PPD
Monday, 28 May 2012
End of year show proposal
Proposal - to use Melody Maker prints as a set - show off more that my practice is all about image and it's application. Idea one is to include a mac to show other briefs, idea two is without. Think they work strong as a set - hopefully to draw people towards my space.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Asking friends for advice ii
More advice from friends - Snapper 52
Heya chum, I'm afraid I'm not much help :(
mine was all down to exposure, I set up my Bea blog as soon as I left
uni and that ended up all over the internet and shit, the offers just
came in :/
then when I'd done enough boring work I went to welly to show them what i can do and asking to do a flyer.. Just go to various places you have an interest in and ask? If you can show em how awesome you are should be fine, you just need to get as much professional work under your belt as possible at the minute.
as for charging, just doing it by the hour is the best way, or think about how much time and effort it took, keep it reasonable. Or work out a set list of prices, like when i started it was 50 for a flyer, 100 for a mural, 70 for a book cover, think about what kind of exposure you'll get from each thing and factor that into it.
I'm sorry I'm really no good at this, my whole career's based on luck haha
Heya chum, I'm afraid I'm not much help :(
mine was all down to exposure, I set up my Bea blog as soon as I left
uni and that ended up all over the internet and shit, the offers just
came in :/ then when I'd done enough boring work I went to welly to show them what i can do and asking to do a flyer.. Just go to various places you have an interest in and ask? If you can show em how awesome you are should be fine, you just need to get as much professional work under your belt as possible at the minute.
as for charging, just doing it by the hour is the best way, or think about how much time and effort it took, keep it reasonable. Or work out a set list of prices, like when i started it was 50 for a flyer, 100 for a mural, 70 for a book cover, think about what kind of exposure you'll get from each thing and factor that into it.
I'm sorry I'm really no good at this, my whole career's based on luck haha
To do
In terms of design presence...
- Portfolio
- Self promotion packs
- More work for behance / cargo etc
- Maybe set up a Tumblr
- Send packs to companies
- Redo Business Cards
- More stuff to Society Six
Asking advice from friends
Got a few mates who are busy out their trying to make it on their own.
One guy doing really well for himself is Craig Robson / Daggers for teeth.
Great advice from him to make me think about things...
i sort of started to get a couple of jobs in my third year at uni, little shitty jobs for bands that paid nothing, but i did loads of them, really quickly but sort of well. i put it ALL on the internet but never really promoted anything, not directly in your face sort of promoting, but it was there for people to see if they found it.
it just sort of went from there, lots of word of mouth i guess, i was doing things that were sort of trendy and sort of cool and it was when about a million kids where starting up t-shirt lines, so i guess i got lucky.
theres no real way to get clients, there isnt a formula, i wish there was though! you just have to be visible all the time, the internet is brilliant but it can be hard to keep up, you have to blog all the time, keep everything updated and look as busy as fuck.
charging is a weird one, i started out taking whatever budget people had (obviously within reason, you dont want to work for minimum wage) and started to build up a client list and reputation, every now and then i would up my prices to see if it would work, sometimes it did, sometimes it didnt, the weird thing is that you can be cheap and do loads and loads or you can be pricier and do slightly less, it feels like less work but the money balances out alright.
its hard to decide what to charge but i always think its best to have at least an idea of what you need to earn a month and how many jobs you want that to be.
i charge people by getting them to sign a contract that details everything, i license my artwork so the client pays for the different ways they want to use it. for example t-shirts is one use..one payment...skateboard prints is another use...a second payment.
this way i can control the way people use my artwork and i can also make money off it a number of times, either personally by making prints etc or by licensing it again for different uses.
i accept paypal for payments, its worked fine but remember to charge for the 3% deduction they take.
instant bank transfers work too, no charge, paid right in.
just make a simple invoice with your details on it, works a charm to have everything in the same place, it also means that if they want anything like changes after the invoice is sent you can sometimes justify charging extra.
i guess thats everything?
if you want to know anything else and i can help i dont mind, i dont really have a story though and i am still trying to find my way around being self employed. its weird.
One guy doing really well for himself is Craig Robson / Daggers for teeth.
Great advice from him to make me think about things...
i sort of started to get a couple of jobs in my third year at uni, little shitty jobs for bands that paid nothing, but i did loads of them, really quickly but sort of well. i put it ALL on the internet but never really promoted anything, not directly in your face sort of promoting, but it was there for people to see if they found it.
it just sort of went from there, lots of word of mouth i guess, i was doing things that were sort of trendy and sort of cool and it was when about a million kids where starting up t-shirt lines, so i guess i got lucky.
theres no real way to get clients, there isnt a formula, i wish there was though! you just have to be visible all the time, the internet is brilliant but it can be hard to keep up, you have to blog all the time, keep everything updated and look as busy as fuck.
charging is a weird one, i started out taking whatever budget people had (obviously within reason, you dont want to work for minimum wage) and started to build up a client list and reputation, every now and then i would up my prices to see if it would work, sometimes it did, sometimes it didnt, the weird thing is that you can be cheap and do loads and loads or you can be pricier and do slightly less, it feels like less work but the money balances out alright.
its hard to decide what to charge but i always think its best to have at least an idea of what you need to earn a month and how many jobs you want that to be.
i charge people by getting them to sign a contract that details everything, i license my artwork so the client pays for the different ways they want to use it. for example t-shirts is one use..one payment...skateboard prints is another use...a second payment.
this way i can control the way people use my artwork and i can also make money off it a number of times, either personally by making prints etc or by licensing it again for different uses.
i accept paypal for payments, its worked fine but remember to charge for the 3% deduction they take.
instant bank transfers work too, no charge, paid right in.
just make a simple invoice with your details on it, works a charm to have everything in the same place, it also means that if they want anything like changes after the invoice is sent you can sometimes justify charging extra.
i guess thats everything?
if you want to know anything else and i can help i dont mind, i dont really have a story though and i am still trying to find my way around being self employed. its weird.
Self Employed?
If an agency won't accept me I have to consider other options. Working for myself and trying to make it on my own. So would need to consider how to be self-employed.
Because I'm a girl and need to think about a career for the long term - I'm highly likely to want kids later on in life - so need to consider all aspects before deciding on career...
Because I'm a girl and need to think about a career for the long term - I'm highly likely to want kids later on in life - so need to consider all aspects before deciding on career...
"I'm self-employed - what do I get?"
If you are self-employed, you won't be entitled to statutory maternity pay, but you will be entitled to maternity allowance if:
If you own a limited company and pay yourself through PAYE, you will qualify for SMP if you meet the conditions.
If you are self-employed, you won't be entitled to statutory maternity pay, but you will be entitled to maternity allowance if:
- you have worked for 26 weeks in the last 66 weeks (either for yourself or an employer); and
- you have 13 weeks where you have paid Class 2 NI contributions or held a certificate of small earnings exemption.
If you own a limited company and pay yourself through PAYE, you will qualify for SMP if you meet the conditions.
Finding more Freelance opportunites.
Another article - http://www.computerarts.co.uk/features/finding-new-freelance-opportunities
"Expanding the breadth of the projects I’m working on is a constant goal. My work has the potential to be marketable to a diverse range of clients from various industries – food, weddings, kids, men’s fashion and so on. I think it’s important to develop as broad a clientele as possible because it will enable my freelance business to become more and more consistent.
I promoted myself in a variety of ways this year and I’m planning to continue these approaches in 2012. I mailed out postcards to promote my illustration and lettering work, primarily directing these to magazines, and I also sent emails about my newly launched Print Shop to bloggers. I’m selling a selection of prints; it’s a new realm that I hope to further develop.
This year, my goal is to develop a body of work that can be presented as a solo exhibition. I also plan to develop a fully illustrated and hand-lettered book of my work, but that’s still an idea in progress right now. I’ve recently joined The Adam & Eve Projects, where a large variety of artists in different fields post about new, exciting happenings in their career and beyond. For a non-blogger, this is a nice alternative: it’s great for someone who wants to post regularly but not necessarily daily. I also plan to update my Behance portfolio more regularly, and of course it’s vitally important to keep my personal portfolio site as up-to-date as possible.
My approach to promoting myself is to participate in almost every opportunity that comes my way, so long as I can complete the task to my standards in the time available. I try to do every interview, contribute to every publication and be part of every project I’m offered. You just never know what new audience each opportunity could open up."
"Expanding the breadth of the projects I’m working on is a constant goal. My work has the potential to be marketable to a diverse range of clients from various industries – food, weddings, kids, men’s fashion and so on. I think it’s important to develop as broad a clientele as possible because it will enable my freelance business to become more and more consistent.
I promoted myself in a variety of ways this year and I’m planning to continue these approaches in 2012. I mailed out postcards to promote my illustration and lettering work, primarily directing these to magazines, and I also sent emails about my newly launched Print Shop to bloggers. I’m selling a selection of prints; it’s a new realm that I hope to further develop.
This year, my goal is to develop a body of work that can be presented as a solo exhibition. I also plan to develop a fully illustrated and hand-lettered book of my work, but that’s still an idea in progress right now. I’ve recently joined The Adam & Eve Projects, where a large variety of artists in different fields post about new, exciting happenings in their career and beyond. For a non-blogger, this is a nice alternative: it’s great for someone who wants to post regularly but not necessarily daily. I also plan to update my Behance portfolio more regularly, and of course it’s vitally important to keep my personal portfolio site as up-to-date as possible.
My approach to promoting myself is to participate in almost every opportunity that comes my way, so long as I can complete the task to my standards in the time available. I try to do every interview, contribute to every publication and be part of every project I’m offered. You just never know what new audience each opportunity could open up."
Looking for exposure
Just found out about this magazine to submit to - 3x3 - missed this deadline but will keep my eye out for the next one.
Advice on finding an agent
Useful article from computer arts.
http://www.computerarts.co.uk/features/finding-agent
"Artists should aim to have a portfolio containing a wide range of work with a strong unique style and avoid imitating others or following stylistic trends. Most agents prefer to take on illustrators who already have some commercial work experience, however Charlotte Dowson from NB Illustration suggests artists can use mock-ups if they do not have many examples, to demonstrate how they see their work fitting in the commercial world."
"A bit of research will prove beneficial when choosing which agencies to approach. Many have their own method and identity – some are akin to supermarkets and have hundreds of illustrators on their books, while other boutique agencies represent little more than a dozen or so artists. Assess which clients they tend to get, as this will indicate what direction the agency is likely to take you and give you an idea as to which will suit your needs."
"Agents often enter their illustrators into awards and competitions and get their work seen in annuals and other publications, such as Contact and 3x3, or online portfolio sites"
"Artists are usually expected to maximise the promotional opportunities their agency offers. At the same time, keep your agent informed of any new work you’ve got, merchandise you’re selling or exhibitions your images are in. Your agent can create extra buzz around this. Illustrator Gemma Correll, who is with NB Illustration, explains: “I try to reiterate and cross promote everything. For example, if NB posts about my work on Facebook, I’ll share it on my illustration page.”
"Agents generally charge a fee for promotions, but this should be reflective of the commission rates. For example if your agent charges 25 per cent commission then they should be paying 25 per cent of your promotion costs. The cut an agency typically takes is generally between 20 and 35 per cent, which can seem a lot but, as Chow points out: “If you know an agency is making money out of you, then you know you will be making money too. There’s no need to be suspicious of them exploiting you.”
http://www.computerarts.co.uk/features/finding-agent
"Artists should aim to have a portfolio containing a wide range of work with a strong unique style and avoid imitating others or following stylistic trends. Most agents prefer to take on illustrators who already have some commercial work experience, however Charlotte Dowson from NB Illustration suggests artists can use mock-ups if they do not have many examples, to demonstrate how they see their work fitting in the commercial world."
"A bit of research will prove beneficial when choosing which agencies to approach. Many have their own method and identity – some are akin to supermarkets and have hundreds of illustrators on their books, while other boutique agencies represent little more than a dozen or so artists. Assess which clients they tend to get, as this will indicate what direction the agency is likely to take you and give you an idea as to which will suit your needs."
"Agents often enter their illustrators into awards and competitions and get their work seen in annuals and other publications, such as Contact and 3x3, or online portfolio sites"
"Artists are usually expected to maximise the promotional opportunities their agency offers. At the same time, keep your agent informed of any new work you’ve got, merchandise you’re selling or exhibitions your images are in. Your agent can create extra buzz around this. Illustrator Gemma Correll, who is with NB Illustration, explains: “I try to reiterate and cross promote everything. For example, if NB posts about my work on Facebook, I’ll share it on my illustration page.”
"Agents generally charge a fee for promotions, but this should be reflective of the commission rates. For example if your agent charges 25 per cent commission then they should be paying 25 per cent of your promotion costs. The cut an agency typically takes is generally between 20 and 35 per cent, which can seem a lot but, as Chow points out: “If you know an agency is making money out of you, then you know you will be making money too. There’s no need to be suspicious of them exploiting you.”
Monday, 23 April 2012
Thinking about where to work from.
If he plan of becoming freelance pulls off then don't really want to work from home so need to think about where in Leeds - or even at a push outskirts / Harrogate / Sheffield etc because I have my car - to possibly rent space - how much it would cost etc - and if it's plausable to do straight after uni.
Duke Studios
Not open yet - but does sound pretty cool - good facilities etc.
Range of studio spaces - available now - at reasonable prices. Need to think about income and housing rent / food etc. Reckon I will need a part time job at first....
People seem to post available places quite a lot...
Way too expensive for me - but thought I'd have a look - Greenhouse- more suited for studios.
This place has the potential to just be hired out for an hour or whatever at reasonable rates - thinking that if I do have to work from home then at least there are places for client meetings.
Private ads.
Bills included - meeting rooms available etc.
Duke Studios
Not open yet - but does sound pretty cool - good facilities etc.
Range of studio spaces - available now - at reasonable prices. Need to think about income and housing rent / food etc. Reckon I will need a part time job at first....
People seem to post available places quite a lot...
Way too expensive for me - but thought I'd have a look - Greenhouse- more suited for studios.
Private ads.
Bills included - meeting rooms available etc.
Starting to email agencies.
Thinking about where agencies are and the possibility of signing up to them - despite the majority being in London - hopefully can be represented not being in London myself.
Lemonade -
London /Yorkshire
Hello Lemonade.
I would like to send a link to my online portfolio to express an interest in your agency.
I'm just about to graduate from BA Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art and looking for an agency representation.
Here's a link.
http://cargocollective.com/
I tend to work on paper with pens and then take forward into photoshop to add colour and shade etc - more to follow.
I appreciate that you have many emails of this nature, but hopefully will hear from you soon.
Regards
Steph Bourne
Emailed Jelly based in London for a possible placement. Currently checking dates to see as to when.
Debut Art - Joe Wilson's agency - so thought I'd look it up.
Signed up - fingers crossed.
Folio
Hello Folio
I would like to send a link to my online portfolio to express an interest in your agency.
I'm just about to graduate from BA Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art and looking for an agency representation.
Here's a link.
http://cargocollective.com/
I tend to work on paper with pens and then take forward into photoshop to add colour and shade etc - more to follow.
I appreciate that you have many emails of this nature, but hopefully will hear from you soon.
Regards
Steph Bourne
CIA
Contacted
Depthcore - an agency a mate of mine is at.
Lemonade -
Hello Lemonade.
I would like to send a link to my online portfolio to express an interest in your agency.
I'm just about to graduate from BA Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art and looking for an agency representation.
Here's a link.
http://cargocollective.com/
I tend to work on paper with pens and then take forward into photoshop to add colour and shade etc - more to follow.
I appreciate that you have many emails of this nature, but hopefully will hear from you soon.
Regards
Steph Bourne
Emailed Jelly based in London for a possible placement. Currently checking dates to see as to when.
Hi Steph
Thanks for your email.
Sure fire away the questions….
We do offer work experience placements. Would need to check the diary with Georgie…when were you thinking?
All the Best
jelly thanks,
*hΓΌlya
*Debut Art - Joe Wilson's agency - so thought I'd look it up.
Signed up - fingers crossed.
Folio
Hello Folio
I would like to send a link to my online portfolio to express an interest in your agency.
I'm just about to graduate from BA Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art and looking for an agency representation.
Here's a link.
http://cargocollective.com/
I tend to work on paper with pens and then take forward into photoshop to add colour and shade etc - more to follow.
I appreciate that you have many emails of this nature, but hopefully will hear from you soon.
Regards
Steph Bourne
CIA
Contacted
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