602 - 1st Session w/ Alec Dudson

I really liked how Alec approached the first PPP session, (although it wasn't at first a great hit!) he basically asked us prior to send him our questions regarding the industry, our practise, the logistical & financial side to it all, etc. This allowed for us to have an actual open conversation regarding our concerns, and also hear some funny stories that we can learn from along the way!

My Notes - 

- Social Media  
       - all about projecting the best version of yourself 
       - focus on strengths, don't short sell yourself
       - sell yourself as a freelancer, not a student 
       - Boast? Humorous? STAND OUT!

- Consider how I can re-approach advertising my un-successful competition brief work, such as D&AD. Make it feel more original
       - Look into w/Jen - as we are passionate about tattoo culture

- Don't follow the crowds with briefs such as Penguin 
       - slim chance you'll win & think how many how many people use on their portfolios                   
       - BORING! be different & make it individual, show what I'm passionate about!

- Start trying to avoid the use of too many digi-mockups!
       - Go & out and physically test it!
       - My work should be at a level where it can actually fit into the world.
       - Be creative with it. 

- When contacting studios...
       - best to actually go & meet them 
       - be friendly
       - send them x-mas cards, or stuff they're into, get a bit weird and personal :')
       - play on their ego
       - look into to them to find common grounds
       - stand out, be distinctive as they get hundreds of emails

- Loved the use of a subtle animated GIF on email headers!
       - Definitely want to do my own!




"Networking is simply being open to meeting new people whose ideas you admire and goals you may share"
     
- Went through a very useful article regarding costings and taking yourself seriously..
Essential tips on how much to charge for your freelance work

Ikigai (生き甲斐, pronounced (icky-guy) is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being." 

It is similar to the French phrase Raison d'être. 

Everyone, according to Japanese culture, has an ikigai. Finding it requires a deep and often lengthy search of self.












There was an interesting related TED talk: 

Don't wait, find your Ikigai | Gangadharan Menon | TEDxSIESCASC

In his talk, Gangadharan Menon traces his career over the years, and how an accidental encounter with an elephant took him back to his roots to find his Ikigai. With a chequered career, right from delving into theater to advertising, Gangadharan Menon is an author, photographer and professor of arts who has travelled extensively in India over three decades.