Digital Portfolio Examples

I've been looking at a few examples of digital portfolios and this one caught my eye. His work is very different to mine but I like the way he's set it set. I like the square format however I'm not sure if we're allowed to do that and I'm not sure if it would suit the format of my work very well. What I also like is the coloured titled pages before the images. He's split his work in to categories and gives it a bit of a structure.

Making a Website

So, I thought it was about time that I made a website. I didn't realise how many platforms there were to make a website on but the majority of people I know have used cargo collective so I went with that! At the moment I've just got most of my work there so it's looking a little cluttered and confusing because it shows too many 'styles'. I received some feedback from my peers saying that maybe I should have better categories like 'reportage', 'packaging' etc. This makes sense, however I don't feel I have enough work to fill out each section.

I also don't think my hand written name that I wrote for my promo pack last year looks good in the format it was given. It looks a little dull and boring and I feel I need to re-do my name so that it works within a more square format. 

They Draw and Travel

I found They Draw and Travel on instragram on the back of finding their other account They Draw and Cook, which I love. They Draw and Travel is the internet's largest collection of illustrated travel maps created by artists from around the world. The website showcases a lot of varied work in terms styles, medium and format, but all have the same subject of maps. This website is not only a perfect way for me to find contextual references for my map project and inspiration, but possibly a platform for my to submit my own work there once my final major project is completed.

Invoice Template

I worked on an invoice template today. I intend to add some design element to it and personalise it.

Reading List

During today's PPP session, Fred showed us some books that he's brought along with him. With our lack of knowledge on the business and financial side of becoming an illustrator, he recommended we buy them, or at least have a look. I definitely need something like this. All this business stuff to being an illustrator is confusing me so much, which is another reason I'd like an agent one day. My birthday's coming up, perhaps I could ask for one of these?!

What Should Go on an Illustration Invoice?

http://businessofillustration.com/go-illustration-invoice/

On this website I found a page on the important things to include on an invoice. I've never made one before so I found this helpful. I took not of the things to include. Invoices don't need to too fancy but simple and to the point. I can add some design element to make it look more interesting and personal but it shouldn't be a work of art that I spend too much time on.

1. Your name. Clients need to know who did the work.
2. Your contact info. So clients know where to send those sweet, sweet payments and contact you if there are any problems.
3. An invoice number. Something you and your clients can reference.
4. The client’s PO number (only if applicable). Some clients will give you purchase order numbers. For ones that do, you should include them on your invoices.
5. An invoice date. So your clients and you know when the invoices were submitted and when they need to be paid.
6. The client’s information. Who the clients are and who commissioned the work.
7. A description of the work done. So your clients know what they’re actually being billed for.
8. A tax ID number. For government purposes. Because you don’t want every client you work with to have your social security number (invoices go through a lot of hands), I’d recommend getting an EIN number which can be used instead.
9. The total fee due. So your clients know how much to write on your checks.
10. Payment terms. So your clients know when payment is expected to be received by and what happens if those payments are late. Standard is 30 days upon receipt.

Workshop 18th Jan

What have I done so far:

1. Designed a promo pack
2. Researched into MAs 
3. Evaluated existing practitioners 
4. Emailed some professionals in the industry.
5. Designed a business card
6. Done some small commissions 
7. Did a bit of networking at Thoughtbubble
8. Evaluated own practice
9. Made a digital portfolio and sent it to other practitioners 
10. Started a social media presence -Instagram and Facebook

What I'd like to have done by the end of programme:

1. Have a printed portfolio
2. Have emailed a number of practitioners and agencies and have replies
3. Sent off job applications
4. Visited Studios
5. Have a website
6. Have a domain name
7. Have a part-time job
8. Started a professional blog
9. Have an improved and professional digital portfolio
10. Have more confidence in myself and my work.

What I aim to have achieved (1st year out):

1. Be signed to an agency and/or working in a studio
2. Making money
3. Possible internship/experience 
4. More work with Natural England will be out
5. Go to illustration events and participate
6. Travel

What I aim to have achieved (in 5 years):

1. Illustration is my sole source of income
2. Have lots of contacts/client list
3. Be producing a variety of work
4. Not living at home/being able to provide for myself
5. Get work that gives me opportunities to travel
6. Work with the RSPB
7. Have contacts aboard 
8. Supporting myselfHave a lot of confidence-Be able to talk to people about my work.

Problems that might arise:

1. Lack of responses from when contacting people
2. Unforeseen problems/pitfalls - illness
3. Lack of motivation
4. Funds - inconsistent income - budgeting
5. Legalities - political/social changes/tax etc.

Things to do in the next two weeks:

1. Start setting up a website
2. Produce a digital portfolio ready to send out to people
3. Identify professionals that I want to contact with appropriate questions
4. Research and identify into internships at studios 
5. Edit and update business cards
6. Write a CV.

CoP3 Evaluation

I'm really pleased with the work that I have produced for this module. I think it's some of my best work. In terms of practical I think I have produce a visually strong, cohesive package of work. Although there are some minor errors along with the logo mistake, overall I'm really proud of the work I have produced. Looking back on the work I produce for CoP2 last year, I think I see an improvement and I've really pushed myself.

Writing a dissertation was something I've been worried about doing for years. Writing is certainly not a strong point of mine, but I really put my all in to it and almost enjoyed what I was writing about. I still can't believe I actually wrote it. I think I chose my topic well.

I have really thrown myself into this project and the research and I think it comes through in both the written and practical. I don't think the research is something I've been that good at in the past, but with it being such an important part of this module, I ensured that I gathered a lot of research. Secondary research was easily accessible as this is currently a hot topic in the media. Hugh Fearnely-Whitingstall presented a food waste programme right in the middle of my research, along with Country File doing a segment too. Adam Smith, Co-Founder of the Real Junk Food Project also did a talk at the university, and with first ever cafe being in Leeds - it was perfect. This is not to say that I didn't do anything, as I made efforts to go and interview people - even places where I didn't feel comfortable (TRJFP). Though I do regret not talking to more people. I feel as though the research comes through in my work and that the synthesis is strong between the written and practical. Both of these I feel answered my dissertation question, with the practical also finding a possible solution.

Whatever my grade is going to be, I am truly proud of myself and the work I have produced.

Georgina Luck

I've been a fan of Georgina's work for a while as my practice was in some ways similar to hers during mostly first year. Her work was a particularly a big inspiration during the development of my Visual Narrative module, because of her loose line and paint work. In terms of my CoP3, I looked back to her work as she illustrates a lot of food. My practice has come a long way since first year and changed so much. However, I still really like working in loose line work, and would still like to work this way in the future. I think you can still see it's there from my sketchbook pages. When working in my sketchbook, it's just me drawing naturally and loose.

I've emailed Georgina the email below, asking her about agents, her process and if she has any general advice.