Two portfolio visits in one day.

I had another portfolio visit today with Matt Bray and Chris Madden at half past twelve whilst they were both on their lunch break. I went to Afflex palace for an hour after finishing my review at The Neighbourhood, jotted down some notes over a cup of chamomile and spiced apple tea, then headed over to meet the boys for a bite to eat.

Matt Bray is my 'guru'. This was a scheme set up by my tutors at university, where they paired each member of my class with a graduate, so that we would have a main point of contact for advice. I last saw Matt before Christmas back when I was working towards another big deadline. He said he remembered how lost I was, and how I told him that I wanted a change in direction and wasn't quite sure how I was going to go about it.
Today he told me that he was so happy to see that I had my head screwed on and had come so far since Christmas. He and Chris Madden were really excited by my work and seemed to like what I was doing.

I did all the talking (surprise surprise), and when I had finished what I had to say, I think I was actually a little surprised by myself because I was clear at putting across what it is I want to do. I told them about the voluntary work I was doing and the plans I have for my degree show, and the pair of them kept nodding and seemed to agree with what I had in mind. It really gave me confidence, and made me believe myself.
I took out the postcards I have had printed and told them about my business cards (because they haven't arrived yet) and I got positive comments on those too. I mentioned the idea of printing my work in a newspaper for the degree show in June, to include more of the 'Making of Photographs' and some writing to accompany them. Chris said that this was a great idea, and it would be like a professional scrapbook, and would really help to support my work.

Chris' overall summary to me was "I have never met you before, but I can tell that you have direction and you know exactly what to do." This was especially good to hear from someone I have never met before, because it means that I am managing to portray myself in a professional manner. He also said that he could tell from my portfolio, that I clearly wanted to progress and find jobs via my 3D work, and that the work experience pages would really help with this.

I mentioned that I would like to have a go at window displays and the guys came up with a good idea and suggested I head over to Fred Aldous art shop and ask if I can go and decorate their windows. Matt was also keen to take one of my postcards to show his boss to see if I could maybe go and dress their window too!!