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Tag Archives: freelance graphic design
Good things come to those who wait
Something will always come up, and this week it really has.
In May of last year I applied for a graphic design role. I applied not because I needed a job, but because I thought it would be the coolest job I could ever possibly imagine getting in the design world. I didn't expect to hear anything back - I just wanted to make the application and throw my hat into the ring as it were. I did in fact hear back. I was asked to design something. I designed something and sent it off... Alongside this application process, I had also been contacted by a recruiter with another design role. He seemed pretty sure that I was the right candidate. He was right. I got the job and signed on the dotted line... And then I was invited for an interview at the first place - which I had to politely decline. I emphasised my regret and explained I had got a role elsewhere, but assumed on my part that it was game over. I was disappointed at missing my chance, however, I am a firm believer in what will be, will be, que sera sera and all that.That was last summer. Last week I got the call - can I start on Monday? And this time I could :)
Something will always come up. I'm glad that I took a plunge into the unknown at the end of January. Someone is always on the hunt for a designer, and it's good to know that I was in this case "the hunted." It has given me new hope to the words "we'll keep you on file," it seems that you really are. In an emergency situation, all those CVs really are locked away and scrutinised and calls do happen. Not only that, but a number of the applications I made since the end of January and last week have started to get in touch too. I have had to decline their offers of interviews, but I explained the situation and fingers crossed when my current contract ends, another door will open. It seems good things do come to those who wait.Take a chance on me
Every now and then I take a chance. I take a gamble and plunge in.
I've done this on several occasions in my life to date. I took a gamble and ran away to sea, that worked out to be one of the best things I have ever done. It continues to define me, and I hate that it might be the best thing that ever happened to me. I took a gamble and went into the world of freelance graphic design - again that paid off, allowed me to travel some more, work with some great folks and develop my clientele and professional style. Another gamble took me to the other side of the world. That one didn't work out so well. Some you win, some you lose. After retreating to the relative safety of home for a few years, I have once again taken the plunge. I have moved to London without a safety net. The city is my oyster, and I'm excited. I came because I want to learn from creatives, I came because I want to develop as a designer and I came because I want to be challenged. I want you to take the gamble on me... I know that I have done a whole load of corporate literature and B2B material, and a limited amount of truly creative projects. I know that and it's why I made the move. I also know that I don't have the best interview technique known to man, but it's something I am working on to improve. But what I do have is a strong work ethic, and a belief in getting the job done to the best of my abilities. I have a creative mind and always have, I am flexible and approachable, with a whole range of skills to offer - and I will help out anyone who asks :) Now I just want the chance to prove it. Ultimately I want to work with graphic design agencies, I want them to take a gamble on me and I want them to feel that it was worth it.2016, a reflection
It has to be said, 2016 has been a turbulent year.
On a personal level, I feel that my life as I would have liked to have lived it has been altered forever by 17 million Brexiteers, I feel that my dreams and hopes have been dashed by Trump supporters, and more personally I feel like my compass point has been lost. It is this last point that I struggle to deal with the most - I am no longer wanted or required, I have been replaced, but as with all of the above, it is something I have to accept however bitter the pill. On a professional level, this year has also been a journey. I have finished in a very different place than I started both in terms of work style and location. All my previous freelance work had been carried out in my home office, working directly with clients of their projects, however, having noted a slow down of work coming through, I decided to take a full time contract with the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). This proved a fun experience, I gained some colleagues, office banter and socialising events - plus I got the chance to work on projects that could really shape the UK. However, the plan was always to move to London at some point in 2016 in order to pursue a more creative direction of work for my design portfolio, to work with experienced designers and to learn and develop as a graphic designer. Luckily for me the transition has been made a lot easier and smoother due to my contract with the IPPR who have offices both in Manchester where I started, and London where I am now based. I will be working with the IPPR until the end of January 2017, but after that, the world (well London) will be my oyster! I have started on the job/freelance hunt - so wish me luck!I feel privileged to have worked with my clients
As I am sure many a freelancer feels, I feel a sense of pride in the fact that out of all the graphic designers in the world, people have chosen to work with me. Just as I reflect on 2016, I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with the likes of the IPPR, Equality and Human Rights Commission, JustLife, Leica Geosystems and the Cordant group to name but a few. I genuinely enjoy bringing projects to life and presenting something beyond the expectations of my clients, and although I have relocated this is something I aim to continue and build on.To all my clients, friends and colleagues, I hope you have had a peaceful Christmas and wish you all the best for 2017 whatever it may bring.
Tags: 2016, Brexit, creative, freelance graphic design, graphic designer, IPPR, London
A creative crossroads
Back in May I was at somewhat of a creative crossroads on the freelance design front. I was thoroughly enjoying working with my clients (they are all and continue to be lovely people) however, I was finding the solitary nature of my working life a bit lonely - I was in need of colleagues, water cooler chat and office banter.
Luckily for me, my latest role turned up somewhat out of the blue as I was lazing around a hotel pool in Croatia. Upon casually checking my phone, I realised I had two missed calls, an answer phone message, a linked in message, text message and email from a recruiter with the perfect role for me. Long story short, I got the contract and have been working at the IPPR since July. Since then I have rediscovered the good, the bad and the ugly side of commuting, the office banter and the enjoyment of being part of a team with folks to bounce ideas with. It's been proven that I am a high level tea drinker, yet creative thinker and have worked on a whole range of projects from research publications to e-newsletters to Nicola Sturgeon lectern stands to branding to website maintenance and magazines. It has indeed been a busy couple of months!
Tags: freelance graphic design, IPPR, manchester