Summer 2012//Studio Visit//Precept.

www.studioprecept.co.uk

On Wednesday of last week, I spent my lunch break from my work placement at Precept, a multi-disciplinary design studio just outside of Newcastle city centre, having kindly been dropped off and picked up by Rachel at Founded.

After previously contacting the Creative Director, Nick, about the potential of a studio visit or working placement, I was put in touch with Studio Manager, Adam, who was covering for Nick, who was on holiday (lucky, lucky!) in Florida. I also met with Andy, who is currently running the internship scheme, and had the opportunity to see their wonderful studio in the converted Kingsland Church Studios (originally renovated by Photographer Alex Telfer), and to show them a brief portfolio of my work, as well as some of the work I had been doing whilst at my two placements in Newcastle/Gateshead.

I was really delighted that Adam and Andy seemed keen about my work, and I later received an email asking me to go up to Newcastle for an initial two-week placement with the possibility of extending, as well as working on some long-distance briefs with them before this time, which could be a really new, and exciting experience, as I dip my toe into the working design world. 

After a chat with the tutors when I return to Uni, and finding out what my working timetable is, hopefully I'll be able to give Adam a few more details and arrange something a little more solid and structured in terms of which time of the year would be most appropriate.

Industry//Studio Feedback//Morris Pinewood Stockholm.

behance.net/morrispinewood

A couple of days ago, I was lucky enough to have my online Behance profile "followed" by a wonderful design studio, Morris Pinewood Stockholm, who, admittedly, were new to me, but I really admired their work, and see their design style as something that I really aspire to within my own design practice.

I sent an email along telling them how much I liked their versatility and creativity within their portfolio, and they were kind enough to send a reply back, even more kindly offering real compliments about my work, which, of course, is always uplifting. After this simple networking experience, I'm going to look out for more simple opportunities for contact such as this to enable that I can maintain and develop as many contacts in the industry as possible, both nationally and internationally.

Studio Visit//The Archipelago.

wearethearchipelago.co.uk

On Wednesday, I was lucky enough to have been (the first student!) invited along to the Leeds- based 'Tower Works' design studio, 'The Archipelago', which is run by Vis Com graduate, Mike Lewis, of whom used to run the Saltaire- based studio, 'Studio Mik Mik', under which pseudonym, I originally contacted a year ago.

Spending around an hour in the studio, chatting with Mike about his portfolio, design methods, talking about University and also having the opportunity to show Mike my own portfolio too. It was really great discussing work with him, and getting some inspiration for the future development of my work, especially discussing my projects for next year, which have given me a great deal more insight and ideas development, again, really excited to get started.

Industry//Creativatree NYC Job Offer.

www.creativatree.com

A couple of weeks ago, entirely out of the blue, and a little unusual, though, of course, very flatteringly, I was sent an email via my Behance portfolio account from a recruiter at the New York City based advertising agency, Creativatree, with a potential job offer, to work for one of their clients as a designer.

Of course, as aforementioned, although out of the blue, the offer was, naturally, really appreciated, and although I know I'm very lucky, it just isn't appropriate for where I'm currently at in terms of my design education, and I don't feel prepared enough, or that I have enough experience at this time.

However, it's certainly given me optimism for the future, and something potentially to aim for after graduation. Replying to the recruiter, I have asked to keep in touch, so hopefully they'll be a connection there for me to hold on to, and hopefully benefit from in my future prospects. 

Studio Visit//Print Visit//Pressision.

www.pressision.co.uk

When visiting Joe Gilmore at his home studio, Qubik, a couple of weeks ago, one of the main topics we discussed, of course, was printing, and Joe told me about the local printer he uses, Pressision, and the printer he works closely with, Richard.

Joe was kind enough to give me the contact details, and show me some examples of the print work produced, and suggested, as BAGD students have in the past, contacting him with a group of fellow students about a print visit, and to potentially create a close contact for print projects and promotional material throughout the year. As a local facility, this would, of course, be ideal, and something that I'm now discussing and planning with a group of my close friends from within the course. Something to really look forward to, and to plan once the timetables for our working week have become a little more defined. 

Industry Experience//Wonder Stuff Studio.

www.wonderstuffstudio.com

Again, I feel really lucky that I've been offered (even!) more industry experience after applying to around eight new Newcastle upon Tyne based studios in the past couple of weeks.

One of the studios, Wonder Stuff Studio, based just outside of the city centre in Gosforth, really appealed to me, as there was a real mix of projects, with a specialism in branding and identity, but with enough diversity within the portfolio (particularly within digital design) to ensure that I would learn a lot whilst I'm there.

Initially, I was contacted last week by the studio director, Paul, about starting the Monday of this week, for two weeks, but unfortunately I just wouldn't be able to make such a quick turn-around in terms of finding accommodation and, of course, being able to afford it at such short notice. 

However, very kindly, we've discussed other date options, and have talked about me going up in the October reading week (week starting 29th October), and potentially staying for a week after then also. At this point I'll have a loan and more time to prepare in balance with all of my other responsibilities this summer, so, really, it would be ideal.

Really looking forward to seeing where this contact and potential work will take me in the future, and looking forward to finalising a date and getting prepared for more industry experience yet to come!

Industry Experience//Founded.

http://wearefounded.com/

After contacting them initially around a week ago, I've been lucky enough to have been offered a week's worth of work experience from branding design studio, Founded, which is based just off the main street (Grey Street) in Newcastle upon Tyne, and whilst I was at Glad, my friend and fellow BAGDer, was experiencing a work placement there, which has proved to be really insightful as I've learnt a little about the studio, the practice, and the people that work there.

Fortunately, they were also kind enough to let me come to work the week before my planned week with Perro, so it will mean, although I won't be able to stay in accommodation with Steph again for the week, it fits in a lot more effectively with my plans, and means that I can have a total week of independence, which, although daunting, I'm sure, will be very rewarding.