Liv Siddall Guest Speaker

She worked for 'It's Nice That'; her passion was more appreciating others work than her own, so writing articles about others work was perfect for her.

She worked for Rough Trade as editor of their magazine; She didn't want to do something typical like the other music magazines trendy at the time.
She took inspiration from old-school magazines and design trends from her youth, as well as the Rough Trade shop itself.

She had to work with restrictions such as budget, location etc. She created a structure for the magazine so she could easily slot content in each month. eg. horoscope, agony aunt, best bands etc.

She believes that the lack of budget, lack of time, complete creative freedom and the people are what made the outcome successful. The restrictions made her be more creative and experimental.

Advice/Ask Yourself
Even the simplest  ideas, if executed well, can be very successful and impactful.
Don't worry too much about what you're doing, just do it.
If you can't do something, get someone else to do it.
What are you really into?
What do you really want to do?
What's feasible?
What hasn't been done? If it has, how can you do it differently?

Things to look at:
Craig Olden - 'In Loving Memory of Work'
Cory Arcangel - 'Working On My Novel'
Bruce Usher (Rough Trade designer)
Magazines: Pylot, Accent, Monoculture, Migrant, Matt

Liv was very inspiring, she spoke about how during her studies she felt like she wasn't cut out for being a graphic design, as she didn't quite understand the briefs or enjoyed using the software. However, she loved to look at others work and was always excited by it. This led her to work for 'Its Nice That', where she was able to continue looking at others work and just write about it. Hearing her journey was very reassuring, as I feel in the same place as she did when she was a student, not quite sure of my strengths yet or where I fit in within the industry. However, she found the right path for her and became very successful in her passion, and this gives me hope that I will also in due time discover what I am best and most passionate about, and find a career path that suits me. 

Skype Call with Sarah Heal

Theme Park designer at WrenHouse Design:

Logo and Branding

Illustration

Concept art

Signage Design

Graphic Props

Geekin' Out - Making it Happen - The Importance of Networking - Love Yo'Self

Geekin' Out - find something you're passionate about and intergrade that into your work

Making it Happen - If you don't ask, you don't get it. "Say yes a lot". "Steer your interest into experiences, even if it seems non related". "Why shouldn't it be you?"

The Importance of Networking - "Find the platform or place where geeks in your chosen industry gather to share ideas". "Stalk 'n' Talk" Emails, texts and tweets are key. 

Love Yo'Self - "Your work needs space and it needs for you to be away from it." "Act when it comes to you." Do not force your work/designs. "Don't suffocate your work". "You can't be good at everything, and that's okay". "Positivity is essential." "Give yourself a break". "Compare only to your future and past self". 

Email: sarah@heal.design
Website: www.heal.design