The first exercise we did was to critique each other's online presence in small groups. I found this particularly useful as currently, my online presence is pretty minimal and could do with a lot of work in order for it to reflect my practice in a more professional manner.
The only 'professional' online presence I have currently resides on a Tumblr domain, so this was all I was able to present to my group. I do use Instagram, but this is a personal account at the moment. I am considering setting up profiles on Behance and LinkedIn to further my presence.
Feedback received:
Start - update my personal website more often and consider changing the theme to make it seem more professional and reflective of my practice. Consider creating a presence on other social media platforms to widen your reach and get your voice heard. Perhaps make a separate Instagram account for professional development?
Stop - using short descriptions on personal website - pad out the descriptions so that users get a well rounded idea of the project and all of its contexts and background considerations
Continue - producing great work and uploading it online - stay true to your own aesthetic and style but just make sure it looks professionally presented online
The second exercise we did was focused on voicing anxieties we have concerning the course and the topic of graphic design in general. We wrote them down and discussed them with group, which was actually really useful.
My main current anxieties include:
- Getting in contact with studios/practitioners in general
- Supporting myself after I graduate from LCA
- Finding work that enjoy and feel inspired to do
- Worried that my aesthetic may be understood/interpreted in a way I wouldn't like it to be
The group identified and was able to relate to these concerns. I also spoke to Alec about contacting designers, and he basically told me not to worry, as at the end of the day, most of these people are actually pretty down to earth. Talking to 'professionals' shouldn't be seen as a daunting task, as they are only human at the end of the day. I need to stop idolising people and putting them on a pedestal, as this puts them out of reach. I just need to remember to be confident and don't let me nerves get in the way of putting myself at an advantage.
The final exercise involved us considering our 'spheres of influence'. We had to consider the people around us that inspire us to do what we do. I also thought about areas, places and other cultural influences which have an impact on my practice. These include:
Creative cities in Europe - in particular Berlin
Contemporary trends in design
Historical and contextual factors - COP has really helped me to realise my concerns and interests
DIY design studios such as Dr. Me
Fine art is a big passion of mine and constantly informs my practice
What I took away from today's session:
Give yourself experience - there will be plenty of people out there who will tell you that you don't have experience and therefore won't find work. If you give yourself the experience, through creating your own opportunities, then you will overcome the negatives attitudes that await you after you graduate
Set yourself briefs, solve other people's problems for them without them asking you to, re-visit old briefs, enter as many competitions as possible and just keep busy.
Confidence is the biggest tool to use to get you anywhere. If you don't appear to believe in yourself and the work you are undertaking, no one else will.
Surround yourself with like-minded people who are nice and do interesting things. This immediate sphere of positive influence can carry you a long way.
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