PPP Statement & Experience

General Notes

- I have been blogging visits and experience and client work

- Need to start branding (BC, CV, Refs, website)

Internship/s

FX printer
Label/M web

Feedback

- Presentation in 6 weeks time (10 minutes) - start to plan and get work done to present

- Watch more Ted Talks

- Blog 'Design I like' - influence for work/potential work
- For websites, look into using Wix/Wicks/Tumbler/cargo collective

1. Complete a short statement about yourself.
I am a fab designer with a cracking sense of humour. I really enjoy what I do and like to experiment within my work. I can be a bit of a stress head and perfectionist at times and tend to experiment with work too much, making it hard to choose between them. Over these past 2 1/2 years at Leeds College of Art, I have slowly developed the skill to work more concisely and efficiently. 

2. Complete a short statement about your technical skills.
My technical skills have vastly improved over the two and a half years of being here. I can work quickly and efficiently using shortcuts within programmes such as Illustrator and PS etc where ever possible. As a result of my skills improving, so have my designs and overall efficiency and way of working.

3. Complete a short statement about your work experience.
FX Signs & Stickers

Summer 2015 I worked at a small design studio for around 2 months. This was paid work and I was left alone as head designer after 2 weeks. I had to deal with existing and new customers, designing a range of products. I learnt to deal with money and time more efficiently.

 From this I also gained some freelance work which is still on going now. I have one repeat customer as well as a few more job opportunities including working with another designer in India.

Label/Marvellous Design Agency

I worked here for a week in January just gain experience of how a larger agency works. Label, now Marvellous rebranded and launched their new company in the week that I was interning. I was given an official brief and asked to create a bespoke logotype, which is still on going.

 Whilst at Marvellous, I gained contacts and was also able to see how a professional company designs and codes a website from start to finish. Through discussing how each of the designers, devs and managers got to where they are in their careers now, reassured me about my own work, skills and experience.

 I am keeping in contact with the company, as I am continuing work for them as well as also being offered a longer term (few months) paid internship which could result in a job.

4. Complete a short statement about your ability to work in a team and independently (with examples).
Working alone or as a collaboration comes easily to me. Working alone, I set myself deadlines and work thoroughly. An example of this, this year, is my food packaging brief amongst others. I also use the same mind set when working together with others, yet I am also able to take more of a backseat if needed. An example of this is my Christmas card brief.

5. Complete a short statement about your communication skills (with examples).
I have developed my communication skills greatly whilst studying at LCA. I now know how to write appropriate emails and messages to clients, colleagues and other professionals and companies. For instance, whilst working over summer, I was not only designing but I answered emails and the telephone.I chased up customers and suppliers. All of these gave me the experience that I needed for my 3rd year as I now have clients etc, and I know how to contact them in appropriate ways.

6. Complete a short statement about your understanding of graphic design (with examples).
 I have come to realise that Graphic Design is not only a way of expressing and visualising and idea or resolution it is something to be enjoyed. I have recently been designing for clients and have not enjoyed most moments (client) of it (carnage). I have now made a promise to myself that I will never design something that I wont enjoy, unless the money is ridiculous; everyone has their price.

My Plan for the Year

- Update and finalise website, social media and portfolio
- Have work that gets me recognised
- Visit more studios
- Gain more contacts from all over the world

After University

June 2016

Travelling to Croatia for 2 weeks

July 2016

Travelling around Thailand for 7 weeks

September 2016

Hopefully staying in Leeds and possibly interning for a few months along with working to save more money

March 2017

Travelling to Australia and hopefully visit a few studios and gain some experience out there (Need to look into it more)

September 2017

Sweden to stay with family friends and gain experience out there too

October 2017

6 month internship with Marvellous which should lead to a job