Looking back at Artsmart

Words: Carys Nelkon

Images: Daniel Shannon

As you would imagine, with so much talent gracing High Holborn, the atmosphere was at times electric with excitement, anticipation and the expectation of what our wonderful student’s will go on to achieve. If the Summer Shows have shown anything it is that UAL is packed to the brim with talent, what Artsmart did well was put the emphasis back on how this translates into ‘the real world’, and how industry professionals got there.

There were some fantastic stories, I was absolutely mesmerised by Virginia Hodge’s portrayal of life at CSM in the 80’s; parties, vivid colour and alternative fashion shows! Katie Greenyer; Pentland’s Creative Director was an amazingly engaging speaker. Telling us of how she decided she wanted to go to Paris and wrote to the biggest fashion houses saying: ‘You can expect me on such a day, at such a time, unless I hear back from you stating the contrary, I will presume you will be expecting me.’ And she went!! Not only did she go, but despite an unfortunate incident where she managed to accidently flip Christian LaCroix the V’s, he gave her an internship!

I could write forever about all the interesting stories I heard; about how David Varela’s Zombie/Fitness App came to fruition and Samata’s Oscar Preview hit the red carpet; but I think this blog would be better used sharing some of the tips that industry professionals suggested. Some of these are general and some specific, so bare with!

Networking is making Friends: Head of CSM; Jane Rapley reminded us all that Alexander McQueen and his business became a fantastic success by  building a network of highly-talented people around him. Art College is pool of gifted people and the most influential individuals you are likely to meet are each other! Hodge reminded us that, Art in nearly all forms can become very solitary, so you need to decide if that is for you or if you could do with a partner in crime; UAL could be where you find creative collaborations. Every professional re-iterated the importance of networking in the creative industries; just look at it as taking an interest and making friends! The majority of arts jobs are gained by word of mouth so you need to get connected! TV Producer; Iestyn Williams re-iterated ‘ Be nice to everyone, you never know when the runner will become the head writer!’

Carry Cards and Invitations: Art-Quest and Melanie Stidolph advised all Art students to always carry your card, if you are showing any of your work, make up invitations. If you ever get into a conversation about your work make sure you are able to whip out your card/invitation and invite the person to come along/check out your website. If people offer you their card ask to put them on your mailing list, every time you exhibit you can let everybody know. Try using Mail Chimp for free professional e-mail templates for up to 1000 people.

Where is Business Booming?  Business Consultant Russell Hammond was part-responsible for helping Burberry from a Coat shop into a world renowned fashion leader. He encouraged everybody to research the industry they are interested in early on in their studies. There may not be many jobs in one area, but where is the industry booming? What areas are growing, have you considered Green practise and up-cycling? Research where the industry’s interests are, is it relevant to your practise/how do the two connect together? Do you need to consider moving abroad to fit in with the world market and find your place?

What Makes you Happy? Do you want to work for yourself or for somebody else? Illustrator, Emma Cowlam, says it takes between 3-5 years before you start making money, whilst Margo Selby  said it took her business seven years. Do you have the passion to drive on, sometime seven days a week whilst you are getting your name out there and your business off the ground? If you do then that is fantastic!! But make sure you are doing what you do is right lifestyle choice for you.

Ask for Advice: People like to tell their story and offer advice, it gives them a warm fuzzy feeling, show interest in people and they will return the favour. Penguin’s Eric Huang advised; the worse thing you could do on work experience is tuck yourself away and be shy; talk to people, take an interest, ask them out for coffee, look for advice, how did they get to their position? You lose out on 100% of opportunities you don’t take advantage of!

Use your time at University to experiment and find your Passion: This time is three years for you to explore your craft! If you have a good understanding of your practise then you will have a strong sense of your particular skill sets. It is always important to understand where your passions lie and what drives you as a professional, that way you can hit the ground running; starting out with a sense of identity and personal integrity.

Artsmart was organised by SEE (the Student Enterprise and Employability) team at University of the Arts, they run great events for students and graduates throughout the year, visit their site to find out more.