You can’t plan everything,But you can steer yourself.

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Dan Moore, Studio OutputComputer Arts Graduate Showcase 09.10

01. What specific knowledge and specialist understanding of my professional and contextual location of my practice have I gained?

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Skills Development

Have a good understanding of practical skills in Adobe Suite through various workshops and practical application in briefs.

I feel I have a good understanding of design for print through print visits and practical print application on commissions. Learning more about the production process, finishes and assuring quality, stock choices and sourcing. I also compared cheap Leaflet printing from Solopress to a more comprehansive printers visit to Team Impression.

I also have basic developing skills in design for web through practical workshops provided by the Leeds College of Art.

Carl HoldernessLogo __ _ OUPD301

"HIGH-END IDENTITY DESIGN AND VISUAL SOLUTIONSDRIVEN BY LAYOUT AND AESTHETICS FOR QUALITY PRINT”

02. What have I done to research, identify and evaluate my personal and professional skills? And what career/progression opportunites are available to me?

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Who and what have I been meeting people for:

Portfolio Reviews:D&AD, Rihannon James.We Are Thoughtful, Stuart Price.Glue, Jonathan Smith. Plus Minus, Tom Eales. Creative Spark, Andy Mallalieu.Brass, Dan Lancaster.Nous Vous, Jay Cover.

Networking Events:Creative Networks Creative Milk Round The Grid: Coffee Morning(s)Artsmix*Business Link

Placements:Glue MarketingCreative Spark

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Glue Marketing Placement Summary

+ Operate within West Yorkshire, Leeds/Bradford.+ Close business relations Linked to Artmix* (not for profit arts organisation) and the Grid and others.+ Marketing Solutions driven.+ Not very design led.

What did I learn/opportunities?

+ Never misjudge an opportunity for work.+ Communicating with different and difficult people, organising a design support session for businesses, presenting business professionally. + The Grid, centre for emerging businesses. Offer support, professional desk/work space at low cost. + Studio setup opportunity. New businesses need design, identity/promo, web. + Networking opportunities, coffee mornings, presentations.

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Creative Spark Placement Summary

+ Manchester Based.+ Web/Digitally Driven agency, also offer print based design for large and small commercial clients.+ Closely networked to a number of small businesses within Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

What did I learn/opportunities?

+ Working in a small studio environment against a variety of specialists within a team. Finding my role, relationship to account holders, general attitude as junior creative.+ Work/play balance.+ Working on commercial briefs and learning to adapt to briefs that are out of my comfort zone.+ New industry contacts made.+ Working further afield than Yorkshire, and a greater potential.

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Other professional development opportunities:

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Portfolio Surgery Feedback

+ Including statement from clients/live brief.+ Tactile print portfolio/collection style ensemble.+

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_ Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Portfolio Surgery Feedback

+ Including statement from clients/live brief.+ Tactile print portfolio/collection style ensemble.+

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_ Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_ Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

03. What strategies have I developed and implemented to further progress my employment/self employment/further study intentions?

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Who am I?

An independent practitioner, I like to be in control, I am optimistic and I want to exploit the brief potential practically. Lesser the formalities of ‘high brow’ business and more of a focus on design.

What kind of work do I want to produce?+ I still want to tackle everything.+ Identity design and promotion with a focus on printed media.+ Small business and the creative sector.+ Learn as I go and ask people for help and directions.

Who do I want to meet?+ More type designers.+ More freelancers.+ More (& better) clients.What do I need to learn/do?How do I introduce/price up a job? Introduce standard rates?Make my own identity.Arrive on time .

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

*Sort out my own identity and portfolio prior to anything.

Option 1Go solo.Chance it, nothing to lose, be independent.Supported by a part-time income.Set up base in The Grid in Bradford, exploit potential of “e-lancing” at the same time.

Option 2 Placement/Internship either via Creative Spark/D&AD/end of year show.Look for full time employment post placement or start a business.

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

How have I tried to present myself as a professional practitioner to an internal/external audience through a combination of appropriate communication tools?

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

How have I been promoting myself?

+ Handing out business cards. (New identity to be designed and printed) + Building an online portfolio of work. (carlholderness.co.uk)+ Behance, LinkedIn.

More focus on meeting real people and direct contact through email.There is still a world offline and networking makes the world go round...

plus anyone could be your next client.

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Enjoy the moments,And seize opportunities.Be nice to people,...

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

Dan Moore, Studio OutputComputer Arts Graduate Showcase 09.10

Carl HoldernessLogo _ _ OUPD301_

And say thanks!