Attending the UCA reunion...
I think the best place to start is with the UCA Graphic Design and Illustration reunion. It was held at the ‘Jerwood Space‘ in London last February. I have to admit I was keen to see everyone again but at the same time slightly nervous… I imagined that some of the evening would be spent hearing about how everyone’s careers had progressed further than mine. It’s daft thinking back, I know that if I work hard enough and keep at it, that eventually it will pay off and I shall achieve my goal – working as a full-time graphic designer, being paid for doing something I love. But at the time things had gone quiet and I was wondering again whether I would ever progress.
I shouldn’t have been nervous, in the end I went and took the attitude of (excuse my french) ‘**** it, I shall go along and see what happens, might be a pleasant surprise’. And I was right. Although there was only me and one other guy from my course, there was a mass of people, other design and illustration graduates from years gone by, who were in my eyes proof that you can graduate from UCA and get a job in design. Whilst sipping at my wine, and snacking on the canapés I made my way round alumni practicing my networking skills (very important skill to learn), talking to the older alumni about how they managed to get on in the design world. By the end of the evening my faith had been restored, and I had picked up good advice which included the usual ‘just keep persevering’, and I really do believe that they are right. From now on whenever I have doubts as to how my career is growing I just have to remember that room full of successful alumni designers, those that have made it!
Since that evening things have really been on the up, and it’s been wonderful. Life has in some way gone and proved that point that perseverance and sheer determination is the way forward. After the UCA reunion, the owner of the small company that I work for (whilst my design career picks up speed) asked me to do a signage design for a one-off fast food business called ‘Chooky’s’ that he is project managing. It was perhaps one of the more professional briefs I had worked on at the time and I think it turned out really well. The signage hasn’t been produced yet but I can’t wait to get a photograph of it when it is. Since then I have had a steady stream of design briefs to do, all unpaid I add but it’s been great experience and will go towards refreshing my portfolio.
3D Illustration of 'Chooky's' signage design
Alternative design ideas for 'Chooky's'
My recent design projects have included the signage design for ‘Chooky’s', designs for a logo, and two leaflet designs for an international NGO (The African Prisons Project) and most recently, designs for a flier and brochure for my local art festival (The Uckfield Art Trail). I am still amazed at how much work has come my way and hope it will continue.
Logo design for the 'African Prisons Project'
Main leaflet design for APP
Leaflet design for 'Friends of APP' scheme
Design for 'Art Trail' flier
I hope that in years to come I will attending another UCA reunion where I am the experienced, successful designer giving advice to new alumni – the way forward is to keep persevering and eventually you will get there!
