~ Self promotion - ideas ~

To promote myself to the best of my ability I need to consider different routes including...

- PDF portfolio
- Physical portfolio
- Website
- Behance
- Instagram
- Business cards
- Prints/posters
- Other 'giveaway' examples of work

My first idea regards the physical/PDF portfolio. I want to create a template that can work both digitally and in print. I can then design a cover for the physical portfolio and add projects (as and when I do them) into my portfolio using this template. This means I need to use a binding method that allows me to add and take out pages freely; as you can see above using a metal binding strip would allow for this and still look simple and aesthetically appealing.

My tasks for this being...

- Create template

- Add work

- Download as PDF to send via email to potential studios to work with

- Design a cover

- Print and bind

- Send physical examples and print extras to be taken to interviews and studio visits

The next task is to get a website and 'online presence' set up. Squarespace is reasonably priced and includes templates created specifically for creative portfolios. It will allow me to easily edit and change things as I create new work with ease; without having to code anything which would be really time consuming.

A website will allow people to see my work, spread the word and get my name out there. I can also link people to it on the end of my emails etc. 

Next - Keep updating Behance as I do work but I need to stop relying on it as my main online portfolio as it looks un-proffessional. Its a brilliant tool for connecting with other creatives and finding potential for networking and collaboration but not the best for getting a job. 

Within the 'stinky fish' activity I got critical feedback about my Instagram usage. I was previously using one account for both work and personal things. I have now made my personal account private and created a separate public account just for personal promotion and design work. This is a great networking and promotion tool & a good way to keep an eye on studios and designers who inspire me. 

My next task is to create a design for business cards. I DO NOT want to rely on my logo design to show my style as I feel it doesn't express my creativity enough. Instead I want to create a design which is much more colourful, creative and expressed my personality perfectly. My logo serves purpose of looking professional when signing off emails but I feel isn't needed on my cards. 

Last year I created this print to send of as part of a personal promotional package (I will still be using this). But I want to add to this and create others that are similar in showing my design style and creative flair. Lots of colour, lots of personality.