at the Bishop's Cleeve branch of Kumon Educational Ltd.
I already have had experience working in secondary school environments and I have a part-time job at the Bishop's Cleeve branch of Kumon Educational Ltd.
2.Career in Narrative 'object' books
When looking at the work I produce from a critical angle, I believe I am most proud of my narrative and character creations.
I find devising new stories and characters a natural process in my creative work and I believe, with enough practice, perseverance and exposure, I could make a viable income.
Past experience has proved that people do appreciate my creative writing work, particularly my poetry zines.
3.Freelance Editorial work
Again, after looking at my work from a critical angle, I don't think it would be suitable for a child-aimed illustration market.
I work more comfortably in line work centred styles. The use of dark, intricate lines and my personal interests regarding gothic, cultural and serious topics mean my work carries many more adult values.
I believe this would be better set in a teen narrative or editorial environment. As I want to push my own narratives forward, I would like to promote my availability for editorial freelance illustration.
Aim of this blog...
This blog accompanies the ILL302 module for Portfolio and Promotion.
The aim of this module is to create:
The aim of this module is to create:
- A portfolio of my best and most useful work
- A website and online presence
- 3 pieces of promotional material to exchange with potential clients
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