S C R I P T

Slides

1. Introduction. Hi, hello.
2. Background story: I initially thought of going into an academic degree and become a psychologist. Growing up, I studied fine art and knew nothing about illustration. I knew I liked creative subjects and drawing but doing fine art just didn’t sit right with me. Event organising was also something that I have always taken part in since high school. I have always liked the hands-on activities and managing people.
3. Reasons why I took an illustration path: I always enjoyed the creative side of things and wanted to do art as more than just a hobby. I didn’t know what ‘illustration’ was (I still don’t know what it is), though I kind of grew into it. The concept of image-making and visual communication was something new to me. 
4. Storytelling & visual narrative: COP3 helped me realize my interest as I did my topic on visual language and communication. I personally think that illustration isn’t just about making pretty pictures and drawing, but the message and context that can be conveyed through imagery.
5. Inspirations: As cliche as it sounds, I get inspired by everything around me; listening and observing the world around me. Music videos, playing music, film, video games and comics are also things I seek and inspire most of my practice (as it also helps keep myself sane). My culture has also greatly influenced most of my work, I started to realize that this is an integral part of my identity -a person of color, female artist. 
6. Experiences: I did my summer internship with a startup company and made a teaching material for local students in Bali. I was then contacted to create a character/mascot for the startup company. I also have been reached out to help create the branding for an independent retail shop
7. Clients: Working with a client is quite challenging, especially when they are not used to working with an illustrator. I had a few issues regarding communicating ideas. I initially thought that they wanted me to strictly follow their set guides and ideas. The work I did were very graphic design-based (lots of photography, layouting and typography). Though when I pitched in my opinions and input, they are very accommodating and I felt reassured when they trusted my judgment. Pricing work has also been an issue, as I wasn’t too familiar with it. I had asked around freelancers back in Indonesia as rates and copyright policies differ from the UK, so I had to charge them a local price instead of a UK rate. 
8. Gifs and Animation: I wanted to try new things out as I really enjoyed creating gifs since my second year. I was feeling confident at that time and wanted to create a full animation. I am genuinely fascinated by creating moving illustrations -making stills come to live. I think that this is something I would like to continue on with my practice. I also have come to realize that creating my original work is a good output of my creativity as sometimes working towards live briefs and client-based work can be draining (603 experience).
9. Teaching: A main reason as to why I haven’t been proactive in searching for jobs as an illustrator is because I have found a passion for teaching through my student ambassador job. I have always enjoyed working with kids since I was in high school, doing several volunteer work and outreach programs.
10. Making friends: Connecting with people is probably a skill I will take with me after university. I realized that from reaching out to people and discussions during the symposium that networking is helpful and could speed up the process of landing jobs. Though it is that idea of building relationships with individuals, professionals is also a good way to delve inside the industry.
11. Online Presence: A website domain is something I am considering to invest on (for the long term). I think that it is a useful platform for an online portfolio as I realized when people reach out to look at my work, I would just redirect them to my website. Instagram is useful in terms of free promotion, but that is if it is used right. Though I personally find Twitter the most beneficial as I am also able to keep up with the news or happenings (worldwide). There is also a large community of artists in Twitter. It is a good platform for reflecting upon my thoughts as a practitioner AND a human being. 
12. Hello, Anxiety (thinking about the future): Struggles in life. Finding jobs; opportunities and circumstances are different for an international student. We have visas to consider. Being a freelancer might not be possible if I plan on staying in the country as I am required to have a sponsorship. Working in-house and other job opportunities with larger companies are the only solution to this problem as they are most likely the ones to provide visa sponsorships. I am personally not keen about freelancing, as I personally am looking for a stable job, even if it means working in a ‘corporate’ environment and creating ‘commercial work’ (This matter of visa sponsorships causes unnecessary anxiety)
13. Intermission (short breather)
14. What's next: The future & my career 
1. Looking into getting a teaching certificate and stay in the country (as they don’t have these kinds of programs back in my home country). 
2. Working in-house, managerial or events organising, anything to do with the creative industry but not as an illustrator. I honestly have no intentions of becoming an illustrator. I don’t mind doing client-based work or creating ‘commercial work’ as I myself realize that I don’t have a strong personality or body of work to stand out. I find myself to be quite a realistic person and I would prefer to have a steady job, if it means giving up my tone of voice. 
3. Get that damn foot in the door and be open to opportunities
15. Any questions?