Personal Development III//Portfolio To - Do.

After two portfolio reviews from the past couple of weeks (and an edit in - between), the first with Ben Haworth of The Beautiful Meme, and the second with Tayburn in Edinburgh, I feel as though I have been given some really constructive and useful advice and feedback as I move forward with my project and design development, and, hopefully, to create the best possible portfolio outcome as I graduate and seek employment over the next few months.

Written below are important notes and a portfolio 'to do' list before graduation.

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NOTES

* Contextualise all work - especially logos.
* Design a Day is an unnecessary project to include.
* Show photography is context. Clearly skilled (composition / appreciation for colour) - demonstrate all most effectively.
* Around 10 briefs would be best.
* Work on the photographing / photoshopping of my work for presentation.
* Think about the "bigger picture" of my concepts. Brand logos aren't the "be all and end all".
* Take out 'Write About Love' brief (logo issue... argh).
* Showcase Jessie's photography in her brief outcomes more effectively.

* Take out Wes Anderson brief - not necessarily ambitious enough / too personal.
* Bring separate folder for tactile print materials, no to- ing and fro- ing with pages.
* Take out all portfolio pages not needed.
* Showcase my developing interest in type and editorial design throughout a project in my portfolio.
* Start portfolio with a WOW... with a really bold and high - impact project.
* Don't excuse myself or projects (revealing when the projects were carried out, etc.)
* Tell a story when presenting my brief - the journey of the design and how the deliverables came to be.

Personal Development III//Trip to Tayburn, Edinburgh.

www.tayburn.co.uk

Earlier today, I was in the very privaleged position of being able to attend a personal portfolio review with Tayburn in Edinburgh, after planning the trip to see one of my favourite design studios quite some time ago (and, of course, the beautiful city of Edinburgh).

In the review I was lucky enough to discuss my portfolio with both Catriona, a Senior Designer at Tayburn, and with Malcolm Stewart, the Creative Director. Spending an hour showcasing both my portfolio, and being shown the studio, I gained some really insightful and constructive feedback (to be posted, in detail, at a later point) which I am sure will really help me develop the strongest portfolio possible, and put me in really good stead for securing a good job upon graduation.

A great visit, and one I would certainly like to do again (particularly after being asked to keep in touch), a very exciting time.

Personal Development III//Re - Designed Portfolio.

This afternoon I spent some time making some quick changes to my portfolio, in reflection from my time spent with Ben Haworth, of The Beautiful Meme, in my portfolio surgery last week, in order to reprint tomorrow before my trip to Tayburn in Edinburgh at the end of the week.

Only a few small changes made- cutting down on body copy a little (but still being clear and concise, should I need to send my portfolio for studio visits, etc.) and promoting and contextualising my briefs a little more- particularly highlighting my branding and logo design with confidence, as this is the discipline and field I want to specialise in.

Personal Development III//Tayburn Contact.

Really pleased to have confirmed a date for a studio visit up to Tayburn in Edinburgh in the reading week (w/c 4th February) where I'll get the opportunity to meet Malcolm, the Creative Director, along with seeing the day-to-day work of the studio, as well as showcasing my own portfolio which I hope to have completely designed and printed for this time (having ordered some satin A3 stock with fellow BAGDers Claudia and Lisa specially). 

Really excited for the visit, and planning to spend a couple of days in Edinburgh, potentially also getting in touch, once more, with the team at the Touch Agency in the same city, possibly even looking to re-locate after University.

Studio Contact//Tayburn.

Taking some time out this evening to contact Malcolm, the Creative Director in Edinburgh-based Tayburn, once again, after his kind reply earlier in the year asking if I'd like to visit the studio after Christmas and the New Year.

Really excited to hopefully confirm a date and plan a short break up to the city, potentially working in time to see other studios and the city itself (which may even prove to be a potential move after graduation).

Professional Development III//Contact from Tayburn.

tayburn.co.uk

After initially contacting the studio a couple of weeks ago, I was really delighted to receive an email reply from Malcolm at Tayburn in regards to going up to Edinburgh for a studio visit (as a city I'm keen to explore more for a potential location after graduation, as well as a developing interest in the studio after working with Dave at Glad, a previous Tayburn design employee), which we're looking to put forward to the New Year when things have settled down re work for both the studio and myself.

More information as and when it comes in! Exciting stuff!