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The Importance of Self-Initiated Work     9th May 2012

The Importance of Self-Initiated Work

Self-initiated work is the stuff you create in your free time.

This is not the same as Spec work

(when a client asks you to work for free)

I'm firmly in the ‘No' camp on that one.

However I'm a huge advocate of Self Initiated projects.

 

There's no client, no brief and no payment.

So why bother?

 

Because the stuff you don't get paid for, leads to the stuff you do.

 

Here's why self initiated work is a big part of my practice, some examples of the work I've created and some of the commissions they've lead to.

 

Tasters

 

Work created in your own time is the perfect way to showcase a new style or idea.

Clients need to see examples of what's on offer.

Saying you have a new technique up your sleeve isn't good enough.

You need to show them.

A small sample piece in a new style helps entice clients to commission more of the same.

LOVE

PSYBT Annual Report

 

Self Initiated project: LOVE typography

Client: PSYBT, annual report

 

Diversity

 

Stuck in a rut of repetitive jobs?

Quit moaning and do something about it.

A monotonous portfolio tells clients you're a one trick pony.

Whilst you might be a safe bet for specific tasks,

they're unlikely to take a punt and commission you for something apparently out with your comfort zone.

Chuck in a few curveball pieces and they'll suddenly see you in a whole new light.

If you're folio is full of flowers, throw in some typography and architecture...

Kapow! You've just increased your client base.

 

Fashion photography illustration

Cover artwork, Harper Collins

 

Self Initiated project: Fashion photography illustration.

Client: Harper Collins, ‘Die For Me' cover artwork.

 

Free Reign

 

"I'm being limited by all these crap briefs"

is just a rubbish way of saying

"I'm a bit lazy"

Not every paid job is going to push your creative buttons,

but they do all end up in the bank.

If client work isn't challenging you,

take the initiative and create some awesome new projects in your own time.

There's no restrictions (or excuses) when you are the boss.

 

Time Management

 

Occasionally we have lulls between jobs or waiting for feedback.

Don't twiddle your thumbs.

Exploit these quiet periods and use them to work up some new folio pieces.

It keeps you in the creative mindset and avoids a stuttered work flow.

Bella

Susan Boyle album cover for Sony Music

 

Self Initiated project: Bella

Client: Sony Music, Susan Boyle album artwork

 

Profile Raisers

 

Sparse commission schedule?

Don't panic.

Create some cool new pieces.

Stick them on your website, Behance, Twitter, Facebook.

Submit to design blogs.

Send out a showcase newsletter to existing and prospective clients.

Don't be defeatist, take active steps to raise your profile and bag that next job

Or in my case, a book deal!

TwitterPicture

Edinburgh Fringe

The Famous Grouse

Smart Car

 

Self Initiated project: TwitterPicture

Client: The Edinburgh Fringe, 2010 Programme covers

Client: The Famous Grouse, custom drawn statue and artwork

Client: Smart Car, hand penned car of the future.

 

Dream Clients

 

Sometimes a mailer and cover letter just isn't enough.

You need to pull out the big guns and go bespoke.

Show a prospective client that you value their business.

Invest your own time up front and do something amazing to capture their imagination,

show off your skills and demonstrate your passion to work for them.

Creative Review

Monkey Puzzle for Creative Review

 

Self Initiated project: Creative Review custom cover

Client: Creative Review, Monkey Puzzle Tree

 

Starbucks Cups

Vigo Street Wallpaper for Starbucks

Vigo street Starbucks

Self Initiated project: Inky Starbucks Cups

Client: Starbucks, Vigo Street artwork.

 

Forget advertising, subscription folio sites and agents.

Self Initiated work is my most powerful marketing tool.

 

 

Posted in - Ramblings

Comments

  • Impressive artworks. Keep working and make us inspired again :) Thanks!
    Wei Ling CHUA     6th Aug 2012
  • This is a GREAT article Johanna, reaaaaally good. I will be pimping this one on.

    Some great ideas and very much inline with my own thoughts lately. When the work aint coming in, keep busy, do new things. Push the borders, move out of ones comfort zone.

    Thanks for posting,.
    Lorrie
    Lorrie     10th May 2012
  • Wow, thanks for the kick up the backside! This is a great way to help oneself and get out of a creative funk.
    Stacey-Ann     10th May 2012
  • fantastic article!
    Gary     10th May 2012
  • This was a real insight for someone like me, who has a great desires to be a surface pattern designer & is a real novice. Your work is stunning by the way.
    Sinead mansell     10th May 2012
  • Gawd I have been banging on about this for ever and a day ..... but u say it SO much better!

    Thanks for sharing!

    James
    James Donald     10th May 2012
  • this is such a great post, love all your ideas im always trying to create new work on my spare time and experiment with different styles


    vasare nar     11th May 2012
  • this work is not like work of extra time. it looks like a professional artistic work. really impressive.http://www.economicalinkcartridges.com/
    reeha@cheap ink cartridges     13th May 2012
  • Really inspiring article Joanna - thanks! Love your work...
    Seonaidh     13th May 2012
  • I know I need to do this but I admit you are so right I am a bit lazy! The first step is to admit this then get on with it! Thank you for a needed and deserved kick up the...rather not say...
    Another inspired and motivational post!
    Suzanne Washington     13th May 2012
  • Hey Joanna. This article is so inspiring. I have been following your website for some time now as I love your style and even briefly met you at Primiere Vision a few years ago on a University trip. I would love to work on such a diverse range of commissions as you have and will be whole-heartly taking your advice - Thanks!

    If you get the time, check out some of what I do... www.lovebardart.carbonmade.com
    Sophie Bard     20th May 2012
  • I just signed up to your blogs rss feed. Will you post more on this subject?
    Tellervo Warelius     27th May 2012
  • Such great advice Johanna!
    Opportunities rarely fall into your lap, you have to go out and make them! Be innovative and stand out from the crowd.
    Love it!
    Clair     10th Jun 2012

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