Chip shops, law firms and passionate ambition

I’ve previously written about what I feel it will take for me to succeed, but it wasn’t until recently, when some said something to me that made me consider the even bigger picture. I’ve chosen to go down the avenue of internships and work experience to enhance my career prospects, though this isn’t to say someone who chooses who improve their credentials through further education or post graduate study won’t succeed too. It was during this conversation that I had the realisation that it was very naive of me to not be thinking about the even bigger picture.

Gaining experience or furthering credentials is the part that will help you achieve your dreams on paper. Although more than willing, I’ve never considered what it takes beyond that. If I didn’t consider the even bigger picture, it would be pretty shallow of me to assume experience is the only way to success. Reflecting on people I consider successful, there are definitely attributes they have in common beyond the paper credentials.  It’s the drive and ambition. I don’t think you can be truely successful unless you’ve got the passion.

The people I refer to are guaranteed to be up every morning when the hour hand is in the lower right quartile of the clock and not going to bed until its back in the upper right quartile.  They all found themselves doing mundane, ‘working in a chip shop’ jobs to support themselves, while going through unpaid internships or Masters/PhD studies. But all the while, it is the passion that keeps them going, the reward of the success. Although the success never happens all at once, the drip feed of passing an exam or receiving a glowing reference gives the little boosts of encouragement to keep going, to maintain the passion.

As recent graduates, we sometimes loose sight of the bigger picture.  Whether you are 23 and finding yourself hiding from freshers during fresher’s week as you begin your Masters, or fed up of making coffee and photocopying case notes in a law firm – think beyond the next 6 weeks, or even the next 6 months. Look at the bigger picture, and consider what you are doing now as a small part of achieving the dream. As long you've got a goal, you can't go wrong.

Ambiance and the Chair

For those that know me, will know I’ve got a secret love of chairs. (roll your eyes and laugh all you like. I can take it. ) During my first two years of my degree it was all about the chairs. I was designing them, writing about them and reading about them. The science behind a structure that held a weight and then the design that has been applied to make the practicalities exciting is something rather fascinating. Towards the end of my degree my work took less of a seated approach and more towards other design, but the consideration of the body was still there.

Given my recent thoughts of spatial design, I’ve began to realise how important seating can be when in context. Previously I have only really considered seating as an isolated object of design but when considering the space in which it stands opens up an entire can of new worms. The arrangement of chairs can create an intimate or inviting space, the type of chair can indicate the formality of a situation or in some cases the informality.

When it comes to the events, I’ve never really stopped to consider the fact the guests can spend the majority of their evening in a chair. In terms of time, it can be a place where someone would spend a considerable amount of their time, yet some times the seating is not necessarily considered beyond colour.

The layout of seating in an event is important too. I found myself organising an event in a long rectangular room, which posed difficulty when locating the dance floor where ultimately speeches would take place and a band was to peform. As it transpired the only layout that was truly realistic was having 300 people either side and the stage in the centre. As a result other factors then had to be introduced to recreate the involvement and intimate feeling that would have come naturally in a room with more centralised the seating.

From this I can definitely conclude, that (I hope) there will be a lot more ‘chair chat’ in my future than I initally realised – in a way the seating could make or break the ambiance of an event. The science of seating is a complete subject on its own - when your next at an event, consider how the seating is playing a part in your experience.

Ps: For those that read this far – Thanks. One day, when I have more than the space of a blog post I’ll try and explain my love of seating.

Playing with Space

In 6 months time I need to hit the real world running – And I need to know what I want to do and why I want to do it. I’m always going to be creative, that is a given. I came out of uni wanting to do creative events, which is still the path that I am aiming for. Though it is only recently that I have really found more clarity and reasoning behind this choice. If someone was going to ask me why I wanted to do creative events, the answer of I like events and I like being creative would just not cut it.  I’ve recently realised I enjoy designing not just events but with space. Designing within a space. I see it almost like a 3D brief. Here is a space, this what we want the outcome to achieve, this is a space we want people to enjoy, make it happen. PostEvents certainly lend itself to a job that involves space manipulation, designing to a brief, to enhance visual and human interaction. This is the challenge I want. I know I could be happy designing for any space, whether it be a ballroom, a sports hall, or a living room.

The idea of re-creating the space into a clients visions, or to create a certain atmosphere within a space is positively exciting. There are so many ways it can be done! I like a challenge. The constant challenge of creating something new and something that makes people go wow.

The dream would have to be to own my own company that offers an expertise in spatial design. From temporary event design to permanent architectural design to the space people have around them at home and work. Although I’m now getting ahead of myself, my big dreams most definitely fuel the first leg of the race.

The £11,000 Pen. No mistake on the zeros.

We have all been window shopping or flicked through magazines and gawped at the price tag of an item and added it to the never granted wish list. I’m sure we’ve all heard a man say ‘those shoes are how much? I’ll make you a pair for that’ too. Although as a designer, I appreciate the value and possibly have a greater understanding of the cost of design pieces than the average person, I couldn’t believe it when I found myself reading a mini catalogue that arrived in my subscription of a well known interior design magazine advertising a pen at the mere cost of £11,000. Eleven Thousand British Pounds. I couldn’t believe it. I’d consider paying 11,000 Japanese Yen for pen but £11,000!? It got me thinking as to what factors are considered when pricing an object.  Obviously materials, time taken, machinery used, packaging, advertising, transport and shipping are included but unless this pen was made from the rarest of materials, and is shipped first class on a private jet I have to question where the value comes from.

Can value come in a less physical form? Can the concepts or meaning of a piece give it value? I think the answer is yes.  I mean people pay millions for paintings don’t they?  Though the majority of the cost comes from the reputation when it comes to famous artists, which was not the case for the pen in question.  The sentimental value could add to it – but that comes from the buyer. Something that it determined after the price is decided.

I will never understand the thought process behind buying £11,000 pen. I can understand people putting personal value on an item but I’d love to understand how some can justify the £11,000 pen in the first place.

Designer Fuel

There are many people out there who design. Some design successfully and some who design, well, not so successfully.  Some designers are recognised for the hard work behind their designs and some are not. But behind all the designers there has to be a fuel that keeps them going.

For someone who isn’t a designer, who has never been through the motions of starting from scratch and producing something successful, or endured the numerous hurdles that present themselves in the design process may find it difficult to understand what can fuel this enjoyable yet at times tedious process. Why, if it is so difficult do we keep wanting to do it again, or carry on, or make something better? What fuels this? I imagine this is unique for everyone, though the one constant element between all of us is the ideas behind the process. We all have ideas. I believe this is a fundamental part of the design process.   I believe this may raise the eyebrows and roll the eyes of the cynics among us, followed by the thoughts of ‘of course there cannot be a design process without the ideas’, and yes I realise that. I’m more referring to what makes one idea stand out more than others.

In an individual mind, what fuels one idea over the other? What makes you carry one idea forward and leaving the others behind? Is it the visions of a beautifully athestic outcome or possibly that the idea is a solution to one of life’s unsolved problems? I’d like to think that people design simply for the sheer enjoyment but anyone who makes this claim will have an underlying reason for the simple fact that design requires passion.  Designing for the sake of designing does not involve passion and therefore would be unsuccessful and unrewarding. And somewhat pointless. (Thinking practically of course)  For the designers out there, what fuels your creativity? What elements are behind the success of your fuel?

When is your 'sell by' date?

The art and design world is constantly changing, up-dating and moving forward, so one would agree as designers we have to be one step ahead of the game and constantly providing something fresh, innovated and un-seen. What is popular now will most definitely not be popular in 12 months time. Something I’d dread as a designer would be to be called old fashioned or out dated!  Though being current is something that is much easier said than done.

As being rather new at this ‘real world’ thing, I am beginning to realise just how important it is to be current. Being out the studios, living on very little money, and having to work full time to keep a roof over my head means there is very little time to stay current as a maker. Time, a lot of effort and even money is so important to staying current. I’ve never said I wanted to be a maker. I never want to own my own store and sell ‘stuff’. I appreciate that, and if that is what my friends want to do then I support them fully. I also appreciate the people who graduated with me and want nothing to do with design. Being someone who wants everything, I have found myself in the middle of the situation.

I want a creative job. So I have to show potential employers that I have that in me. My concerns lie in being able to prove I am creative in a month, or a year’s time. My degree suggests I was regularly applying my creativity, but since I have graduated on a paper my creative application becomes extremely...muddy. Being my stubborn self, as usual, I take matters in to my own hands. I’m still drawing, I’m still writing my ideas down, I’m still tearing pages out news papers and keeping record of things that inspire me. Is this enough? (Anyone who looks to employ creative people and has any thoughts on the matter I’d love to hear from you). The trouble with having a sell by date, is the simple matter of not knowing when it is. I simply have to be consistent in the application of my drawings, my ideas and my interests to avoid expiration.

Sacrifices for Design

Although slightly biased, I feel it safe to say that the design and creative world is one of the toughest career ladders climb.  Although I am very much at the bottom looking up, I feel this is still a very justified fact.  People in my graduating class, as far as I am aware are working harder than anyone else I know to find a job. Between us we’ve had to do internships, work for free, and take up a job that keeps the pennies coming in whilst designing on the side or in some cases move to a completely different country simply to get a foot on the ladder that takes us towards the dream.

I’m not even going to delve into the discussion of why this is, I’m more intrigued as to how much people are willing to give up to reach the dream. How far can you plan in advance in order to determine what you have to prepare yourself to give up? Or put up with? How does one decide what sacrifices to make in order to reach your goals? I started this summer in debt with myself, my parents and the student loans company. You’d imagine that one of my first priorities would be to start earning some money. But no, I found myself working 9-5 for free. At the beginning I did question why I was doing it. Now, 2 months on it not earning money was a very small sacrifice for what I have got out of it in return.

I wonder how much one person would give up for their dream? Relationships? Friendships? Can dreams have a value from which you determine how much they are worth? I know my friends and family would never want to think they have held me back. I’d like to think no matter how close the relationship I’d be supported no matter how far I'd have to travel. I think at this very transitional point in our lives we have to be selfish. I know I would never want to look back when I’m 40 and think the reason I wasn’t CEO was because I’d held back.

How much will have to be sacrificed? A lot I’m sure. It’s going to be full of hard work, difficult decisions and tough times. But I would like to think there are people there who have my back and I know the people out there who are working hard and sacrificing things to reach their dreams will most definitely get there in the end.

Creativity: Something we need, not something we want.

More recently than ever before I have realised how all aspects of life need creativity and the fact that creativity comes in all forms. Even those who say they have not got a creative bone in their body will still find themselves using it. Creativity comes in all forms – visually, atheistic, and design are the obvious forms, but it is still used in negotiation, organisation and communication. When we are given a task to solve, we will all approach it in a slightly different way. This is creativity. In debate and discussion we have to be creative. Creativity comes hand in hand with arguing and convincing. There are hundreds of ways to apply creativity.

This point has not come completely out the blue. It somewhat stems from the train of thought of what I am going to do for the rest of my life. I was asked the other day what type of creative I am. Honestly, at first I was lost for words (believe it or not) but it certainly gave me something to think about.

What type of creative am I? This is never going to be a straight forward answer or a complete answer as I feel I will constantly be developing my creative style. For now though I feel I can say I will never be designing something for its beauty alone. I know a few people, who design for simply the beauty and also friends who design for the sheer practicality. I feel I lie somewhere in between. My creativity has to have a purpose. A brief and a conclusion. Though I still want enjoyment and excitement to come out of my creativity. It needs to have a practical purpose. My thoughts for the future definitely lie in providing my creativity as a service...possibly...creating for someone who feels they have no creativity yet wants to produce an exciting outcome... creativity as a service...definitely food for thought.

The mysteries of vintage jewellery

Although I tend to harp on about making and designing jewellery, I do have a love for all types and genres of jewellery – from market jewellery in Monte Rochelle in Naples, Italy to one pieces found down Islington, London little side streets. Recently I aquired rather a large collection of jewellery that used to belong to my grandmother. Having sorted through over 400 pieces I thought I’d share a few of my favourite pieces.



Blue ceramic earrings with fresh water pearls

Brooch (cubic ziconia)

Clip earrings - beads and gemstones

It’s amazing to think where this collection has been worn – the stories that it could tell and does tell. Some of it dates back to my great grandmother, having lasted 3 generations. The lavish parties, the secret rendevous’, the scandal of two World Wars and birthdays, weddings and occasions these pieces have been worn at are more than intriguing. One day, when I have the time, I’d love to look over the old photo albums we have and connect the pieces to specific times, places and people.  I look forward to being able to wear some of the pieces and live new stories wearing them, keeping hte vintage magic alive for the future.

A small selection of over 400 pairs of earrings

Should I be there too?

I went to the Origin craft exhibition/fair that takes place annually in London today. It was slightly strange walking around an exhibition for the first time where I wasn't looking for inspiration or ideas for a new project. I was simply looking for what I enjoy and find exciting. The first thing I did notice was how few people are considering plastic - clearly the challenge of making acrylic beautiful is still one some people are not yet willing to take on.

Having been to the show for a few years I found this show bland. Few things popped out at me, really making me want to look closer. It was interesting, playing with the thoughts of how my work would have sat in the show - it would have stood out for sure - though seeing how designers where struggling to sell, and how expensive even the smallest tea cup cost it did confirm my decisions not to be my own designer, however much I want to dream.

Either way, I love design. I love creativity and I cannot wait to have enough money and my own house to create my own personal gallery of everything that I love. There is nothing better than wandering through design and appreciating the discussion it starts.

New friends and new lessons.

The event is over - I had the most amazing time. The organising, the team work, the thrill of seeing it all run smoothly was a reality check that I really want to be in events.

 Life as an intern is nearly over - I'll be sad to leave - I really felt part of the team. Going into work, despite not getting paid, is something I look forward too - something I hope I can achieve in my next job. I felt it was a really awesome pinnacle to my time at the company. I'd like to think I'll keep in touch with everyone - informally (facebook) and formally (linked in), you know the way it is.  I've learnt something from all of them, things that can really help me further my career and with the desicions I might make in the near future.

I still find myself designing my jewellery in my head, - something at some point I'm going to have to get out of my head and on to paper - but now is just not the right time. I think it some what co-incides with the fact a lot of people I know are going back to uni - and I'm not. I'm in the inbetween stage - not fully settled so looking back at the familar times. But as I am told by a complete variety of people, I have to keep making desicions, that keep moving me forward, working towards where I want to be.

At this point, if I was to raise a toast it would be to new friends and the new things they have taught me. And that I hope they stick around to see out their advice.

If anyone was going to possibly listen to the advice I might give at this point, it would be that the people are just as important as the job - and that you can learn something from everyone. Make the most of the experience you are living.

Welcome to the corporate world

My internship is coming to an end - concluding with the event we've all been working towards. I'm going to get my first experience of the real corporate world - I'm excited and slightly apprehensive but looking forward to it. I've not been able to be as creative as I want, but I've loved the organising, preparing and I have definitely learnt alot. I get on really well with the people I work with and that definitely shows what an important part your co-workers play in your job enjoyment.

I'm still trying to decide what next - I love being creative, and I still feel my final project has more that need to be developed. This is going to take time which, at the moment I dont necessarily have - given I am at the point where I need to earn money - but at the same time I want to keep my work current - and really need a plan to display and market it properly too. I have lots of options, but just need to decide what I really want to do.

Maybe after the event, I'll have a better idea of how I see myself - can I do corporate? If I ever did I would never conform to wearing trainers and suits. Somethings I have to draw the line at. Wish me luck!

Creative and Design. Two words that can mean a lot of things

I’m over half way through my internship and it’s been quite a journey. I’ve learnt that I had a very narrow mind approach to what design can be, and more important what type of design I can enjoy. I am getting a wide range of experience, some more exciting than the others. I’ve done more work on photo shop than I did throughout my whole degree – working on promotional material in particular. Designing as a way of communication is a whole new world to me. In the past I designed to a brief that I set and the conclusion was what I was happy with. Now I’m working to a brief that requires statistical success and customer response. Designing to encourage response is something I am really having to consider. The old fashioned phrase, a picture is 1,000 words is something that has been at the front of my mind quite a lot.  

I’m considering the next stage as such at the moment. What next after I finish my internship? I have just been offered a position in France to work for the next 6 months, starting at the end of November. It’s not a design job, but it’s one of those things I have to do for me. I’m working for a high calibre company, so I hope when I come back I’ll be able to translate the high quality into what I do next. While I’m away I want to use to it as a chance to really focus on what I want to do. I’ll keep writing and keep track of everything that inspires me. It will be the calm before I take on the creative events world with a storm.

The first step in the right direction...

Graduation has come and gone. It was a fantastic weekend full of goodbyes and 'last times' - memories I'll cherish forever in the form of 600 photos. I wouldn't have changed any of it for the world. My mum cried when I put my gown on - saying it was like my wedding day (I sincerly hope not) and no one tripped up when walking across the stage, so all in all it was a lovely occassion.

Being on to grab the bull by the horns and going for it I am currently on day two of an internship I was offered the day before graduation. Working on an large event to be held in Birmingham, I am helping out with the visitor and exhibitor marketing. The daily commute is going to take some getting used too, but I'm enjoying working in an environment surrounded by people all working on events. It's rather refreshing and not that far from the atmosphere in the studios - infact very similar with people chatting and eating in between working. It is all very open plan, celebrations and frustrations can be heard from all over the place, with the only difference being people are all sat infront of computers instead of sketch books. My creativity is being some what used, though currently getting my head around the world of html. At least I can be reassured with the fact it is taking one step closer to where I (think) I want to be!

The beginning of a very large chapter...

Our final degree results came in. 0.9 off a 2.1 HOW FRUSTRATING. I knew I was borderline, but to be so close. Super annoying. Though more in the sense that I know I worked my socks off, and I'd hate anyone to ever look at my grade and make a judgement of my efforts - I know I'm creative, professional and determined - just not the mark scheme style way.

Fortunately, the experience I've gained at University has taught me a lot and (I hope) make me employable. The big cross roads now is what do I want to do with a) the near future b) life. Both rather weighted options.

Having reflected in the last few days my answers would be some what as follows:

a)  1) Work to gain as much events expereince as possible over the summer then follow it up with a ski season in a high end chalet (a way of proving to future employers that I know what quality is but learning in my favourite environment)
     2) Throw myself into events now. I have found the most AMAZING company. http://www.fireball.co.uk/ - creative events for sporting companies. It's like a dream. Have applied for an intenship but as of yet not heard of anything.

b) Not being one to focus on specifics that can easily be changed - my general answer would be to be happy working in an environment that involves at least two of my three favourite things. 1) Creatvitiy 2) Events 3) Skiing

I guess its time to accept that I have entered the real world. Let the fun begin!

New Designers: The Aftermath

So there it is. We’ve packed up and gone home and it’s safe to say it has been a fantastic week. Before this week I thought I had my plans for the future all sorted – well to a point anyway but following the last five days I really have a lot to think about. Ultimately New Designers has made me realise how much I am going to miss simply designing for me. Having done it since Art GCSE – almost eight years ago it will be strange to no longer be working on a project. The feedback I have had has really opened up clear ways in which I want to develop my final project though for now this will be through drawings. As a close friend said to me I will always be a designer and will just have to make time to do it – simply for personal enjoyment. I still have quite a few opportunities to follow up that came from the show and fully intend on seeing them through. It will be exciting. I know my 1000’s of pieces project still has work to do before I can comfortably conclude it.
Stay tuned and watch this space.
The countdown to results has begun.

New Designers 2011: It's all about the networking

Following set up and the private view, the show was open to the public – working on a rota with the rest of my class we took turns to be at the stand. Following my mantra of the private view of ‘approach everyone’ I found myself talking to all sorts of people. When the event was open to the public you really could be talking to anyone. I have decided you can divide people into three categories: Teachers – very obvious characters, normally carrying a large bag, clipboard with a group of children in tow. Friends and Family of exhibitors – show an interest but ask superficial questions. At the last group – the category of people you can’t quite work out. They are normally the most interesting. Though it’s still safe to say I enjoyed talking to everyone about any aspect they were interested in – inspiration, process, future development and personal feelings about the course. I also enjoyed talking about others work – we had briefed each other, and being enthusiastic about work other than my own came to me much easier than I thought. I think it is because we have made the journey to this point together – so to some extent I felt I had a responsibility to them. I definitely felt that following New Designers I would be quite comfortable working at shows whether it be for my own work or someone else’s.

New Designers 2011: Dipping my toes into the design industry...

I have fortunately been chosen to exhibit my final degree work (see 1000's of pieces) at the New Designers Event that takes place annually at the Business Design Centre in London. It is a graduate show where all the universities have a stand displaying their finest graduate work of the year.

The show opened on Wednesday and I must admit I was not ready for the intensity of it all. During set up it was tense, students eyeing up each others work and comparing outcomes as some stands clearly had a much larger budget than ours. Despite the intial tension once set up was complete I found it all rather exciting. The private and press view involved all 14 of us from Loughborough being on the stand and talking to every one who showed an interest. I actually found myself enjoying it - despite after 12 hours on my feet and it was really intresting talking to people from all sorts of creative walks of life. It has opened a huge trunk of new ideas and ways of developing my work - I really wish I had more time at Uni to see them out.

It became clear soon on, that the way to get people interested in your work was too approach them. I tried my hardest to greet everyone who came in to the stand and once they worked out I am a bit of a chatter box they would ask which my work was and it would go from there. Although probably only 1 in 10 people could possibly further my designs, I felt it was important to treat everyone the same and give them the same attention - you never know who they might be!

http://www.newdesigners.com/

Think Green: Moving Image Fashion Day

Being the currently unemployed graduate seeking experience within the creative industry, I am jumping at any chance I get. So when an events company I am following on twitter posts that a dresser is needed for a fashion show in London - I reply honestly with " I have no experience as a dresser but would be super keen". and hey presto I get the gig. So armed with my map and a contact number I make my way to the Showroom Gallery on Penfold Street - and it's safe to say for an unpaid day of work it was fantastic.

Although a small show of three designers and five models and an even smaller back stage area I got a real insight to how a fashion show is run. From how to organise the clothes and running of the event to how to cope when designers don't show up and models get all diva on you. The day was really enjoyable and it was intresting to talk to the designers - who both had main stream jobs and recently converted to fashion (very comparable to descisions I have had to make myself in the past). It left me with alot to think about and also enthusiasm that although I didn't do an events degree there is still plenty of oppourtunity for me in the big wide world - I just have to go and find it!

To get more of an insight into the event take a peek at this:  http://nijimagazine.com/?p=9240

The end of a very privileged chapter...

The final deadline has passed, the final degree project has been handed in and all that a waits is the final grade.

Fortunately for me, this has not just been what my degree is about. My degree has been about so much more than the grades we get on paper. The experiences I have been privileged too will stay with me forever.

I feel very few will really understand the chemistry that goes on between a group of people who work and design together day in day out. Ultimately we all have the same goal. A goal that goes beyond getting that 2.1. We are constantly striving to succeed in what we love doing. Although we all design and produce very different work we constantly rely on each other to iron out the immediate crinkles, for reassurance when going into the tutorial to stand up for what we believe in, and for pick me up chocolate fredos when we’ve had a bad day.

I will sorely miss the studio banter, stress and celebrations for I know I will never work in the same in environment again. Different yes, but most definitely not the same. I’m not sure I’ll ever get the chance to thank the others in my year group – as each and every one of them helped shaped me as the designer and creative person I am today.

Now I’m looking towards the future. We have our graduation ball in a few weeks, the last time we are all together – no doubt it will be an emotional affair. I just hope as a group of designers and friends we still maintain the connection to support each other in all the hurdles of the future.

The beginning of the end...

I'm using this blog to keep an online record of all the outcomes of my final year studying 3D Design at Loughborough University. The highs and the lows over the last three years have resulted in an exciting final year - my designs have all been centred around the use of acrylic plastic and the manipulaition of the material. I have produced big concept pieces of jewellery that can interact with the wearer and create an air of inquistiness as to how it was made.

I apply my creativness to all parts of my life - I have also included a page to show how my creativity has been applied to events that I have organised over the last three years.