Work based learning

Monday, 4 April 2011

Self Promotion

Tips for SELF PROMOTION

1. Create a website. While a portfolio of your work is also mandatory, having a website reaches an immeasurable number of art enthusiasts. Take the time to design a professional site with good presentation of your work.

2. Blog, Blog, Blog. Blogging is an excellent way to create a buzz about your work and to let people know what your art is about. You can create your own blog page (recommended) where you highlight your work while also educating your reader. This serves as a "channel" through which other bloggers can be directed to your website. Additionally, you can post to other art blogs for the same reasons.

3. Art Newsletters. Many sites exist (such as Constant Contact) which allow easy creation and submission of your own personal newsletter by email. This is a great promotional tool that shows your art enthusiasm as well as your art work to those with whom you have all levels of contact. Be sure to mention your website and blog in each newsletter.

4. Sphere of Influence. This refers to your personal network of artists, art promoters, gallery owners, art committees, etc. Be sure to make contact with these individuals often so they are aware of your current artistic endeavors. They key word here is networking. The power of networking is tremendously underestimated. Likewise, your email list should be treated like gold. Build it and protect it.

5. Attend Art Events Regularly. At times, this may seem a chore when all you want to do is hibernate inside with your art. However, in the giving is receiving. By supporting other artists and frequenting art events, you continue to network within the art community and stay abreast of current trends and happenings.

6. Submit Often. If you create beautiful and meaningful art but it is rarely shown, the chances of elevating your career as an artist is going to be limited. Choose events and shows that are in line with the theme of your art. This will increase your chances for acceptance, present your art to the right forum, and allow you to be true to your art.

7. Create a Quality Portfolio. Whether it is a gallery owner or an interested client, no one wants to see an unprofessional display of your work. Take your art career seriously and pay a professional to create a good portfolio of your art. This is a must.

8. Provide Art Education. One of the most infrequently used tools in self-promotion is providing education. This establishes you as an expert in your field of art, and you expand your sphere of influence even farther. Write articles and post on the web, teach at local art centers, provide video clips on "how-to" projects, etc. Again, each time be sure to announce your website and blog.

9. Always Carry Business Cards. Design your own business cards that are congruent with your art. Be sure to have your contact information, website, and blog info readily seen. And don't be caught with empty pockets!

10. Make Formal Affiliations with other Art Sites. By linking your website to other art sites through formal affiliations, you can generate a significant amount of traffic to your website. Many forums, companies and organizations will be happy to provide a link to your site in exchange for a link to theirs. It never hurts to make an inquiry, and it offers another chance to expand your sphere of influence.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1186843

Organisation outcomes

ALL elements MUST be completed in order to PASS this module. All work must be organized and arranged in chronological order.
Ian Hankey	covered	Kamal Gohil	covered
1 Identify job roles in your specific sector, and look at the pros and cons of 3 roles.	X	PDP Blog - Either use your existing blog or create a new PDP blog in which you can begin to breakdown what skills you already have in place, and what other skills you need to develop to have an impact on your future career pathway. On the blog you can post anything that is relevant to your development and critically reflect on examples of your own work, research other’s design work that you appreciate, to events, trips and appropriate exhibitions visited.	X
2 Research, Information and Investigation evidence. Go to the prospects site www.prospects.ac.uk and download job profiles. Comment on your research and use this as a starting point only to begin research into your specific subject area.	X
3 You should continue your self motivated research throughout the module.	X
4 Comprehensive report based on Career Profiles and Industry Research on ‘Why I have chosen ……. as a Career’. 500 words minimum.	X	WBL planning - Evidence a structured plan for exploring wbl opportunities for Year Two. Explore relevant career opportunities and graphic design pathways to develop an action plan to enhance potential career progression. Reflect on your current personal skills, qualities, experience, plus abilities and identify any expectations from the work place that you are looking into – within your local district area, nationally, as well as, overseas.	X
5 Complete work based learning form (WB1) which can be found on moodle within PCAD 100. Help in filling in the form can be found in the student handbook, also on moodle.	X
6 Target Curriculum Vitae, Resume, Covering Letter and Application Form if applicable.	X
7 Objective, Reflective Evaluation and Structured Plans for the future.	X
8 Graphic drawings, photo montage, or storyboard depicting where you will be in 5 years time, and how you plan to get there.	X
9 Workshops; - ‘Identifying Job Roles in your Specific Sector’, ‘Transferable Skills’, ‘Self Motivation’, ‘Effective Communication’, ‘Negotiation’. Include your notes taken in the workshops in your portfolio or blog.	X	Self Promotion - Research into self-promotional strategies utilised by the creative industries, including the evaluation of portfolio websites for three different Graphic Design pathways (300 words minimum on each site). Identify effective methods to approach career/employment opportunities. Also, highlight the most effective professional communication methods and knowledge for use when contacting employers, networking with relevant people in the field, interview techniques, self-presentation and identification of appropriate interpersonal skills.	X
10 Health and safety including on line questionnaire.	X

Graphic design avenues

Graphic Design Jobs

GD Jobs

youthedesigner.com

1. http://www.coroflot.com/public/jobs_search_results.asp?job_category_id_13=13

2. http://www.behance.net/joblist

3. http://www.authenticjobs.com/

4. http://designjobs.aiga.org/public/jobs_browse.asp

5. http://www.krop.com/

6. http://designrelated.com/jobs

7. http://jobs.freelanceswitch.com/categories/1

8. http://jobs.smashingmagazine.com/all/design

9. http://www.freshwebjobs.com/\

10. http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/o-271024/fft-graphic+designer

Research in to applying for work and agencies.

Friday, 1 April 2011

WBL Opportunities

Magellan world creative package design is a company that uses contemporary styles to package a wide range of materials. Using a vast range of printing and quality finishing techniques to suit the sector from formal to craft. Based in Basingstoke the company supply the local and international market there design ethic is broad which is something I would look to be involved with as I would like to keep a challenging and competitive edge to my design to keep my skill base high.

Form WB1

WB1 Personal and Professional Development plan

Personal details

Name:

Mobile number:

Programme of study: Graphic Design FD

Work based learning module leader:

Email: Jpearce2@plymouthart.ac

Part A - Research

Task	Source of information	By when	Completed?
Collect career and occupational profiles to develop knowledge in chosen industry	Careers resource area Careers advisors, newspapers, trade magazines, websites	April 2011	Y
Identify career opportunities in chosen industry		April 2011	Y
Identify suitable job vacancies		Sept 2011
Assemble personal contacts and job leads	Careers advisors, tutors, newspapers, trade magazines, exhibitions, personal contacts, websites	Sept 2011
Produce a curriculum vitae	Careers resource area, handouts, careers officer, tutors	April 2011	Y
Practice completing a job application and/or write a covering letter	Careers resource area, handouts, careers officer, tutors	April 2011	Y
Complete Personal and Professional SWOT analysis and development plan	Plymouth College of Art MOODLE site and this form	April 2011	Y

Part B - SWOT analysis – where are you now?

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge, Achievements

Description	Date obtained (if relevant)
5 GCSE levels A – C AON level 2 Communication Level 2 NVQ Level 2 Heavy goods Vehicle

Part C – SWOT analysis – where do you want to be?

Using your research, complete your short and long-term goals (Be SMART)

Short term	Continue with my degree and develop relationships within the sector through volunteer work.
Long term	Watch the dynamic market and develop my skills towards a contemporary market.

Part D – SWOT analysis

Do a SWOT analysis of your goals based on your research

Strengths · Illustration · Work ethic · Digital skills · Strong personal interest	Weaknesses · Strong style leads to lack of flexibility · Not contemporary enough
Opportunities · Flexibility of the market · Broad spectrum · Turnover	Threats · Competition · Change in software · Moving boundaries

Part E – SWOT analysis -

Personal and Professional Development Plan (Be SMART)

Based on your completed SWOT analysis -

Write a personal statement about your goal

My goals are to build a recognisable style and develop my understanding of the market/sector. Advance to a good level of work and develop a interesting broad portfolio to help gain employment.

Write a personal statement about your immediate goals and how you intend to achieve these Include: Action needed, deadline dates and how you will know you have achieved these

My immediate goals are to complete this year and gain a work placement I intend to do this through working hard and networking.

Write a personal statement about your goals for the next 18 months and how you intend to achieve these Include: Action needed, deadline dates and how you will know you have achieved these

For the next 18 months I hope to be continuing with my degree and obtaining free lance work. I intend to do this by developing my knowledge and create work through self promotion.

Write a personal statement about your goals for the next 3 years and how you intend to achieve these Include: Action needed, deadline dates and how you will know you have achieved these

Hopefully by this time I will have gained employment and be in my desired arena. I plan to move abroad in Europe.