Monday, 19 January 2009

More books....





Ok so here's another couple of books that are worthwhile having:

'Inside the Business of Illustration' by Steven Heller (Author), Marshall Arisman (Author & illustrator) It's a worthwhile read, even though its over 5 years old. Some of the views sound a little dated, and you have to keep in mind that this is written from an American point of veiw. But having said all that Heller always has something intelligent to say and Arisman (the once wild but now tamed 'establishment' illustrator) has some deep insights and historical perspectives. This is what the burb says:

This guide to the ins and outs of today's dynamic illustration business tells budding illustrators everything that their teacher didn't know or their art director didn't tell them. Using an entertaining, running narrative format to look at key concerns every illustrator must face today, this book covers finding one's unique style and establishing a balance between art and commerce; tackling issues of authorship and promotion; and more. In-depth perspectives are offered by illustrators, art directors, and art buyers from various industries and professional levels on such issues as quality, price negotiation, and illustrator-client relationships.


The second book is more like a how to be an illustrator style tome. 'Illustration 101' by Max Scratchmann (real name? I doubt it!) This is a straight talking shoot from the hip style guide which is full of practical advice on all aspects of professional practice.

Sunday, 11 January 2009

Two heads are better than one





In design two heads are always better than one. Never underestimate the value of someone to bounce ideas off/argue with. Before you set off finding someone to work with here are a few tips for finding the perfect partner in crime:
  1. Can I really spend 95% of my waking hours with this person?
  2. Do I like them?
  3. Do I rate their thinking/work?
  4. Can I hear them out?
  5. Can I be really honest with them?
  6. Are we better together?
  7. Can they do all the things that I can't?
  8. Are they at least as good as me?
  9. Do we want the same things?
  10. Do I fancy them ? (always a bad idea!)

Friday, 9 January 2009

invoice





Here is a screen shot of a simple invoice created in word. I'm sure you could create a much better design than this yourselves but it will do for now.
You can download the Word document from the 3rd Year Moodle site in the Professional Practice Section. Feel free to edit your copy and add an image or logo in the black square.

Starting up




This government site aims to help you understand some of the many things you need to think about when you're running a business, especially the main tax and National Insurance (NI) issues.It also points to some other important areas of the law which aren't the responsibility of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

Going Global






It's easier than ever for you to get your work in front of art directors and editors of foreign publications and agencies with the wonders of the newfangled intraweb, so don't just consider the UK when promoting yourselves.


Get hold of magazines etc published abroad and start to contact the art directors.

Art directors love to work with illustrators in other countries it makes them feel exotic (even if you live in Manchester) Considering the size of the market for images is outside of the UK you'd be foolish to ignore it.

In the last year I think I've only done two jobs for clients in the UK but I've been pretty busy with freelance work (considering I only have 3 days to do it in) from Germany, America and Japan and I'm not even trying ;-)

Its also interesting to consider what doesn't sell in one market or country sells well in others.

See Zeegans advice on this also:


4. Make international connections
Networking without borders
With the UK economy apparently in free fall, what better time to start looking for opportunities further afield? Networking on a global scale isn’t tricky these days with a plethora of blogs, wikis and websites widely available, but why not go one better. Rather than spending the money on a new tent and a ticket for a rain-sodden summer festival, trade up and fly budget to a design conference. Make new contacts, add to your CV and meet with representatives of international design organisations to boot.

5. Going global
Working abroad can pay off
International study trips and exchange programmes have given many former students a flavour of the opportunities abroad. A number of UK design schools and the general design scene are held in high esteem internationally, so it’s relatively easy to get access to companies – assuming work permits and local employment restrictions aren’t an issue.

Moving from Dalston to Dubai may not be plain sailing, but the potential rewards and career prospects can outweigh the drawbacks. As with any new initiative, plan carefully and get advice from others who have taken the same route.

Tax and national insurance





Tax and national insurance info for freelancers (self employed )


www.direct.gov.uk

Studio info




above photos of illustrator Adrian Johnson studio.




Sharing a studio could be an option for those of you wanting to stick together after college. You could still work separately or you could work on projects jointly dividing up aspects of the job between yourselves.

Here are a few links to bespoke studio spaces, there are plenty more available. Or if your very digital and your not going to chuck oil paint all over the place you could just rent out cheap office space.


vernon-mill

islington mill

rogue artists studios

awol-studios

bankley studio

cow lane studios


craft and design centre studios