Note to self:

Be strong now because things will get better. It might be stormy now but it can't rain forever...

----this is one to remember ^^^^

Remember Me? book cover

This is my version of a book I have just finished reading called "Remember Me?" by Sophie Kinsella. Now I don't normally read such girly books but as I got into it, I couldn't put it down. A real page turner. It was nice to have an easy read for a change and I would definitely read another one for her books.

From the cover of the original book, you can see it would be a girly read so I have tried to tone that down and create a cover that may appeal to a wider audience so that the femininity of the book doesn't hit the viewer right between the eyes. The theme of the book is that a young woman has had an accident and cannot remember the last three years of her life. She doesn't realise she's married and doesn't even know who her husband is. She remembers her friends but they are distant as she gradually finds out that they are all no longer friends. The image suggests the feeling of being alone, not knowing the true extent of her life and having to piece it together by herself. She talks about being lost in the book which is what I wanted the design to show. It is much less feminine which exposes the book to more people. The actual content isn't as girly as the original cover shows so it would be good to have a balance on the front cover also.

Here are some cookies I spent part of my Sunday afternoon making and baking. I'm getting some practice in before Christmas get-togethers! They taste good and they are cute in their size. We added raisins and cinnamon to add extra tasty flavour.

Penguin ebooks

So, a week ago, Penguin ebooks were taken from virtual U.S library shelves. This was because there was a fear of lack of security measures surrounding the ebook system. Ebooks are protected by digital rights management restrictions. Not only is it Penguin having concerns, Simon & Schuster has refused any of their titles to be borrowed as ebooks in American libraries. Hachette Book Group withdrew last year.

Now they are back on the shelves in U.S libraries, however they are not sharing any new titles in the libraries.

I have never agreed with Kindles and ebooks because I have a love for the physical book itself. It's tactile nature is charming and the digital substitute is rather lifeless and mundane.

What does everyone else think?...

Content guide on books

I've recently seen contents guides on a few books. I have mixed views on this. Yes I think it is good idea because if you don't particularly want to read a "tear jerker" style book then you know that it might not be your cup of tea. However, I feel it almost gives some of the story away before you've even started. I would quite like to spot the "friendship" parts or "love" sections myself. Also, the books I have seen these on are more adult reading and a child is not likely to pick it up and understand the book. Therefore, if there was anything that may offend or be of an adult nature, then it's unlikely a child would be exposed to it.

I can see the positive side of the content guide and I guess it might as well be there. It won't put me off picking up books. I do like the quirky icons that they have used to represent the various content categories!

Graduation 21/11/11

On Monday 21st November, I graduated! Finally. It was brilliant in so many ways.

I loved catching up with friends who I hadn't seen since June at our Degree Show. Everyone was on such a high and you could see how proud of themselves everybody was and, of course, their family also. Although it was a dull, foggy, but dry, November day, it didn't dampen anyones spirit.

The ceremony itself was rather nerve racking but once I stood up to queue along the side of the cathedral to collect my degree, I felt calm and collected. I had seen other people go up first so I felt better that I finally knew what to do as we were not very well informed beforehand. Afterwards, the mass photo taking session began. We did the whole cliche of throwing our hats in the air and made sure we got photos with people who are special to me. Now it really is the end of an era.

We went for drinks to the new students union and various other places. We then lined our stomachs with a delicious meal for more drinking afterwards. I slept very well that night!

All in all, the day was amazing and would love to do it all over again. After four years of uni, it was all worth it and I am so glad I was a part of it. I have made some amazing friends whilst at uni and really enjoyed my course (when it was going well and not stressful!) I want to wish everyone the very best of luck for the future and happy days ahead!

Presentation at Coventry Uni

Today, myself and two other Hybrid Arts members, did a presentation about Hybrid Arts.

It was to enable people to volunteer to be a part of Hybrid when they leave university. The talk was presented to third year creative students varying from Graphic Design, Fine Art, Fashion, Illustration, Animation etc.

It went well and I think the students remained focused throughout. We had a short snappy promotional video that we showed at the beginning to engage them and we heard a bit of laughter and lots of smiles so that boosted our confidence in the students wanting to know more. We talked for around 20 mins about what Hybrid does, what kind of people we would like to volunteer and how it will look good on their CVs.

How I need to be thinking...

May the dreams of your past be the reality of your future.
Author Unknown

The minute you alter your perception of yourself and your future, both you and your future begin to change.
Marilee Zdenek

The best way to predict the future is to invent it.
Alan Kay

Quotes taken from www.positivequotes.org

Awesome day at work

Today, on my internship, I've been able to be my creative self!

I have designed business cards for a colleague who is a photographer and also designed a new book cover for one of the best books I've ever read, Liars and Saints by Maile Meloy.

I will photograph the business cards once they are printed and put them up here but for now, here is the book cover...

On Saturday afternoon, I spent my time creating a lino print. I decided on a simple rose head.

1. I first of all traced over the top of the image of the rose on top of the lino so it embossed onto the lino.
2. I then went over the lines with pencil so I could see them.
3. I then warmed up the lino on a heater so it would be easy to cut through.
4. Then I went along the lines with a scalpel so I could scoop out the lino with the lino cutting tool.
5. I carried on doing this until the rose was ready to be used to print.
6. I got the paper and wet it on both sides.
7. Then I rolled the black ink onto the rose pattern on the lino and place the wet/damp paper on top.
8. I laid a piece of wood on top of it all and stood on top of it to press down firmly so the print would turn out well.
9. Then I lifted the wood and voila! a lino print!

Warning to my family: you are all getting lino print cards for Christmas! So much fun!

Looking back: Dissertation

Today, whilst at work, I was thinking about when I was writing my dissertation for my final year.

Thinking back, I absolutely loved piecing it altogether. I chose a subject I am passionate about which is why I got sucked into the material and found it difficult to stop once I got started. Closing myself away in my room and diving into tonnes of library books, exploding fascinating information at me, was bliss. Geek, you may say. I don't care.

Finding the research and gathering key factors was so enjoyable. It was like assembling a puzzle but using words, phrases and quotes. You have the first piece of the puzzle which is the research and I know I need to connect it to the conclusion which is the point I am supporting and getting across to the reader. That's the final piece to a section. In the middle, there is an array of information that needs to be sorted by relevance to the topic and of course, the content must be interesting!

The satisfaction of all of it coming together is magical. Reading it through and having it all making sense feels so rewarding.

So, if you're writing a dissertation or an essay — make sure you centre it around a subject that you are passionate and crazy about!

4 job applications later...

Today, although its Sunday, I couldn't just relax and enjoy my day. Niggling in the back of my mind is "get a job" "get a job" "get a job"... so, quite successfully, I have applied for jobs that I feel that I suit the specification and needs of. Fingers crossed I will hear back from at least one of them.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Book cover design

Pen on paper

Why I like writing.

I was attempting to nail down the reason why I like writing physically, plain old pen and paper. I love the physical fluency of the words and letters, linking together smoothly and cohesively. My handwriting is bold and curvaceous (much like me!) and I'll find any excuse to jot something down or jot something in my diary for the sake of the feeling the pen on the paper. It sounds ridiculous and slightly obsessive. It's just another thing I like to do.

I was working with some 14 year olds and they had to complete some small tests, one being a communications test. At the end they all complained that their wrists ached and they had to write too much. Looking through their tests, the amount of writing they did seemed like nothing, each maybe 100 words at the most. I couldn't believe it — I was gobsmacked. I asked them "do you write essays at school?" and said "you've hardly written anything!" and none of them really answered me or said anything. They don't mind typing but they all hate writing.

Do teenagers nowadays at school do EVERYTHING on computers? I really worry about how, some schools and teachers, are letting the best traditional tools slip away because of modern technology.

I wanted to voice this opinion — what does everyone else think? People my age especially (22)...

http://jograham11.tumblr.com/

Follow me on Tumblr!

Job search update

Well, I've had one interview for a graphic designer role which unfortunately I didn't get. I was a little disappointed but I've taken it as experience. The feedback was that I interviewed well and he liked my work but the work wasn't suited to the role which I'm fine with. I'd rather it be that way round that they liked me but my work didn't suit rather than they didn't like me but my work did suit. I'm stil searching as hard as ever and I am waiting to hear back from a few applications. Please pray for me :)

Searching, searching, searching...

Even though I have an internship guaranteed until the beginning of January, I really need to get job searching NOW! I have registered with a few job websites and recruiting agencies. Interestingly, I got a phone call from one of the recruiting agencies who were wanting to meet me in person so they can recommend me to agencies or businesses who are recruiting. I went to the recruiting agency yesterday and showed one of the consultants my portfolio so she could really get an idea about the way I work and what I'm all about. I feel like I've taken a good, firm step forward by doing that and it sounded promising by the way she spoke about future job advertising.

FINGERS CROSSED!!

Stuart: a life backwards

I am currently reading a book called "Stuart: a life backwards". It's very absorbing, I do recommend!

Picking out certain key points in the book, I created two minimalist book covers. Three particular interests combined; designing book covers, reading books and producing them in a creative, minimal and direct way (no frills attached).

(If you knew me at uni, I wrote my dissertation on minimalism and minimalist design).

Magazine Design; Nature

I sat down one afternoon and decided to lust after one of my main passions in design; magazine/article layout designing. The text is about newspapers and how they are dying and how people read the news online. I wrote the text last year as part of a university project. I thought, why don't I turn this piece of text into a designed article?

So, I began to go down the nature route, trees and such, as this is where (news)paper originates from. Using my own photographs also, I created this piece of work which I am pretty pleased with. I very much enjoyed putting this together, whilst listening to Fleetwood Mac and drinking a cup of camomile, honey and vanilla tea.

(Click the image to see it clearer)

UPDATED WEBSITE

I have recently updated my website:

Check it out www.jograham.co.uk

Whisk Logo

A logo idea for my cards and stationery business idea.

Lino prints I like...

Business Idea

I've always loved stationery and cards. Paperchase is always a first stop when I'm in town. I love their originality and the diverse range of cards. The stationery is unusual with the variety of designs, from cute to floral.

I have an idea to start my own card and stationery business. I am still looking into but it I have a working name of "whisk". Yes it's unusual but hopefully remembered. It has various meanings for me, especially when I was a child. It's too complicated to get into but this word carries fond memories for me. I would quite like the products to have a sense of nostalgia to reflect the meaning in the word "whisk".

I am leaning towards lino printing so going to experiment with this :)

The First Portrait Photograph 1839

http://www.petapixel.com/2011/07/19/the-first-self-portrait-photo-ever-made/

Interesting article!

I love weddings!

I attended a friends wedding on Saturday and it was amazing! He looked dapper and she looked beautiful. Stunning couple! Ceremony was lovely and had their music of choice playing going in and out of the church. Added a personal touch! Across from the church was the reception venue where drinks were flowing, people were smiling and dancing into the night in celebration. Didn't want the evening to end! Got some gorgeous photos of the days events. The memories of that weekend will stay with me forever <3

Few inspiring book covers

Click the links to see more:

http://www.youthedesigner.com/2010/03/19/86-beautiful-book-covers/

http://wellmedicated.com/lists/45-beautifully-designed-book-covers/

Inspiring Minimalist Advertisements

http://www.youthedesigner.com/2011/07/08/56-minimalist-print-advertisements-thatll-make-you-think/

"Let your life mean something. Become an inspiration to others so that they may try to do more and to become more than they are today."

—Thomas D. Willhite

Youth Gig

After having Thursday and Friday off work, which was bliss, I was asked to help out at Saturday's youth gig in the afternoon. I arrived and had to put CD covers into the plastic CD sleeves, ready for sale at £5 each. The place where the gig was happened to just be around the corner so it wasn't to far to move the equipment. Saying that, we drove there as there were larger pieces to take round. We set up the stall next to the stage where there was a computer which people could interact with, CDs for sale and a projector to show a documentary film on that Hybrid Arts had created. Unfortunately, not many people came to see the stall that were set up by various youth groups and organisations like ours. I think it wasn't advertised enough but also it was the first one that has ever been put on. I had to leave before the gig started but I'm sure that family and friends turned up to cheer on the people doing the gig. Once again, it was something different I had to do and I enjoyed it.

Race for Life

My mum and I completed Race for Life on Saturday morning. It was such a touching thing to do. I am so glad I did it and would definitely do it again. Before we did the warm up, there was a man from BBC Lincolnshire on the mic talking to people about their stories of cancer. It was so emotional but it was so nice to hear the survival stories. I'm proud of my mum and I and hope that the money we raised along with everyone else gets used in a productive way to get a cure! Well done to all the girls that took part — great effort!

The end of my first week at work...

Well the first week of work is over. It's been eventful but enjoyable. I've meet all of my colleagues now and they are all so friendly. On Monday and Tuesday I was in the office getting a feel for how things worked around the place. On Wednesday, I went with two other colleagues to Hinckley to work with a youth group on a photography project. We took them out to photograph something that means something to them. At first they were a bit confused and stuck for ideas. We went into a park and I suggested to one girl to photograph the path to represent her journey through life. After a while they got into the task and started to use their imagination and think creatively as well as metaphorically. Then we returned and stated to edit the photos on Photoshop. We experimented with filters and a few image adjustments. They seemed to enjoy doing this.

Thursday I spent the day in the office but popped out to visit a place that is being renovated into a a music venue for which I'm creating technical drawings for on Illustrator. My manager came up with the idea that I should do the branding for the music venue when it opens. Exciting project!

Yesterday...

...I started my new internship. I met nearly everyone and they are all friendly. I spent the day helping a colleague put together a calendar, for children in one our youth groups, to add their own pictures or photos to. Then in the afternoon, I was asked to research into nearby colleges to see where people, who attend our company, can further their education. It was a nice relaxed day to get settled.

1st class BA Honours Degree in Graphic Design

Wahoo! Today I got my final university result which ended up being a First! So pleased. After having my confidence knocked a few times throughout the 4 years, I've kept going and fought through.

My favourite academic year has got to be the year that has just gone. I really enjoyed the briefs we were given to do. Going with my instincts is one of the biggest lessons I've learnt. Sometimes I am quite literal in life, which I often kick myself about in certain situations, but being literal helped bring out my highest mark I've ever received in one module.

Having a few beers and cracking open the champagne soon. Here's to all of the hard work paying off!

Information overload

Wake up this morning, look at my phone, one missed call and a voicemail. Listening to the voicemail, I can't believe what I'm hearing. I've only got that job back. A few phone calls and needing to prove who I am to Job Centre, I can start.

Very, very busy week ahead!!

I love old photos of the family

My mum as a toddler.

Mum and Gran relaxing in the sun.

Mum...what a cutie!

Gran and Grandad — Miss you everyday Grandad, it's been 13 years <3

My Uncle Jim and my Papa. Miss you both everyday.

I don't know what it is but I just love looking through old photos. Seeing my roots and where I came from. What went on in the family before I was around is just so interesting.

http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/news/saturday-pictures-06-26-2011-6-06-pm-58#top

Some fantastic photos from the festival.

GLASTONBURY!!

I went to Glastonbury from Wednesday to Sunday and the festival was something I just cannot describe.

Wednesday we arrived on the coach where spirits are high and the drinking began. Queued up at the gate with our luggage dragging through the mud. Through the gate we pitched up and walked to see the festivities. Compared to Leeds festival, the Glastonbury site is huge!

Thursday we did the same and looked around some more taking in the sights. People in crazy outfits and crazy personalities. It dawned on my boyfriend and I that the whole attitude and vibe at Glastonbury is totally different to Leeds festival. Everyone is friendly and all about the peace, love and music. If someone bumps into you, they apologise and vice versa. You can talk to anyone and have a laugh with them. No queue pushing and just general politeness all around. All the drunks were harmless and didn't feel threatened at all.

Friday and Saturday the music was incredible! We saw a bit of Wu Tang Clan, BB King, saw Darwin Deez who were amazing, Biffy Clyro and Mumford & Sons. Saturday we saw Gaslight Anthem, Paolo Nutini, Battles and Coldplay.

Unfortunately, we had to leave on Sunday morning as my boyfriend was attending his grandma's funeral on Monday.

We both said it was the best and worst festival we have been to. The worst because of the mud and constant battle walking through it, the rain all day Friday, a leaky tent where we had to but a new one at the festival, my wellies snapping because of the strength of the stickiness of the mud, the bad news of the passing away of my boyfriend's gran, losing my job, stitches bothering me in my hand etc etc BUT... it was the best festival because of the things on offer there, the amount of good music, the friendly nature of everyone and the sun coming out all day Saturday.

Bad news

I got a phone call last Monday from my new job saying that the council didn't want to fund the internships so basically, I lost the job before I'd even started it. The company were so disappointed with the council because they really wanted to have me work with them and I really wanted to work with them. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't cry. The relief of not worrying about a job for 6 months was bliss. I could look forward to having some money in the bank and concentrating of other things in life. Then it all came crashing down and now I'm back to where I started.

Que sera sera as they say, I just have to carry on and keep my chin up.

Hand surgery isn't fun...

I had an operation on my hand and the stitches are very painful. I'm trying to do everything at once: start a job, move house, get ready for Glastonbury...all with one hand! I'm trying not to be pathetic and just get on with it. Luckily I have amazing housemates who helped change a dressing and cheer me up. My boyfriend also has been carrying things for me and looking after me in general. Nothing wrong with some TLC. I really appreciate all he has done. Will be quite difficult to keep my hand clean whilst at Glastonbury but will have to try reallly hard and enjoy myself at the same time!

Got the job!

Luckily the day of the interview, they told me they wanted me and to start asap. My ears couldn't have heard better news! Looking forward to starting. Sounds right up my street, helping others with getting creative!! The days are different everyday apparently which sounds ideal and non repetitive. I will be updating with how it goes! ...

www.hybridarts.co.uk

Job Interview No.2

I was just getting back into the swing of looking for jobs and filling out application forms, after having a break from it yesterday, when I got an email saying that I have an interview. Sigh of relief as I was starting to get frustrated and down about it.

I'm looking forward to this interview. I think this role is much more my kind of thing than the interview I had before. Now I am going to get prepared for it...

Degree Show Display

First graduate job interview

It happened more quickly than I thought. But then again it was all happening a bit too quickly which I was a bit suspicious of. I didn't know this until the interview.

I got a call from a sales and marketing company that I had applied to online saying come for an interview at 3pm the next day. Excited, I started to prepare myself. Once I got to the interview and we were getting underway with questions, I soon started to realise that the role was definitely not for me. Not showing this tough, I kept going as if still interested. I arrived home an my phone rang, it was the company offering me a place in the next round of the recruitment process. I turned the down politely. I knew in my heart that the role would not have suited me. The company seemed desperate to employ as many people as possible. I didn't feel like they wanted me for me but just someone who could probably do the job. He kept saying "normally companies make people into managers between 3 or 4 years but in my company it could be 4 to 10 months". This just didn't seem right to me.

I believe I made the right choice. It was my first interview of a few I imagine so I am not disheartened or upset. I see it as a practice! Bring on the next one...

June 8th — Final day at uni

Well it arrived finally. I say that but it's actually come round extremely quickly. It was nice to say goodbye to everyone as the next time we are altogether is in November for our graduation day.

Now it's packing my room away and getting ready to move into the new house just outside the city centre. Exciting times moving in with the boyfriend. As we couldn't really afford a flat for the two of us with job and money situations, we are house sharing with a few other people we know. It's great — we still get that hint of university life still with housemates but also my boyfriend and I get to be together also.

Next step in life : Job and moving house. Busy, nervous, apprehensive, exciting times!

My table display at the degree show.

(Perspex display photo coming soon!!)

Degree Show 3rd June 2011

Friday 3rd June was the opening night of our Degree Show in our art school. I was feeling a mixture of apprehension and also excitement along with a bit of sadness as this in the end of my education.

After spending just over a week preparing the room, I am wowed by the transformation. From a cluttered room full of tables with tons of work on to a classy, clean, well presented studio showcasing our most proud work. I spent a lot of time helping a group of around 6 others put the room together from screwing wires into the floor, cleaning the perspex displays, putting newly printed work into the perspex, applying a fresh coat of paint to the wall and clearing the room of items like work, kettles and mugs, tables and chairs etc. I'm glad that I can say I was involved in the process and mean it. Yes it was frustrating when others on the course weren't turning up to help but I think "too many cooks" phrase applies here. We were doing just fine with the amount of helpers we had.

Anyway, back to Friday...

Whilst trying to decide what to wear, I was going over and over in my mind what I would say about each piece of my work to anyone that was interested. I didn't really know what to expect and exactly how many industry people would be there. I didn't want to stand too close to my work because I thought it'd put visitors off coming to have a look. So I stood a metre or two away and kept my eye out in case anyone seemed genuinely interested and wanted to discuss my work.

The evening was mostly family of course mates. I managed to speak to one industry team who were recruiting so I got an opportunity which I was pleased with. They were people I was actually trying to send my work to a few days earlier. And there studio is near where I am moving to end of June! So fingers crossed...

Overall, was a great night. I don't know when I will see some course mates again so was nice to gather in Browns afterwards and get some photographs so we won't forget each other. I know I'll keep in contact with a good amount of people (collected their business cards ready to roll)!

Book Cover Appreciation :)

http://bookcoverarchive.com/

This is a great website looking into various book cover designs.

Career Opportunities

My ideal career opportunity would be:

• in a motivated environment where contemporary print work is produced whether it be album covers, book covers, brochures, leaflets etc.
• I want to expand my skills and experience in the industry.
• Working with various people to get ideas flowing and design something to the best of my ability.

Book covers that got away

I found an interesting article on book covers that had been rejected in the publishing process. I really like some of them. See what you think.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/05/15/books/review/15covers-gallery.html

Books

There is something about books that just appeal to me so much.

If I'm walking into the city centre to buy something quickly, I always manage to divert myself to Waterstones. Just walking in there and seeing book after book excites me inside and I just don't know where to start.

I've always loved reading and getting lost in my imagination. Like watching TV in my head. Reading calms me if I've had a tough day but also when you've stopped in a place where it's super exciting, you can't help but think "I NEED to go and read the next bit to see what happens!". It's worse when you know it'll be a few hours/days before you can find out the next segment of the story. I think reading is better than watching a film because you imagine the characters the way you want to, not the way the director in the film has. You can imagine the setting, the way the characters look and how things are said. It's fab.

Now we are getting the covers. I hadn't quite known that I liked book cover designing as much as when we were set a brief to design one. Once I got into re-designing the cover for "100 Years of Solitude", I realised how much fun it was. I could have adjusted it for days, weeks or even years. I went with my initial idea by taking the title literally and playing with typography. I ended up really liking what I produced and feel it is one of my strongest pieces of work this year. Others may disagree and say that it is quite "boring" but like I said in the previous post, I am in full swing in working in minimal and simplistic forms.

Where my passion lies...

My passion lies within the print industry especially published items such as books and magazines. Even DVD covers and movie posters interest me. I enjoy experimenting with text and image. The way magazine articles are laid out in magazines like Vice, Eye and Dazed & Confused excite my mind, giving me new conceptual inspiration. I love the way these covers impact straight away to the viewer. Simplicity is the style I've formed in the past year or two.

I think you can push the boundaries of magazine layouts and editing. Why do we have to conform to the bog standard, stereotypical, boring layouts? I love looking through spreads that are unusual and makes you look into it and appreciate the design. The more unusual the better as it feeds more and more inspiration into designers minds. I think you can appreciate this if you are fond of published print work in a design sense.

Final gatherings

Tonight is our Summer Ball. One of the last times or even the last time we will all be together at university. What a roller coaster uni life was. Amazingly great high points and unfortunately so very, very low points. I wouldn’t have changed it for the world though.

My experiences through uni, I believe, have made me stronger and able to cope with various things that life may throw at me. Recognising a situation that I can then deal with appropriately.

I’ve had the time of my life and met such amazing people. My boyfriend, Jason Nye, is the star I met in my first year of four years. He’s my rock and keeps me grounded when things go pear shaped. Living with difficult housemates in second and third year at uni was a nightmare but we came through it with our heads held high. We rose above their behaviour and stood our ground. Thank god for this year as I couldn’t have been blessed with cooler girls to live with. They are the same girls I lived with in the first year — started and ended on high notes! Never laughed so hard in my life as I have this year. Social nights out have been great and running the street dance society has been so much fun. I will miss this a lot also.

Trying to be excited about the future but I’m sure there will be tears in a week or two when our lives change forever. We will all go down different paths. I can’t wait to keep in touch with everyone and talk about what we have all been up to. End of an era and the start of a new one.

46B / 64 / Block 31 Singer Hall / Block 6 Singer Hall / Block 20 Singer Hall / 65 St Margs / Floor 6 Priory Hall

Thanks for the memories <3

The future after education…

So I’m about to leave university in 1 week. And what am I doing with my life? Well that’s a very good question. With the way the world is at the moment it’s difficult to keep a positive perspective but I must try my best to go as far as I possibly can with the opportunities that may arise.

The thought of being unleashed into the big, wide world terrifies me but I know that to build my confidence and actually have the best life I can offer myself, I know I must overcome the hurdles. Interviews are scary, trying to locate where I’m offered a placement and means of getting there and talking to incredibly important people within the design industry is truly terrifying. But I would NEVER let my confidence issues hold me back. I would “bite the bullet” as they say.

I didn’t think I’d worry this much. I’m just desperate to make something of my life and live comfortably. I guess it’s worry of failing. I know that every interview I have will go well or even offered a job but I mustn’t get disheartened. I always think, “will I be 23? 24? or even nearer 30 by the time I live comfortably? therefore worrying for almost 8 years constantly?”.

So key things for me to do is:

to think “just go for it, what have you got to lose?!”

know my community of practice well

find my confidence and speak about my work proudly

be myself.