Why do 'we' network?
Quite simply, so people know you exist as a creative and can see what makes you special.
Getting to know your peers within the industry is beneficial in many ways
Advice, Mentoring, Feedback, Visits, Placements, Collaborations, Employment
What methods can you employ to get in contact?
Investigate yourself
But, above all we must have a reason to speak to them
Once you have identified areas that you may have a voice in.
Again a reason or requirement from this contact
Something with a professional look and a reason to respond
Why are you contacting me?
What do you want from me?
In what way do you want them to respond?
What should we consider?
An identity of some kind
A position to contact them
Task:
Investigate a list of methods you can employ to contact other creatives, studios or agencies.
Contacting Professionals
Why would you want to contact professionals?
You are on this course hopefully to become a professional within our industry
To become a key player within the industry one needs to be in communication with our peers
This communication reinforces your position as a student and a new potential creative in the industry
Planning and Documenting
Like undertaking any brief, we need to undertake relevant research that we record and utilise.
This is where your PPP blog comes in, showing you personal investigations with reference to seeing a 'synergy' in the work of others that may become worthy of investigation
Above all remember it is all about you !
If its a studio, check out their website. Give them a call and ask who the creative Director is, as you want to send him some files.
They will probably be reluctant to divulge, but try and get a name and an email address
If no details ask if you can be put through
However.
Before you do anything, have a few questions to ask.
Consider WHY you are contacting ?
A visit would be good!
But this will be up to you !
"I hate using the phone...."
We usually do, but consider what it may do for you, It's a bit like asking someone new out on a date?
If you are prepared and have decided on what you wish to ask, consider the benefits.
You are the most important asset and they will want to speak to you so go for it, it gets easier the more you do it.
What do you want to tell them ?
Quite simply that you exist and looking for advice.
Could you arrange a visit for advice and maybe feedback?
A look at a professional studio ?
Do not ask for a Placement!
What will they want to know about you !
Why you chose them to contact?
What kind of creative are you ?
What kind of work do you see as synergetic to you ?
What can you show them ?
Anything at all, a brief you are working on or one you feel happy about,
Maybe a creative CV that you can leave with all of your contact details?
You do not have a portfolio yet so don't stress
You could even invite them to college!
What is a creative CV ?
Its all about you and what is great about you up to now.
A shop window in essence
This is not just a CV, but is reference they may keep on file if its good enough?
What should you aim to take away from a meeting?
Experience and practice run
An insight into how practical studio operates
A contact to go back to for feedback and advice
Now what?
We will disuse next session, in the meantime why not get a friend to write a Plus and Negative list about you ?
No comments:
Post a Comment