Professional Practice

This project is to prepare us for our future after graduation.

Learning Outcomes to keep In mind:

Use Reflective methodology to formulate an action plan for career development.

Create and maintain a professional online profile.

Locate and justify your own practice within a wider cultural context.

Exhibit creative work to a professional audience and/or the general public. (FMP Exhibition)

My SWOT Analysis:

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

Group discussion/ activity listing possible career and life options relevant to our degrees.

Life map:

Visual Life map Planning:

(Visual) Aircraft or rocket taking off and gaining more and more altitude.

Career/ life paths options that appeal to me:

Freelance or setting up a business.

Travelling/ relocate (Someday I want to go Scuba Diving again, its amazing, exploring the unknown)

Plan of Action:

Upon Graduating in 2023, I have decided that I have been in education for quite a while now and feel like I need to get some real design experience and try and get my foot in the door. This will involve looking for a graphics design/ 3d Artist/ 3d Software job. However should this not work out, many companies want someone who is already experienced so it will probably be very difficult to get something.

If this is the case I will continue working part time whilst developing my skills further, hopefully I could try doing some freelance work for people.

In 2024/25: Hopefully now in a stable design job position Or doing freelance style work full time.

2026: Go Travelling, explore the world, visit places I’ve wanted to go for a long time, possibly find new job opportunities whilst abroad. I could do freelance work whilst Travelling.

2027: Work for myself, Start my own business. This might be a bit optimistic for just 5 years time. If this isn’t the case id continue Freelance/ Company Work. However one day I want to start up my own business/ project.

Skills Audit:

Job Roles:

Websites that list different job roles that potentially relate to my course and area of study. This will be useful for to use as keywords when searching for different jobs.

Illustration Roles:

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/illustration

Animation Roles:

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/animation

Graphic Design Roles:

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/graphic-designer

Job Sites:

A variety of different job sites.

Jobs I have an Interest In and could Potentially Do:

Since I’m interested in, enjoy working with 3D based software and I’m currently focussing on furthering these skills I have searched for jobs within this field. Some Keyword for my searches were: 3D, CGI, Modeller, Modelling, 3D artist etc.

From my searches, many jobs would either involve travelling away or remote working which has become more popular in recent years.

3D CGI job: This job entails creating photo realistic products and scenes using 3D modelling software

I like modelling in 3D and I also like vehicles this one would also suit me well. In my last project I also modelled a vehicle in 3D, Whilst I may not be on the same level as people who have been doing 3D modelling for years. I think id definitely have the potential do something like this.

I also found this, since I’ve also been doing and studying graphic design I could also do this. This job is specifically asking for graduates and graduate level skills, which would be perfect for someone like me who would be a graduate later this year 2023.

Another 3D based job this one is based in Manchester and requires skills working with maya which I have. Its also remote meaning I could work from home, this would be useful considering Manchester is a quite a drive away to get there each morning.

A slightly more unusual job I found but it involves designing and mocking up playgrounds using 3D software. They want someone who can use Sketch-Up. Which is an architectural 3D building software, I have used this in the past a long time ago, so would need to brush up my skills on this first. But considering my general modelling knowledge I’ve learned from using maya, it shouldn’t take too long to acclimate. Its located in Burnley so easy enough to get to.

Another 3D modelling job. This one sounds like they need someone who can create 3D models for home decoration, which then allows customers to view the product online 3 dimensionally. However this one doesn’t appear to be remote work, and I’m not too keen of travelling too Manchester everyday.

Guest Lecture: Anna White.

Research…

Anna White has worked on a variety of different projects with a bit of a split focus between graphic design and illustration. She is inspired by and likes creating pieces of works that feature animals.

Link To Anna White’s Website.

Works:

Here she made a variety of animal illustrations each to reflect a specific flavour of the Heinz Beans.

Storyboard Illustrations for Children’s songs.

Here she has made a variety of illustrations for a campaign named #GiveSocksNotDogs

This campaign was based around Christmas and it was about raising awareness for a question along the lines of? “Are you buying a dog for the right reasons”. Are you getting a dog just for the sake of it being a Christmas present or are you truly prepared to take in and care for a 4 legged friend.

This was done as to prevent dogs being abandoned or put into animal shelters following the weeks of Christmas, where people had just got a dog as a present but weren’t prepared to take care of them.

Questions For Quest Lecturer:

How did you transition from University to a Work, how did you get your foot in the door so to speak in the design business? How’d you start up?

2. Did you learn all the skills you needed at university, or did you need to continue learning skills after university.

3. How did you develop an Art-Style?

4. Where did you find opportunities/ How did you get opportunities?

5. What’s your opinion on freelance working. Is it Good or Bad or a bit of both?

Answers to Questions Above:

Travelling and expanding social group. Attending Exhibitions to get noticed by famous characters, Creating her own exhibition.

2. Never stopped Learning, Felt under skilled in the face of veterans, who had been in the industry for years. Everyday is a learning day.

3. Art-Style developed from thing’s that she’d like when was younger, which was drawing animals.

4. Travelling and expanding social group. Attending Exhibitions to get noticed by famous characters, Creating her own exhibition.

5. With Freelance working you have to everything yourself: Be your own boss, worker, finances etc.

Cover Letter:

Link to guide on how to write a cover letter:

After looking at jobs, and done some thinking I’ve come to deicide that I want something local, I don’t want to travel 2 hours every day to get there and back.

I ended up coming across the perfect job for someone like me.

Thinking realistically, once I leave university. Its probably going to be very difficult to actually get a job in this field. Most employers are wanting someone with real work experience in this field. And its bit difficult to get said experience if everyone wants someone who’s done it before.

However I came across this job which wants someone at degree level and is based in Blackburn. It is an apprenticeship so its possible they might either just ignore me or turn around and say we want someone who hasn’t gone through university yet. On the flipside if I apply they might hire me because they wont need to teach me a lot of the skills since I’ve learned most of them, but can put me on a lower pay. Which I’m ok with that. At the end of day all I’m seeking here is to get my foot in the door and get some real graphic design work experience. Since Once I’ve done this I could go else where.

I’m going to try applying for this, so in my cover letter I’ve stated myself as an “about to be graduate”

I have also done a few versions of this since I was able to get feedback to help me refine my letter. I was also able to receive feedback from one of my relatives who has worked at Blackburn & Darwen Council as a manager and has employed people before.

An effective cover letter needs to address what the company is looking for, which is:

At Degree Level
Knowledge in Graphic Design
Work Well Independently and as part of a team
Enthusiastic
Ability to learn from constructive feedback.
Can do attitude.
Impeccable attention to detail.
A flair for creativity.
A drive to succeed in your industry.

Cover Letter Download Links

Version 1:

cover-letter-1 Download

Version 2:

cover-letter-3 Download

Final Version:

fruity-lama-cover-letter-1 Download

Download links for my cover Letters is above, but just in case it doesn’t work below is the text from my final version.

Dear sir/madam

RE: Application for graphic design apprentice – supporting information

I am currently about to graduate from my studies in graphic design at Blackburn University. I have developed a strong foundation in the design software Adobe Creative Suite. During my studies I have learned about and have gained experience of design for print, logos and brand identity, created a website, created mock-ups, packaging and promotional materials. Additionally, I also have a good level of skill in using the software Auto desk Maya to create 3D models. I’m looking to gain hands-on experience in a position that requires graphic design skills.

I am applying for this role as I feel that a graduate/ apprentice position is what I need to start my career within this field.

I am enthusiastic about expanding my skills and learning new techniques to grow my career in the industry. Once a project has captured my attention, I find myself going all in. During one project where I was working on designing a car and a car logo. I found it was the only thing occupying my mind at the time, with me just wanting to continue working on it constantly, until it was finished.

I am a quick learner and I work well both alone and as part of a team. I have participated in group projects during my time at university and when working independently if something doesn’t’ work I was able to find/ figure out the solution on my own. This was especially true when learning to use a 3D design program, where there was only 1 tutor with knowledge on how to use said program and could only see them for a limited time during the week.

I have the ability to learn from constructive feedback. When I was creating a logo, from feedback I realised a logo design was too complicated, so I retraced my steps and instead broke down what core elements need to be represented in the design. As a result, I ended up with a much better final design.

When creating my work, I pay excellent attention to detail whether it’s a typeface size being incorrect or line/ colour in an artwork is just offset by a few pixels I will see it and rectify it. When working I make sure that alignment, shape, colour, scale etc. are all consistent.

As a creative person, it’s important for me to put down as many different ideas down before deciding upon the one, I will go with. There’s always a better idea out there than your first. Once I enter the design stage, I also find experimenting with my design, trying different colours, shapes, placement etc. is important, because sometimes you never know before you try.

As mentioned briefly on my CV one of my proudest achievements was where I fund-raised around £4000 to travel to Ecuador to discover the culture and help the local communities. Fundraising activities included making and selling decorative bottle lamps, car boot sales, Fence building and other jobs. Whilst in Ecuador I helped to build a water tanker out of plastic bottles and cement, a greenhouse, a road, and some houses. I also travelled through the amazon rain-forest, and I undertook a PADI diving course to become a qualified SCUBA diver. I would like to think I have a can-do attitude

Thank you for taking the time to read my application. I am available for an interview at short notice and would very much appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate my skills and qualities.

Yours Faithfully

Kyle Reese Bradley

Mock Professional Email:

Put Some Stuff Here

Creative CV Research:

Game CV:

A designer Robby Leonardi created an interactive Video Game CV to stand out from the crowd.

The Game is in a Super Mario Bros. Side scrolling style with 4 different levels, which tells the employer about his employment history, work experience and portfolio. Since its a game it also showcases his programming and coding capabilities along the way.

The Game is quite simple, only requiring you to use the scroll wheel to move forward or backwards and can be opened in a web browser to make it convenient for employers.

Link to browser game resume:

http://www.rleonardi.com/interactive-resume/

Packaging CV:

This CV places their information onto the sides of a packaging carton. This type of CV could be useful for getting into a Graphic Design/ Print/ Advertising style of job.

Board Game CV:

This CV is in the form of a board game, this type of CV would be perfect for applying to any game related job. And its a free board game right so who would throw this away, the employer might potentially have a go with some colleagues on his lunch break.

Chocolate Bar CV:

Wild West CV:

Classified Documents CV:

Alcohol Packaging CV:

Printing Colour CV:

Google CV:

Rocket CV:

Creative CV from Last Year:

Last year I created a CV in the form of a medicine prescription box. With the idea being I am the medicine for your creative needs.

Below is the net for said CV.

I have purposefully rotated the text in this case so that it read-able on the net and not upside down. The actual net has the text positioned so that when it is constructed it is in the correct orientation.

Creative CV:

Board Game – E.g. Layed out like chess or monopoly
Blueprint CV
Rocket Taking of 3d animatic.

What to include on a CV:

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/cv-sections

in my CV, I need to make sure I include:

The essentials. This includes contact information, resume summary or objective, work experience, education, and skills.
The optional sections, including extracurricular activities, projects, awards, training, certifications, hobbies and interests, volunteering experience, and others.
Relevant information. Only mention the skills and experiences that allow you to excel at the job you’re applying for.
Numbers and metrics. By backing up your experiences with data, you’re more likely to stand out from your competition.

After thinking and scratching my head for ages, I’ve decided to do a more conventional simplistic CV design for online applications. I didn’t want to spend ages on this since other projects require my attention.

However I have tried to give it a graphic design like appeal. I have kept my design simple and clean. I have used sans serif typefaces for the title fonts and used a limited selection of colours to achieve this. I’ve also made sure to try and not make anything to close to the edges of the page.

This type of CV will showcase my layout, typographic and colour skills whilst telling them about me.

While this CV might not be un-bin able as “Mark” will probably say, it is more suitable for sending digitally. Since it is a bit difficult to send a board game, chocolate bar, packaging or whatever sort of physical creative CV electronically.

The Cover Letter I wrote for the job earlier expands upon the things I mention in my CV. The CV is just meant to be a quick look into who you are.

Creating a portfolio Website:

I’m going to be creating a website during this module to use as a online portfolio. I am going to use Squarespace as my website of choice for this.

Here are some different templates that I liked:

I like this design as its clean and minimalistic. Featuring 6 pieces of work that perfectly fit the page. 6 pieces of work is decent number. Too many pieces of work and it will feel crammed and you may end up putting stuff on there that’s not your best. And too little… well it will look bland and empty.

I like this design as its relatively simple and features 6 different pieces of work that you can click on to find out more. However it also features one at the top which is a big bigger. Here you could place your best work.

From these different designs above you may have noticed I have gone for relatively simplistic designs. I prefer these types of websites as they are easier to navigate but also to modify whenever and where ever.

Update: Just discovered that Squarespace is not free to use and the basic subscription costs £12 a month. No Thankyou I will be using another website builder instead. It also states that all content will be permanantly deleted if your subscription runs out.

Free Website Builders:

WordPress (what I’m using right now)

I could just make another WordPress website for my portfolio I have like 4 different WordPress websites already so what’s another one anyway. However id like to try a different website builder for a change.

Wix – Heard its been problematic and plenty of technical errors have occurred whilst on this course.
Site 123 – Don’t know much about this one.

For my portfolio website I’m willing to take a risk and give Wix another go. It has been a few years since I last used it so hopefully some of those problems have been fixed.

Also compared to WordPress WIX has more customisation options available

About Me for Website:

Old Word press Version:

Hello! I am Graphic Designer though I also like to do some photography and Illustration from time to time. I live in the United Kingdom with me, myself and my dog, “Frank”.

New Version for WIX Website:

Hello, I specialise in creating vivid and captivating 3D models and digital art. I have a passion for design and I am committed to delivering the best results. As a solo artist, I am able to give every project the full attention it deserves, and I do not compromise on quality. Plus, I have a very friendly dog, Frank that helps me with my work! If you’re looking for an artist who can bring your ideas to life, you’ve come to the right place.

Website & Domain Name:

Link to website https:

https://www.kylebradleyportfolio.com

Originally I had my name on the website at the top of the page set to AndFrank, my preferred designer name, however after feedback and realising that this website is to be used as a portfolio. If an employer sees my website address on my CV and then goes to it to check my work out and is greeted with a different name it could be a bit confusing. So for simplicity’s sake I changed it to just my name.

Exhibition Plan:

Planning what my exhibition will look like. At the moment I am planning on having 2 boards and a mac to showcase my models in real time. The models will rotate and you will be able to view it from different angles.

Mock Interviews:

Websites with helpful information to prepare for an interview:

30 Things you should never say in an interview

8 Things to always say in an interview

Preparing for a job interview

From my mock interview I only received verbal feedback rather than written. So here’s a few notes.

Overall I did decently however when I get asked a question such as “Tell me about yourself” or “Why do you want to work here” I should give examples of things I’ve done.

My main takeaway from doing this is when stating something I can do or have, I need to give an example of a time when I did said thing, rather than just saying I can do it.

Business Card Research:

The below business cards are ones that I took pictures of myself, since we had them in our studio/ design room.

This business card instantly caught my attention due to the fact that its made out of metal unlike the the others, and perhaps maybe I’m just a bit of a goblin with a eye for shiny things. The metal makes the business card shiny and reflective, causing it to stand out from the pile of the rest of the business cards we had. The use of a limited colour palette and a San-serif font for the Title gives it a clean and smart look.

The effect created from etching the Title into the wood really makes it stand out. The contrast between two layers of the wood helps with this.

I also like this design due to its simplicity this gives it a smart, clean look. Just a picture of a cushion and then there contact info. However in my case I would use a picture of some work to give the person a clearer idea of what you do. Then again a cushion is generally found inside so it could suggest interior design as stated on the other side of the card.

https://www.moo.com/blog/uk/inspiration/8-business-cards-that-are-basically-a-work-of-art

https://www.moo.com/blog/uk/inspiration/business-card-size-and-dimension-guide

https://www.moo.com/blog/uk/business-tips/international-business-etiquette

What to include on a business Card:

What information should you put on your business card?

Logo
Company name
Tagline
Your name & title
Contact details
Your address — online or physical
Social media handles
A QR code?

My Business Card:

The Company I will be sending my business card to be printed at is Called “Moo”

I want to make a business card with rounded corners, as I find it has a more friendly appeal and also you wont get any paper cuts.

Size wise I want to go with a traditional card in landscape format.

This will be the “Moo” Business card at 84mm x 55mm. Fortunately They provide a template with bleed, trim and safe area already indicated, which I will make use of.

I’ve kept my design relatively simple, the back features a piece of my 3D work. Which will link in with the theme of my FMP since my FMP revolves around 3D Modelling. Whilst the front just has my name and contact details on.