PPD - Gratterpalm Contact

Networking - Unit - studio visit

So last week I decided to quickly send Unit studio an email which is based in Leeds to see if I could simply pay a visit one time soon:

Email sent:

Hello to all at Unit,

My name is Stephanie Lawson, I'm currently undertaking my 3rd year of BA (hons) Graphic design at Leeds College of Art.

I've been following your website and works for a few years now, and have found it very influential to my own practise; 

Your 'Situation Leeds, Wheres the muck?' project I found quite amazing, due to the way you've identified a useless space in an everyday environment, and with a strong concept and idea, have made it something creatives can make their own. It really reflects Leeds as a growing creative city and community, something I want to play part of.

It has since made me a lot more aware of the purpose of design, and the way I, as a designer, can have an impact.

I would really like the opportunity to visit your studio, to see how you work. I understand it a busy environment and would value your time greatly

I look forward to hearing from you soon,

Stephanie Lawson

Just a few days later I was really happy to gain a response, Si, contacted me saying a studio visit would be fine, and to arrange a time to come in. I've suggested next friday, but also asked if it would be possible to bring my Portfolio along for a bit of feedback. He got back to me confirming the date, we have yet to confirm a time.

I intend on making sure I thoroughly go through their website just to remind myself of their work as I want to be able to talk to them as much about their practise as my own. I'm really hoping it will lead to some kind of placement, as Its a studio I'm really fond of, and its super local.

Networking - Response from Glad

I sent Glad, a studio I had a placement at an email recently just to retain contact, see how the studio was getting on, and to comment on their great new website. 

Daves response:

While I was on placement, after looking over my portfolio, Glad realised I was illustration driven and work given to me focused on such skills, but I think he was aware I wadn't too confident with Branding. So knowing this, I've sent him a response asking if he potentially could suggest any studios which would benefit me talking to, in relation to retail. Fingers crosses I can gain some more contacts.

Website update

Just recently I managed to get my own URL working via Cargo: stephanielawson.co.uk, which I'm super happy with. It means hopefully people will find me easier. With my new identity design, I decided to push this across my website too, creating a banner and creating my own typeface to be used within the contact and about sections. I even managed to do a bit of coding regarding font and colour which is new for me! I'm very happy with the final outcome, I have made my website consistent with portfolio and business card design:

Font - Quicksand regular
Colour - White and 00C6CA (turquoise) 

Business card:

About page:

Home Page

Updated portfolio with new identity

Creating a new Identity and Brand

I haven't been happy with  my business card for some time so I decided I would set some time aside, research some design, draw some bits and bobs and produce something amazing. Okay, so its not quite amazing just yet, but its a start. I want to try and get them screen printed or embossed, If i manage to find time alongside FMP.

Initial Portfolio Draft