Ferocious Mingle!

Hi all,

I have an exciting announcement for you. I spoke with Rainey Gibney of Ferocious Mingle, and she has confirmed that she would welcome us as vendors at her uber-cool market. If you haven't been there, you will find it across the street from NCAD at 72 Thomas Street. To get you started, have a look at their website:

http://theferociousminglemarcade.com/

The market operates from 11-6, Thursday through Sunday, and benefits from footfall of both NCAD students, and tourists en route to the Guinness Store. I have been to visit on a Saturday, and it was busy. Added bonuses for us: it's indoors, and they serve really good coffee and sweets at reasonable rates. We can rent a space for a day for 30 euro.

To secure our place, we will need to pay up front, which we should do asap. I'm grateful to Louise for covering for me yesterday, and that you discussed practical matters related to the sale, such as time management, establishing your reputation, and up-front funding. We have several options here, but if everyone is willing to pitch in e1.50, I can pay for and secure our place at the market. I suggest that the class rep collect money from everyone, and leave it in Marita's office for me to collect tomorrow if possible, if not - Thursday. Please contact me via the comments below, or through Mags to confirm you wish to proceed.

Regarding the date of the sale, that depends on timing in relation to printing, but we should definitely select a Saturday or Sunday. As most of the class will be producing illustrations for stationery items like cards and labels, earlier in December is better than later. However, if we need a bit more time, consider designs that are not seasonal. People will be looking for presents for Christmas, or for themselves.

If you haven't yet been to the market, pop in to help you prepare. Make a few notes about the space, and what you think you will need on the day. We'll go over everything in class. Look at what the other vendors are selling, what their pricing is like, and how they're set up. Take a few photos (with permission).

I hope you are all as excited as I am about this opportunity for your class - both to raise funds, and as practical experience in selling your designs. With proper planning, the day should be very enjoyable. I will, of course, be there to help and guide you all (and maybe help hawk your wares).....

Schedule Change

Hi all,

I'm sure you've heard of the schedule change via Facebook; just reinforcing. New details for Visual arts Practice are as follows:

Monday 10-12, Studio 22

Remember to bring your PEST and SWOT handouts from last week.

See you tomorrow.

Copper House

Hi all,

I thought I'd let you know that I've been to the Copper House Gallery, and had a wee advanced peek at Una Gildea's work. I highly recommend a viewing, but in particular I would encourage you to attend the opening, tomorrow evening from 6-8. The artist will be in attendance to answer questions, as well as industry professionals. And the space is impressive, especially when you venture past the front gallery. Copper House has an impressive set-up of high-quality, large-scale scanners and printers. They specialize in limited edition photography and fine art print. The interior architecture is inspired. Here's a link to the event:

http://www.culturefox.ie/event/tales-of-seduction-an-exhibition-by-una-gildea/13732.aspx

Final Year!

Hi all and welcome to the aih2 Blog!


You are all very welcome to your second and final year here at BCFE. There is not doubt that you will find this year even more challenging than the last, with the exciting finale of an exhibition of your work.

Within the context of this unit, we address the practical side of your illustration practice, and this will include building an online presence. Take a few minutes to orient yourself to the blog: you will notice that posts from last years' class can be viewed below, and a list of links can be seen to the right of the posts. Tip: if you bookmark this page, it will be easier to return.  Please feel free to leave comments in the comment box below.  Once you do, I will receive an e mail notice, and will respond within a day or so.

I found the results of the survey very interesting, particularly in regard to progression aims.  Half of you are uncertain whether you'll be applying to third level, and 25% divided equally between a positive and a negative intention. Over half of you expressed an interest in starting your own business, so we will look at the steps you will need to take in order to do so. Surprisingly, only one of you indicated that you did not want to start a business. A bit of uncertainty is indicated in the class response to the question of whether or not you would like to take commissions and/or apply for exhibitions and/or residencies. We will discuss these issues in due course. I'm delighted to see that all of you have computer access, and seem comfortable with social media. We will look into and clarify a few related issues.


We will all start and maintain our own blogs, experimenting with both the expected and the unexpected potential of this format. Through your blog, you will be able to document your journey as a student in your final year of the Illustration HND.  You will also be able to upload digital files and video which will support your writing.

Why blog?

• Personal development - writing, communicating, commitment
• Global exposure - people will find you
• Make connections - from like minded people to business opportunities
• Show your true personality
• Cost effectiveness - free to set up and run with earning potential
• Link your blog to your Etsy page, email address or mobile device
• Stand out from the crowd
 

To begin, look at some blogs related to your area of interest.  For example, google 'art student blogs', comics, illustrators &etc.  Visit 5 blog pages and document them.  Write a list, and then jot down what you found helpful, which styles you responded to, which included interesting and relevant links, which were regularly updated.

Next, set yourself up with a gmail account if you don't already have one. Simply click on the 'More' drop down menu at the top of your (new) gmail page, and start to set up your blog by selecting 'Templates'. Experiment. Play around. Get to know the format. Any questions, write them down and we will discuss next week in class.

ZINE

We're nearing the end of year show, and some of you still need to give me files if you want your work to be included in the zine.  This is a fantastic opportunity to have your work published with your class - don't miss out!  Scan at 300dpi, actual dimensions 12x17cm.  If you can't get me a disk in time, you may email me your file(s) - send me a message via the blog, and I'll send you my email.

Be sure to include contact info you want included.  You can add your mobile, email, blog.  Just let me know which, or if all.

I will need some volunteers to help assemble the zines, so if you can make it into the college on Wednesday, please let me know. 

Best wishes for success with the show, and with your careers! 

Photo Demo this Friday and....Zine!

Hi guys - just a reminder that Caroline Murray will be demonstrating how to professionally photograph your work in Studio 2, from 12 to 1, this Friday, the 15th of April.  Bring note taking supplies, and possibly a camera to document the process.


For the Zine:  The class will be producing an A5 zine as a promotional item for the end of year show.  You will want to scan enough work for 2 full page spreads.  That means 4 single A5 pages.  I recommend using your best work from Comics and Sequential Art for this project.  If this is not your best work, use work which can be reproduced well in black and white (see copies of last year's zine).  Scan at a resolution of 300dpi, to fit 12x17 cm.  Save to cd, and hand in on the Tuesday (3/5) we return from Easter Break.  I will leave an envelope pinned to the cork board next to the Illustration office. 

Enjoy your break!

Final Submission

It's hard to believe it's nearly the end of the year!  As you know, all Class Files are due on Friday (15/04), the details of which are included in your brief.  Please place them in the marked box in the Teacher's Resource room.  I will assess them and return them to you on the Friday following the Easter Break.

As a reminder,  Caroline Murray will demonstrate how to professionally photograph your work from 12:00 until 13:00 this Friday (15/04).   She has agreed to do this on her own time to benefit your class, so please be on time and bring supplies so you can take notes.  See you all there!