The Helpful Hand of Dominique Byron: Portfolio Visit

Not so long ago I posted about Dom Byrons' exhibition up at Kosmonaut bar in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, 'Conspiracy Theories'. Well I contacted her afterwards to say well done for hosting such a well presented show and asked her if she had the time to take a look at my PDF portfolio and website. Of course being such a generous person she obliged and didn't hesitate in sending me reems of advice on both.

All images taken from dominiquebyron.com

In regards to layout she didn't have any recommendations on adapting them, only kind words about how clean, well annotated and consistent the PDF is and that the website was easily navigated. The navigation and usability of my website are two things I've been eager to receive feedback on, posting links on Facebook and Tumblr have helped me to gain knowledge on this matter and gain public opinion. A big reassurance. Next up was the range and consistency of my work, she picked out straight away that one of my favourite subjects to illustrate revolves around animal form and fictional characters, something that has always caught my attention in narrative or real life. She commented on how well informed my line drawings were and that potential clients would have confidence commissioning me from these examples. I'm not really one for ego inflation but it's rather nice to hear that your work is seen as high standard by successful Illustrators in comparison to you mam telling you it's lovely even if she doesn't know what the hell it is.

"Your work seems to stay consistent and look good with the use of different materials or processes. The paintings are cool and add a nice splash of colour throughout your portfolio. Your screenprint looks ace too, having the detailed fox with the block colour of the leaves is a really nice balance. I think that showing you can do both b/w and work with colour is a real plus and just adds another string to your bow. The attention to detail and time you've spent will really set you apart I reckon." (Byron, taken from an email conversation shared between us)

Again, she put another worry to bed for me when mentioning how she could see ways in which my work could be applied to different media easily; books, album covers, products and textiles. Distinctly my 'Piece for Protest' Fox and Pig as a pair work instantaneously as text supplements, perfect for editorial content as they hold extra concept to accompany an article. For me, this is something I'm going to make the effort to try my hand at more regularly after university. I believe that applying concept to my work will bring out the best in it. She added that if editorial or merchandise were areas I could be interested in, I would benefit from creating templates and mock-ups to place my illustrations in as clients will immediately be able to visualise a much wider window of application.

Really helpful and encouraging words, again thank you Dom for your kindness!

Portfolio Visit with Chris Madden: Good Egg

Taken from robotmafia.com

I remember my first day at Stockport College, feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed, full of hope and clutching sharp new pencils. The first thing I saw walking down the corridor to my new studio was the image above...'Fireworks' by Chris Madden. Three years later and I've met some wonderful people, successful in every weight of the word, including Chris Madden who I had the pleasure to meet at Draw North West; a Manchester-based creative meet-up, that he coincidentally runs.

Now although Chris may not be a potential client, I trust that he knows Illustration inside out and surrounds himself with more creative people on a daily basis than you could shake a stick at. I've had a hard time trying to contact agents of agents of illustrators and even worse experiences being told I have no direction by self-inflated baffoons who feel they've made it if they've got a couple of ten pound notes to rub together. However, it's no secret that Stockport fledglings tend to have a quality that sets them apart, kindness. Taking time out of a busy schedule to do something for nothing and the courage to be honest without breaking someones heart is rare in such a competitive industry. I'm sure I've been looking in all the wrong places elsewhere, but Manchester, Leeds and York exude such a beautiful attitude via their young creatives that I didn't really need to.

Anyway, getting back to the subject. I emailed Madden in the hopes I would catch him when he would have the time to talk to little ol' me, I wasn't dissapointed. In response to all the material I sent him I received a wonderful response again reinforcing successfully balancing my black and white drawings alongside colour, maintaining loose drawings in contrast to detailed images and using the simple, clean layout of my website/portfolio to harness the style of the drawings.

I asked him specifically about branding as it's one element I've always been unsure about. Mentioning the banner on my website in particular Madden suggested that I used the icon of the bat to tie my work together instead of one small logo i.e using the bat on the banner, on products, at the forefront of my portfolio etc. Considering this I would probably use the colour version of my banner illustration as it highlights the merging of watercolour and fineline drawing, my preferred media. At the same time, I would have to be cautious not to exhaust imagery, try and keep my portfolio and website varied so that clients have fresh illustration to look at across the board and I'm not constantly repeating myself. Another reason why I connect my Tumblr account to my website, Tumblr is an easier way to update regularly without the pressure of all the pieces being finalised. The connection between viewer and artist becomes more personal as they can see you process, read as much or as little about you and intertwine your personality with you work.

As a final thought; "Overall, you are on the right track and are doing more things right than you are giving yourself credit for! If you need anything else over the next few weeks (or ever really) i’m more than happy to give advice/critique etc.

just give me a bell - Looking forward to seeing your work at the degree show!" (Madden, conversation via email)

Eternal thanks to Chris Madden for being an excellent role model and all round nice guy!

Plain Sailing with Kris Sale: Portfolio Visit

Taken from Sale's Twitter, search Kris_Sale

I've known Kris Sale for a long time, I respect his opinion as a friend and an Illustrator in equal measure so thought it would be beneficial to ask him to take a look at my Portfolio and website as I knew he'd be honest with me. He graduated Stockport College two years ago and was one of the very people to recommend it to me in the first place, sometimes it's nice to get opinions from people who know you and your capabilities well.

One of my favourite pieces of his 'VS', taken from cargocollective.com/krissale

After showing him my Portfolio and Website he commented on how much my work had improved since last time he saw it, which must be well over a year ago now, and how it seems I'm starting to find myself and a consistent working style. This has been something that has preyed on my mind for a while now, worrying whether all my work has a similar look and if potential clients could link pieces as my own through the style. I contrast to this, I would never want my work to be over-stylised and lose the raw edge my drawings tend to keep. 

One of the main frustrations when organising my portfolio had to be finding a balance between my preferred black and white drawings and more colourful paint and mixed media piece. Luckily this was something Kris picked up on and helped to re-order so that everything flowed much more easily with balanced intervals between the different illustrations.

The main bit of advice Kris had for me was also related to organisation, to start and finish the portfolio (and to some extent the website) with two very strong pieces, so that the viewer is instantly impressed and left remembering you on a high. In reguards to the order of my portfolio at the moment, my opening piece 'Nevermore' I would consider one of my strongest pieces, featuring on my business cards alongside my portfolio and website. However the final piece 'Headache' doesn't say anything extra about my work. Kris suggested either creating a new piece intended for the final page or use the wolf that features on the other 50% of my business cards, food for thought and something that I will definitely switch around.

Thank you for all your help and worldly guidance Kris!

Furiously Mad: 300 Years of Legal Insanity.

"A fascinating insight into mental health, past and present."  - PHM.org.uk

Exhibition flyer taken from 'artsforhealthmmu.blogspot.uk'.

'Furiously Mad' an exhibition funded by the Heritage Lottery, has allowed Pool Arts, a group of artists from diverse backgrounds, to research and respond to the framework of law that surround mental health. Each member contributed their personal response to reveal an interactive timeline, ranging from historical legislative information to modern day care and treatment of the mentally ill.

I visited the People's History Museum for the first time today especially to catch a performance in relation to this exhibition and I was knocked for six at the overwhelming creativity and spirit bursting out of the hall. The work presented was incredibly diverse, everything  from drawings, printed posters, installation work, paintings, animation, performance and activities. Circling the room gave you invaluable insight into just how expansive the term 'mental health' is and how terrifying it can be living with conditions such as schizophrenia. But for me, it was the positives that were illustrated best. Of course a few of the installments were intended to shock, but in order to let the viewer to formulate a complete 'mental image' if you will, of previous and (sadly) current discrimination of people with mental health problems. It all stems from misunderstanding, even the people who suffer from such issues must learn to accept and overcome the fear of terminology, side-effects and hospital visits just like everyone else must eradicate barriers between themselves and fear of those with mental health issues.

I met Galen, a young man working a badge machine to let children, well actually mostly adults, personalise their own brightly coloured badges. Galen was admitted to the Priory Hospital in Darlington with various long term problems, he spent his time during hospitalisation drawing and encouraging other patients to express themselves artistically. This culminated in him initiating a art competition with treats and chocolate as rewards for everyone who part-took, he continued the same style of competition during the exhibition hours allowing everyone attending to decipher a colour-scheme and render and copy of his drawing. His work in particular held a statement; to help others even when you struggle to help yourself.

A lot of the artists were available to talk about their pieces, their experience and their reflection encompassing the topic. They were so open, even when it came to receiving feedback it seemed the comments left upon leaving were welcomed over donations for the fund. I have never met a more inspirational group of people, the show was an absolute success and I would urge everyone to visit.

Manchester Print Fair 2013.

Yesterday was one of Manchester's key bi-annual events, Manchester Print Fair, held at NQ2022, Dale Street. It's a fantastic opportunity for local designers, illustrators or anybody interested by print design to get together in a friendly environment to sell, buy and browse.

Flyer sourced from manchesterprintfair.co.uk.

 You can keep up-to-date and learn more about the independent event on their well managed blog; http://manchesterprintfair.tumblr.com/.

I went along about midday and the venue was absolutely packed, obviously a great thing to see so many people on both sides of the stalls, although did make it difficult to manoeuvre without breaking a sweat. If there's a bit of advice I could give to people intending on paying a visit to the net print fair it would be; take minimal baggage, easily removable outer-wear and triple the money you think you will spend. The array of prints, products, trinkets and postcards was amazing and all for very reasonable prices!

Intentionally I was visiting to lend a hand with my other half and good pals collective stall, Foursight. Three very talented individuals banded together with a passion for illustration and strengths is all corners of design. Dom and Kris were manning the ropes as Jord was previously engaged, which ended up being a better for everyone involved as there was barely room for one person behind the stall, let alone three.

Selection of tasty prints for sale individually or bundled at Foursight's stall.

Other than Foursight, Lyndsey Green and Alex Frazer were two illustrators that really stood out for me. Their products were exceptionally unique, well branded and at the best prices aswell. I bought myself two of Alex's prints for £5 each, hand pulled and based on songs by two of my favourite bands.

All in all, the day was a huge success and a massive eye-opener. There's some serious competition in Manchester alone but with the event growing every year there's chance for everyone to get a slice of the action. Keep your eyes peeled for the next event in 2014.