OUGD602 - PPP3 - Disney Pro Interns Continued

A couple of weeks ago, I emailed Disney concerning my 4 different role applications at internships in the USA:

'Hello there, 

I applied to four different role openings on the Disney Pro Interns each over a month ago now, and I'm panicking thinking that Disney require some sort of correspondence from me, although I cannot find any emails or notifications - I think I'm just concerned as to how long it has been since I applied, as it's leaving very little time for me to acquire a working US visa, should I be accepted (The roles start in May/ June). Three out of four of the applications are 'in progress' which is fabulous, but I'm just wondering what's going on, I suppose! 

Thanks a lot, I look forward to your reply,

Sarah Heal'

To which I received this reply:

This reply has made me very anxious, as I said 'yes' to having work authorisation as I was eligible to get a VISA as I am CRB checked etc but I don't actually have one. To be honest, although these are my dream jobs, they just start so soon after the course (some start in early June or even end of May, where I'd be shaving off the time to put together my final exhibition and I was forfeiting that to be able to pursue the job, but if I only get two weeks notice, there won't nearly be enough time to get a visa and all the flights and living arrangements etc.

Although there was nothing stopping me from applying to these positions - I think in retrospect that the positions were intended for peoples already living/ studying/ working in the USA and not really intended for international candidates. I just wish I was one of those people in the USA already! 

I don't really know if I am able to continue with these internships as it seems near impossible to achieve in such a short time. So I'm leaving this plan for the time being and just see how it goes, and not stress about it. I may look at more internship opportunities that don't start so soon, maybe in about 6 months or so!

OUGD602 - PPP3 - This is where I leave you - Final Presentation March 15

Here is my final PPP presentation of my degree! What a journey it has been! 

Here are the notes I made for each slide of my presentation, to give a better idea of the narration I gave during the delivery.

Slide 1 : 
hello everyone good afternoon etc
Quick word about my personal branding - exactly the same as last year IE there's no changes to postcards and colour schemes but this first slide shows my new logo. My new logo just consists of my name in my own handwriting, with a wonky rectangle around it. It gives a nod to the mid-century design I adore to work in, but can also be without the rectangle if needed to be more versatile. 

Slide 2:
If everyone else is going to go on about their childhoods, why not me then... Both my parents were graphic designers and my grandfather was an architect and a master of the pencil. I guess you could say I was destined for a career in the arts! Why not start with a cheesy quote! I think the main thing I have learnt over these past three years, that seems to have been a recurring theme is the fact that it's okay to make mistakes, its just worthwhile to see why you made them, and how you can improve. I have learned that I am a perfectionist and my own worst critic/ enemy - I need to leave room for myself to make mistakes.

Slide 3:
3 years worth of Facebook profile pictures - as you can see - I've changed my hair the most over the three years! That carrot ginger phase we'd all rather forget ... 

Slide 4: 
'Manifesto' of first year - I think I have become a lot less 'deep'...

Slide 5:
Second year designer manifesto - I think this is rather overly self-righteous, as I seem to dictate what I thought design should be.

Slide 6:
My designer Manifesto as of now. I think now I am more focused on myself and where I fit into the design sector - what I can do for the industry rather than what I think the industry can do for me! Of course, it's forever set to change - but I think that by writing down your manifesto as often as you can it re affirms your direction - even just for yourself if no one else! 

Slide 7:
I bet you were all waiting for the moment  I was going to bang on about Disney... well here it is! I think one of the most beneficial parts of my three years at Leeds is when I wasn't in Leeds but in Orlando, Florida working at Walt Disney World. Yes, I'm still pursuing that theme park thing but before I went I knew I wanted to work in this sector but wasn't sure where I fitted in as a Graphic Designer, but I came back realising I would have to be specialising in Graphic prop design and signage and way-finding design (flick back between slide 6 & 7). One of the things that I think set me back during this trip was the weird sense of hierarchy within the company that made me lose my confidence a bit, and a lot of times I found that the answer would be to be a US citizen (which is why I was looking at joining an MFA in America when I came back in September).

Slide 8:
I have had some amazing opportunities to be able to travel lots during my past three years on the course that has taken me to some wonderful places including Zakinthos in Greece, a Mediterranean cruise that included my new love, Rome, Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Hollywood, Yosemite National Park, and even Amsterdam. I've decided to include them in my presentation not to brag (ha) but because I think they've definitely kept my head above the water and reassured me that my degree isn't just a degree for degree's sake, and that my work isn't just a chair a desk and a view, and that there is a big world out there that my work will someday be in (well now, really)

Slide 9:
5 Things I wanted to learn during my time at leeds college of art. It's interesting to see what I wrote down when I was fresh out of college. I think its funny because most of it is still relevant and ongoing and will probably be ongoing for the rest of my career. Learn to learn I think is the most important thing. I intend to keep teaching myself new skills and keep adding to my portfolio and experiences. I'm itching to start!

Slide 10: 
I thought this was amusing - a bit of first-year naivety! How can one answer this in one line? I think it's just never think of yourself as a finished project. Keep going and this will not only motivate you but make you the best graphic designer you can be! Keep networking, keep learning and trying new things both inside and outside of graphic design. This year, like Danielle Harrison with her baking, I have been trying loads of new different things rather than dragging out my work such as dress making, brush script lettering, going to loads of museums, cooking (from scratch) even things like jigsaws and a good meal out will keep you sane and motivated for your work.

Slide 11: 
These aren't necessarily my best works, but the ones I had the most fun working on, which is why I feel proud for them to go in my portfolio. As you can see there is definitely a theme going on here. I think a lot of times throughout my three years i've been fighting with myself reminding myself that i keep budging on over into illustration territory. This, I'm happy to say is a mixture of both second and third year work.

Slide 12:
Here are some of the professional aspects to my development. On the left hand side is a list of the graduate internships I have applied to at Disney. I feel as though I will benefit from having worked there last summer, but it's a long-shot - I'm being brave! On the right hand side are some of the studios I have contacted - all of which either specialise in graphic movie props or theme park design. A lot of the time when I have contacted people it's been a 'no' but they've always left me with helpful advice.

Slide 13:
Here is a breakdown of my hours on this course!
Obviously had to include Disney.
Procrastinating has been my worst nightmare!
Not a lot of hours left! The countdown has begun!

Slide 14:
Thanks for listening! Are there any questions etc.

OUGD602 - PPP3 - Recent Communications

Just an update on all the people I've been communicating with since my last post about this sort of thing:

JoraVision, NL -  are a Themed Entertainment company based in the Netherlands (which is a damn site closer than the USA!) So of course they concern theme park design etc so I decided to just go for it and send them an email with my cover letter and CV, and politely ask for some pointers. To which came this reply:

Dear Sarah,

Thank you for your interest in Jora Vison.

Unfortunately we are looking for illustrators with different skill sets then we see in your portfolio.

Thank you for your enthusiastic letter and wishing you the best by finding a new job.

Met vriendelijke groet | With kind regards,

Sigrid Beens

I think there may have been some sort of a misunderstanding, as they refer to me as an illustrator, when I introduced myself as a Graphic Designer. Or they realised I was a Graphic Designer and just made it clear that if anything, they're looking for an illustrator. I don't know whether I need to clear this up with them or just take a hint haha.

***

I also caught up with this guy I used to regularly email last year, Ian Giles, a Graphic Designer of whom I first contacted when I knew that he won the ImagiNations competitions at Disney.

I asked him for some portfolio pointers, as he is now working freelance for the Disney Design Group! (mainly merchandise etc)

'Good luck with your applications! Disney HR is so big and busy it can feel like you're just sending your resume into a black hole sometimes. So make sure to really maintain and nourish any relationships you have made. '

'For your portfolio, I'd do whatever you're passionate about. Try to show variety, which I wish I could show more of. But really just do what you're passionate about if it isn't a paid job! '

'I always try to put something in my portfolio that allows me to speak about it with passion. I have a mix of paid stuff, student stuff, boring stuff from work that isn't even on my portfolio (!), then the passion stuff like models and sketches and ideas. '

I have been really nervous about my portfolio recently, as I've been finding it difficult creating briefs that both fulfill

I also contacted a guy I met on LinkedIn, Edd Musgrove because I could see that he did the Disney College Program a year before I did and now works freelance for Merlin Entertainment!:

Hi Sarah,

Sorry for taking a while to reply! I worked on Stitch so it wasn't much of an improvement to The Land Pavilion! 
The best advice I could give would be to just talk to literally everyone, email around, find who you can connect with etc. I've met most of my connections through just asking questions and being a bit persistent. Everyone is always really busy but they're usually always willing to help out! Also, find the things you're good at and get really good at them because I've found that you've always got to sell yourself to various people. Hope that helps a bit!

Edd

I always love to get in touch from people who in my mind have 'made it' because it tends to reassure me that it actually is possible! There is a big real world out there! 

OUGD602 - PPP3 - A Design Presence - Personal Branding Logo Update

Last year (Level 5) I created a brand for myself for the PPP2 module. At that time I was very much into mid-century, quirky, child-like design and whilst it is still my favourite style to work in, I now feel like it looks rather juvenile and not very... professional. 

I like the colours... the shapes, the lettering even but I think that it needs toning down a bit to not only be more legible but more professional and appeal to a wider audience.

This year, I feel like the logo isn't a big deal and making it really detailed and well thought out is actually counter-productive as it makes it more stylised, therefore more niche and slims your market down. Plus, like now, in a couple of years you don't like it so much, it becomes dated etc etc. Simpler the better! 

It's so difficult creating a logo for yourself, so I've decided to look around at my favourite designers and see what they're personal brand is:

Of course Jessica Hische had to be included:

Martina Flor:

Wrenhouse Design:

JoraVision:

MinaLima:

The main thing I'm seeing in the first three logos is a simply styled script typeface with a handmade feel. 

I think I'm probably going to go for something like that.

On my book cover design for Penguin Random House, I drew my name with the Bamboo Graphics tablet in my own handwriting to sign the design:

I think I'm just going to play around with this - can't get a more personal typeface!

I like the idea of a circle but Mel Gater advised me that a circle is a difficult shape to be able to apply to an array of items, and that it would be more useful to have something not quite so 'closed'

So this shape is out then!

To be honest, I just like the simplicity of my name all on one line. I also added a wonky rectangle around it to give it that mid-century touch to go with the rest of the designs.

It also works well in inverse!

Well, there you have it, it was easier than I thought. I think I may possibly use my name both with and without the box around it, depending on what is needed. I like it a lot! I used it in my PPP presentation.

OUGD602 - PPP3 - Inspiration and Development - Drawing tablet

Recently, I have been revisiting my old Bamboo Drawing tablet, which I received for my birthday about 4 years ago, before I even came to university. I had never really got into it, because my direction was always with design, and I didn't get the hang of drawing digitally, as I think I was pushing for results similar to that of real pencils and pens and was frustrated when I wasn't achieving results... But recently, I have been watching a lot of online lectures on Skillshare and after the Creative Networks event back in November and seeing Babs Tarr's amazing work, it really inspired me to give it a go again. 

I can feel my heart tug my career in a different direction and I'm coming to the realisation that I have always favoured more illustrative work over more type based work under the Graphic Design umbrella, and in retrospect I might have been better suited to the BA Hons Illustration course. But I also believe that everything happens for a reason, and the Illustration course didn't exist when I decided to pursue Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art... And so now, as I am nearing the end of my time on the course I think it's wise to broaden my skillset and in addition to my illustrative skills concerning hand drawn type, and more graphic-design based skills, I want to develop some basic skills with digital painting. I think this is very useful if I want to pursue a career in the Themed Entertainment industry as that concerns a lot of concept art.

Examples of how concept art informs the Themed Entertainment industry as a Graphic Designer:

http://melodymatheny.com/

http://www.wrenhouse-design.com/#!universal-creative/cm4j

http://www.minalima.com/film-work/prop-design/prop-concepts-harry-potter-2

I attempted a go at this over Christmas when I was developing ideas for my Context of Practice module however this time I am revisiting with a bit more ideas as to what I can achieve.

I found that studying Babs' work not only gave me inspiration, but some pointers as to how to go about mastering the drawing tablet as a medium. I also watched a few of these tutorials on youtube:

I found these tutorials really helpful, particularly the landscape tutorial as it taught me that the main thing with drawing on the graphics tablet is the ability to layer up the different strokes, even utilising the different layers in Photoshop to create a solid, dense effect.

I decided to draw something I knew how to draw and that I doodle often - a human eye:

It's not brilliant or by any means a finished piece, but it taught me quite a lot about the tablet. It's based off my own eye as reference, I was using a mirror. I decided to have a go at some more facial features as practice for shadow and light.

Then I decided to join it to a mouth:

And then into a full face:

It strangely bares resemblance to my own face in a creepy, starey way. I decided to call it a night, but this is definitely the start of a new skillset that I wish to develop and add to my portfolio - I need to develop these skills further.

OUGD602 - PPP3 - Inspiration - Tombow Brush Pen

Today, I received my Amazon order of a Tombow ABT brush pen. After working on this collaboration with Roxxie Blackham and using her brush pens, I was impressed of how it helped achieve script writing effects, as I had always used a pencil (probably obvious but anyway). 

After watching this video on youtube ...

(excuse the language) I decided that a Tombow ABT brush pen was my best bet:

Here's a few of my first doodles:

I mean, these are all pretty naff by any means, but I really want to develop this as a skill, as it can assist with hand lettering with type as image. I am going to keep developing this whenever I get time - most definitely in summer after I have completed my degree (!).

An example of brush lettering in Graphic Design.

http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/cardon-webb-ralph-ellison-covers

The versatility of producing lettering by hand means that the logo/ design/ title is unique for the client.

https://www.behance.net/gallery/Brushpen-Lettering-set-02/8309133

I have ordered another set of coloured Tombow brushpens but I think I also want to get a Copic Sketch brush marker because they seem to be firmer, so I can try out more mid-century style lettering such as this: 

https://www.behance.net/gallery/Brush-Lettering-Collection-No-1/14266643?

OUGD602 - PPP3 - A design presence/ Personal Branding - Updated CV and Covering Letter

As outlined in the previous post I've made today for applying for Disney (again) I just wanted to show how I've updated my CV and covering letter since, well the last time I used it - when I applied for Disney International programs in summer 2013.

Here is my old CV and covering letter;

This is not the last one I designed, but the last one I used! I designed it in the summer of 2013 during my last online application. Looking at it now it's just awful, but I can see that I wanted to stand out, I imagined a big pile of CV's and wondered how to make mine the most garish, I guess.

I then designed this one last year: - 

But never got around to using it. I like what I designed but looking at it it still looks rather juvenile, again, in an attempt to create something a bit different and again - garish! I like the colours and nod toward mid-century style but I think it narrows my audience a bit too much and it needed to be made more simple.

Here is the CV I designed/ used most recently for my applications at Disney Pro Interns:

I borrowed elements of the mid century style used in my last CV but the format just wasn't practical, plus I think that this simplified version is more modern and better suited for it's purpose.

OUGD602 - PPP3 - Applying for an MFA Continued & Applying at Walt Disney Pro Interns

Back in November, I was exploring all the many options to take upon departing the course in May/ June, and as you can see in this post here, one of the routes I investigated was the idea of becoming a US student on a MFA course studying Themed Entertainment Design. When I came into contact with professionals in the industry whilst over there in the 'States, it became apparent that it would be more straightforward to be involved in internships at Walt Disney Pro Interns as a US student, as that's what most people assumed I was and when I corrected them, I got the impression that my entry into the company as a professional would not be so sure.

My last word on this blog about the topic is that I would have to investigate the possiblity of deferring my application to 'fall' of 2016, because it would give me a year in industry to not only raise funds, but to further my portfolio and industry knowledge whilst having a break from education. But now, I'm not so sure that this route is entirely necessary (many others have made it into the industry without acquiring this MFA degree at all) and have cancelled my application altogether for the time being. 
Sometime in years to come I may apply again, but whilst 

• the course is still in it's infancy
• i'm hungry to get out in the working world with a break from education
• I'm not quite ready to move over to the 'States on a more permanent basis
• My funds aren't satisfactory for this kind of move

...I think it's best to postpone this idea for another time in my life.

Having said all of this with my sensible brain on, I'm still longing for this fast-paced, dream career in the US in the Themed Entertainment industry, and have applied to a series of internships on Disney's 'Pro Interns' program:

As you can see, the site is aimed at 'students and recent grads' so I jumped at the chance to apply. I felt like I would have quite a good chance at it because of having worked there last summer. (then again, it is a humongous company...)

I applied to 4 different internships (the Disney J1 Cultural Exchange Program is my International College Program I did last summer):

The first I applied to was an internship at Disney's Yellow Shoes. DYS is responsible for all of the marketing for the Disney Parks - I really love their work cos it's so playful and magical, not just like regular advertising (obviously it's amazing, it's Disney!) I first saw their work in 2nd Year when we were studying web design and came across their website for promoting the New Fantasyland section of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

www.findingfantasyland.com

As you can see, it's experience based design that leans more toward the Themed Entertainment Industry rather than marketing or advertising. 

I was also drawn to it because it asks for a Graphic Designers' role, which I will obviously be qualified in upon arrival.

The 'role' description is as follows:

Yellow Shoes Assoc Interactive Art Director/Design Intern, FL- Fall 

Segment Overview: Since its opening in 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, FL has grown to feature four theme parks – the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. In addition, more than 20 themed resort hotels, two water parks, and the Downtown Disney Area, a daytime and nighttime entertainment complex, are part of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Department Overview: Do you live for the Big Idea? Do you know how to make something emotional that people will want to connect with? Do you geek out about typography and design? If so, we’d love to hear from you! We’re Disney Yellow Shoes, the award-winning, in-house creative shop for Disney Destinations. Every day, we have fun creating compelling, memorable work for one of the greatest brands on the planet, and we’re looking for one very talented Art Director/Graphic Design Intern to join us. For an example of one of our recent projects please visit www.findingfantasyland.com

Obviously, it says 'interactive' which means it will concern more digital design. Even though I've worked with mostly print-based design in the past, I've jumped on this with both feet as I know I'll be working in a team and that I'm also interested to learn digital design and animation - you can do a lot more to create an experience for the user if it's digital or interactive!

I also applied to a very-similar-but-not-the-same position at DYS but not interactive or digital.

I applied to another Role opening in the Creative Entertainment Department, which is amazing too (I'm torn!) because it concerns things created for actually inside of the park, which is really where I dream to be, if I'm honest. 

the role description is as follows:

Creative Entertainment Art Design Internship, FL/CA – Fall 2015

Segment Overview: The Disney Theme Parks and Resorts are not just home to Disney’s beloved characters but are also the place “Where Dreams Come True.” The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts segment traces its roots to 1952, when Walt Disney formed what is today known as Walt Disney Imagineering to build Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Since then, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has grown to encompass Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and Adventures by Disney, and five resort locations (encompassing 11 theme parks) on three continents.

Department Overview: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Creative Entertainment is a dynamic entertainment environment, offering nothing less than the perfect show for millions of guests worldwide. An integral part of this organization is the Show Development & Production Design department that is responsible for the development of designs/scenic treatments/logos/graphics for live shows including parades, stage shows and special events on and off the Disney property and onboard the Disney Cruise Line.

How exciting is that! As I interpret this description, it says to me that I would be producing Graphic Design for the ever-evolving shows, parades and special events in all of the parks. It is almost the same as creating designs for the rides themselves, as you know is my ultimate career dream! 

My final application is the one I'm longing for the most as it is at Walt Disney Imagineering - the team responsible for all of the Graphics and signage for the rides, shows, environmental designs WITHIN THE PARKS. Dream job alert!!

Here is the role description:

Graphic Design Internship, Orlando, Summer 2015

Segment Overview: Walt Disney Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company. Its talented corps of Imagineers is responsible for the creation - from concept initiation through installation - of all Disney Resorts, theme parks and attractions, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, and new media projects. Imagineering is headquartered in Glendale, California, with affiliated offices and facilities in North Hollywood, California and Celebration, Florida; as well as satellite branches at every Disney Theme Park location around the world.

Department Overview: This department is the Environmental Graphic Design team within Walt Disney Imagineering that develops signage and show graphics to help tell the stories throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

To me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I should take whilst I am still a student and is available to me in the position I am in. As of today, 2nd March 2015, three out of the four applications are 'in progress' which I am delighted about. I'm so excited cos if I'm accepted it should blend seamlessly at the end of my course at Leeds. It would be the cherry on top of a fantastic three years and a springboard into the rest of my life in my dream job!