You Are Here: REFLECTIONS

What did I want/expect from the Symposium?

• Networking with professionals, giving out business cards.
• Tips about getting into publishing.
• Whether an agent is the right thing for ME.

I had a fantastic time in London. I was very worried as it's a huge city and I have had panic attacks the last few times I've been. I find the noise and busyness of the city so overwhelming but this time I felt a lot more comfortable and relaxed once I got there. It was brilliant to spend time with my friends outside of the studio too.

I felt bad that I wasn't asking any questions in the pannels. I like speaking in public and I did feel that I was letting the team down by not contributing at all in that respect, but I wasn't needed as all the host roles were filled. I tried my best to ask questions post-interview (such as one about Mister Finch to Nicola from Anthropologie) and mingle with practitioners after the event.

I didn't get a chance to read my poem at the end of the day but I saved it for the bus home on the way back and read it aloud to wake everyone up when we were nearing Leeds. 

What did I learn?

• Use instagram in uploads of three, curate and style the page as a portfolio.
• Personality is key.
• Blink Ink do internships which sound perfect for what I want to do... interns help with MAKING in the production of stop motion animations. Only issue is that this is in LONDON.

What did I gain?

• I gave my business cards to the speakers, networking with professionals and building my 'who you know' circle.
• I got an email address for the lady in charge of internships at BlinkInk.
• I gave handmade mini dolls to Lucy from ItsNiceThat and Harriet from NoBrow, hopefully this will spread the fairies and leave a lasting impression on them about what I do.
• A new follower! Thanks Lucy from ItsNiceThat. 

Responding to advice: 

• Spending more time curating and choosing which photos to put on instagram, including the order and time I upload.
• BEING MYSELF and not being afraid of showing my PERSONALITY!

What's next?

• Prepare for the July event! Have something SHOW STOPPING.
• Look into where I DO want to work. What sort of company, where in the world, what do I need to have for that etc.. or if a sole trader then what do I need to HAVE and KNOW to set this up.