Adding an Image to a Post

Hi all,

When you write about your experience with the craft sale, think about the entire process, from the initial idea stages, to design and development, costing, production and preparation for the day.  Discuss briefly what you learned, what worked, what didn't; what you would do differently next time.  Keep the tone casual, yet professional.  Include a photo-it's easy once you know how....  Below you will find a tutorial link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWnqohwo-mI

The due date for posting is 23rd December - this Friday.  Good luck, and Happy Christmas!

Sweet Success!

Hi all,

Well, the totals are in - we made 435 euro today - well done!  Our target has been met even before we include profits from hoodie sales.  All your hard work has paid off!

In other news, be sure you have your submission ready for next week - and remember to write your blog post about your experience of the Christmas Sale.  Write a few sentances about what you thought went well, what you would do differently, what surprised you &etc.  In short, write about your experience. Be sure to include a photograph or two from the day.

Again, congrats to you all!

Christmas Sale this week!

I trust you are all where you need to be in terms of production!  I know you all have lots going on, especially this time of the year - but in order to make sure you are ready for the day, make sure you are organized and bring:

• your typed inventory - list all of the items you will be offering for sale with the price
• any packaging, price tags or labels you have designed for your product (we will have tissue paper and kraft paper available for wrapping, as well as celo tape dispensers)
• scissors
• any items you have volunteered to provide - table cloths, lights, wee bowls for sweets &etc.
• display items - mannequins, stands &etc.
• your camera!
• tunes?
• Christmas cheer!

We will pick names from a hat on Monday to select teams - and the AIH class will be joining us.  They have been working hard to produce some cards of their own, which should nicely compliment ours.  I should have samples on Monday.  

Please read the preceding two posts as well; they contain some additional info.  KEEP GOOD RECORDS - THIS WILL BE PART OF YOUR GRADE!

New Date

Hi all,

In case you haven't already heard, our new date is Wednesday the 14th.  Make sure you have all your work ready and bring it to class on Monday.  I will store all finished work, as well as decorations &etc in the Fibre Arts office, so we just need to show up on Wednesday, ready to set up.  We will pick names from a hat to select teams on Monday.  Everyone will have designated responsibilities.  Some we have already discussed, some are yet to be designated, and will be discussed in class.  Oh, and we will be getting some help from the Illustrators - they will help with hanging fliers, set up and break down/clean up.  They will also help man the sale, so we can all take little breaks.  Start spreading the word!

You will all need to give me a typed inventory list on Monday, so we can keep track of sales.

You guys are doing great - keep up the excellent work, and fingers crossed we meet our fund raising goals!

Date for Sale

Hi all,

I have spoken with the organizers of the International Party, and we agreed that it would be best for everyone if we re scheduled - so I have e mailed a request for Wednesday the 14th.  fingers crossed - I'll let you all know the result - hopefully by tomorrow evening.  That way you all can take part in some way with the Int'l Party as well. 

I've been punching out some labels, and have put together a stamp as well.  Stay tuned....and keep up the good work! 

National Craft and Design Fair

Hi all,

Well, I went to the RDS on my day off, and survived a day of shopping to report back to you.  The event is massive - with crafts that span the spectrum, and something for every budget, just like they say in the ad.  There's some food, but I'd recommend packing a lunch if you plan to go for the day.  This is an excellent opportunity to do some price comparison shopping, and to find a couple of competitors for your analysis.  It's also a great opportunity to meet the makers for a chat, and to check out how they display their wares.  Be sure not to miss this years' Craft Council winners.  In sum, I highly recommend a day at the National Craft Fair!

In other news, and as I'm sure many of you have heard, the Graphics students will be joining us this year!  It'll be great to have some extra support, and to hang out with some of the students you'll be sharing your End of Year Show with.  More to follow....see you Monday!   Be sure to bring your work to date, along with any additional packaging/labeling ideas you have. 

News

Hi all,

The date of our sale has been set:  Thursday, 15th December.  I think this is the perfect date to attract shoppers with Christmas on their minds!  Begin to think of ways to attract the eye of your prospective buyers.  How can you use simple decorations to make your display appealing?  We will discuss this more in class.

On the day, the class will divide and conquer: one group will set up at the Main Building, and the other will set up at the Arts Block.  How the class will be divided will be decided in due course.

I have arranged for two floats, so cash strapped students (or their tutors) will be relieved of having to give cash up front.  These will be paid back to petty cash at the end of the day. 

You are all doing really well - make sure you are documenting everything to be included in your end of term submission.  Speaking of, have a look at Etsy.  You may use up to 2 sellers from this website for your Competitor Analysis assignment, and perhaps find some inspiration while you're at it!

Christmas Craft Fair Teams

Your submissions have been reviewed by our panel of judges, and we have made our decision.  The class will divide into three production teams:

       Team Felt:  *Kama, Aisling, Megan and Tara
       Team Thread:  *Sarah, Bobby, Danielle, Kayleigh
       Team Print:  *Merce, Shauna, Emma

* = Team Leader
The team leader will be the 'point person'.  They have been selected for the design, marketability and price of their proposals.  Their role will be to communicate and help organize the team.  They will initiate the process by contacting their team.  They will report to me on a weekly basis in class, and communicate with me on behalf of the team when clarification is needed.  The team leader will decide how to delegate tasks when appropriate.

You will notice that I have grouped you based on the similarity of your proposals.  Design will have an individual approach, but you will find it easier to manage your time if you come up with standards within your group.  Think of an assembly line approach to production.  For example, Team Print will work best if the card sizes are standardized (one size), yet the print DESIGN will be individualized. Students could then rip down the print paper together, print on the same day, fold and package together.  Within each group, you will divide tasks; many hands make light work.  We will discuss aspects of process in class, but production and organization will be done on students' time.  


WHAT TO DO NOW

1. Spread the word - begin by getting together with your team to discuss your plan of action.  When will you get together?  When would you have access to studio space? Use any means necessary to begin this process asap - facebook, meetings, etc. 
2. Manage your time - the sale will take place the week of Dec 12th. 
3. Make a list and gather all tools and supplies - make the most of your studio time!
4. Team leaders will report to me in class, and may address questions/concerns through the comment section of this blog (see below).
5. Document your process in your class notebook:

• Dates/time/duration of meetings, phone calls, emails, etc
• What you discussed, problems encountered
• Keep track of your production time
• Sources, materials receipts and related costs
• Take good photos  

Be thinking about how you can use this information to blog about your experience - I will do tutorials in class, and require at least one well-designed blog post before the end of term. 
This exercise is meant to be largely self-directed, with guidance from me.  You will be assessed on your participation and documentation of your experience.  

Design Development

I have decided to designate this coming Monday, 14 November, as a design development class for your Christmas sale proposals.  This decision has arisen out of necessity, as the class is not yet ready to put designs into production.  Be prepared, and bring your design drawings, materials and tools to class on Monday, and be ready to leave your best with me for adjudication.  Remember that you are designing to a brief and that your designs will be judged on craftsmanship, marketability, and price.  Select your best ideas for prototyping.  Clarity and presentation is key.  See handout dated 17th October for guidelines.

In other news, our principal, Maureen Conway, has agreed to our proposal to hold the sale at the college.  

I trust you will all enjoy the Knit and Stitch this weekend!  

Recap and Update

By now, students should have a good idea about how to go about finding information and guidance for self-directed research based on their individual progression aims.  You should have completed your Jungian Personality 'Test' and a written a page detailing what you have learned about your selected progression aims though this process.  You should also have filled in your PEST and SWOT worksheets.  If you missed discussion on these topics, make sure to ask a classmate about the discussions, and complete your own worksheets.  For those of you who have not completed your work to date, I am expecting your submissions on Monday.  We will be moving forward at that time.

I have received communication from the Ballyfermot Partnership sponsored craft fair at the Community Center.  The date of the sale is scheduled for Friday, 2nd December.  Orla and I agreed that this date is too early, and would negatively impact the students' design and production process.  Instead, we will keep to our schedule and conduct the sale at the college - both at the Main Building and the Arts Block.  Details to follow.   Make sure you are working on your ideas for our class fund raiser, following guidelines from the handout given in class last week.  I can't wait to see what you will come up with! 

You will also be working on your Competitor Analysis.  This analysis and your design proposal are both due on Monday after the Mid-term.  Make sure you are keeping on top of your work, so it doesn't get on top of you!  Have a look at the following link, then make plans to make a trip out to Dalkey Castle (12th and 13th Nov) for their annual Christmas Craft Fair - you can use the excursion to research designers for your Competitor Analysis.  Also, notice how the various artists have displayed their products, and how they have used labeling and packaging.  Record your observations in your sketchbook.  The following link to the Crafts Council includes several area events, through December.


http://www.craftinireland.com/events/results/?location=Dublin&startDay=22&startMonth=10&endDay=31&endMonth=12&cat_id=18&cat_id2=&x=36&y=8

Welcome to Second Year Professional Practice

You are all very welcome to your second year on the Fiber Arts Higher National Diploma course.  Take a few minutes to orient yourself to the blog: you will notice that posts from last years' class can be viewed below, and a list of links can be seen to the right of the posts, along with a 'Follow Me' gadget.  Click on this gadget and this blog will be added to your dashboard for you.  Tip: if you bookmark your dashboard, it will be easier for you to find.  Please feel free to leave comments in the comment box below.  Once you do, I will receive an e mail notice, and will respond within a day or so. 

Last week, I asked you to write a list of ideas in your course notebook for the Christmas Fund Raiser, along with a list of what you would need to accomplish your ideas.  If you know the costs involved, make a note of this, too, and you'll be slightly ahead of the curve.

Enjoy your visit to the Botanical Gardens this week!  Be sure to collect brochures, literature, and make notes on specific artists (with contact details if available) whose work you admire.  You may use these details for a future assignment (informational interviews) where you will approach an artist/designer to find out about their professional experience.  Right now, you are simply collecting information.  The more you gather on artists working in a direction you can see yourself going, the better this process will go for you.  Put all of this information in your notebook, or a folder you use for this class.

Next week, our focus will be on progression aims.  On the links sidebar to your right, you will see a number of sites dedicated to furthering your professional or educational goals.  Select at least five sites from the list below, which apply to your specific goals.  Make notes in your course notebook, and bring it in next week so we can discuss your findings. 

• Keirsey.com (personality assessments)
• Scholarships.com
• Qualifax (course database)
• Enterprise Ireland (small business support)
• Craft Council of Ireland/England
• Creative Ireland 
• Creative Careers Ireland
• Visual Artists Ireland (support for visual artists - a must-see)
• Crafts Council of Ireland
• Career Path Online

Take care, and see you next week!

Devore Workshop with Olga Tiernan

Hi all,  hope you're enjoying your break (I know I am)!  As you know, Olga Tiernan will be demonstrating the devore (burn out) technique, along with a short presentation about her work.   It should be exciting, and will no doubt end your lexicon of techniques on a high note.  I promised I would post a list of what to bring for the devore workshop, along with a link so you will have an idea of what to expect.  You will be using the same screens you used for your printed textiles, along with the same method and dimensions for image making (with cut newsprint).  The main difference in the printing process will be that you will be using a paste instead of paint.  We will be starting at 10 am, and should finish by 12/12:30.  Be sure you bring the following to class on Friday, the 6th of May:

your prepared design
old clothes or an apron
latex gloves (or equivalent)
mask - the white ones with elastic band

Orla will have enough discharge velvet fabric for everyone to make one sample, so be sure to bring your own if you would like to make more.  Fabric you will need for the process needs to be a combination of fiber: cellulose (plant based, like rayon) and synthetic or protein (like nylon or silk).  Generally, the fabric used is specially made for the discharge process.  You will find a link on the sidebar for suppliers.  The paste will 'burn out' the cellulose fiber.  See the latest additions to my blog and links sidebar for more details, and see you then!

Final Submission

It's hard to believe it's nearly the end of the year!  As you know, all 'Business Files' are due on Friday (15/04), the details of which are included in your brief.  Please place them in marked box in the Teacher's Resource room.  I will assess them and replace them in the box for you to collect upon your return, as we will not be meeting due to the bank holiday on the Monday following the Easter Break. 

As a reminder,  Caroline Murray will demonstrate how to professionally photograph your work from 12:00 until 13:00 this Friday (15/04).   She has agreed to do this on her own time to benefit your class, so please be on time and bring supplies so you can take notes.  See you all there!

Competition

I found this competition in Selvedge, and thought it might be of interest to some of you: http://www.selvedge.org/pages/competitions.aspx

Mock Interviews

For the next three weeks, we will be conducting mock interviews in studio 23. 
For your interview, be sure to bring:

1. Your portfolio - professionally presented, containing both finished work and sketchbook(s)
2. Your Artists CV
3. Your Artists Statement

Students not interviewing on the day should make good use of their time and complete any assignments for submission.  Remember that your final submission is due on the 11th of April, at 2pm in the teachers resource room.  There will be a clearly marked box for you to leave your submissions.  Portfolios will be assessed at interview.

Linda Scales Lecture

I'm pleased to report that Linda's lecture was well received.   Students gained a deeper understanding of copyright, how it is legally defined, and what they need to do to protect their work.   Several past and pending legal cases were discussed to highlight topical issues.   The students present made an impression on Linda, who's comment was, "They're a smart group - they were asking all the right questions."  Be sure to blog about what you learned, and how you will apply what you learned to your own practice.

Tomorrow we will discuss how to approach galleries for exhibitions, and what you will need to submit for application.  We will be using the example of Signal Arts Gallery (see my links).  We will discuss your CVs in greater depth, and touch upon how to generate and archive a high - quality digital image of your work.

Visiting Lecturer Monday 28th February

Hi all.  I hope you are all recharging you batteries, and gearing up for the final quarter.  Remember to compile your list of invitees for the End of Year Show, and type out your response to 20 of the 32 most asked interview questions.  This written support of your Mock Interview will be submitted with your File on 11/4.

As you know, we have a guest lecturer coming on the Monday we return from break.  Linda Scales is a solicitor who co-founded the Copyright Association of Ireland, and wrote copy for the Visual Artists Ireland's website.  Check out both sites via my links.  A question and answer session will follow the lecture, so be sure to prepare a few questions to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Mid Term Projects

In the last class, we discussed the art of the interview, and I distributed handouts on the topic.  Over the mid term, you will write your thoughts in response to 20 of the 32 most common questions.  This will be your written support for your oral presentation (a mock interview).  From tomorrow you can get copies of the questions in the grey folder in studio 2.  Check my links for more information.

We are rapidly approaching the end of term, so make good use of your mid term break!  In preparation for your end of year show, begin compiling a list of people you plan to invite, and get quotes for framing your work.  Check my links for West Side Framers contact info.

The Art of the Interview

This week our focus will be on the art of the interview.  How do you prepare for an interview?  What types of questions should you expect?  What types of questions should you prepare?  Should you do research to prepare, and if so, where should you look for information?  What are the most common mistakes to avoid, and who should you ask for a reference?   Answers to these questions and more shall be answered in tomorrow's class.  Remember to bring your CVs! 

Business Card Ideas...

As promised...I had already added the link to the Web Designer Wall - have a look, enjoy!

Prof ID/CV

I trust you have all met with your graphic designer.  We will discuss your meetings tomorrow in class, and if any of you need additional assistance or have follow-up questions, we will address them then.  Of course you will blog about that experience, too!  Tomorrow will also see us focusing on your progression aims - do you know the deadline for direct entry to your college of choice?  We will discuss what to bring for interview, and address presentation.  Make sure you bring in your CVs! 

Please note that I have added a link to Liz Nilssen's website.  Check out her work and let me know what you think tomorrow.

Professional ID Project

I hope you are all as excited about the Professional ID Project as I am.  Tomorrow we will be looking at your mood boards, and putting the final touches on them in preparation for meeting with your graphic designer.  Make sure they are finished by Wednesday, as Mags has the graphics class prepped to meet with you then!  Details to follow.  

I'm also looking forward to seeing the promotional material you collected at Showcase, and your thoughts about your experience there. Make sure you write about it in your blog!  Remember to bring 3-5 pieces of your best work, and images from the photo shoot, if possible.  See you tomorrow!

Showcase!

This week will find all of you at Showcase Ireland.  Refer to the handout I distributed in class last week for suggestions on what to look for once you're there.  Analyze the layout and decide what location would best suit your needs if you were to be an exhibitor next year.  Collect promotional material, conduct polite interviews, assess displays and take photographs (with permission) to include in your business file.  Ideally you will inspired to begin designing your own promotional and display materials.  

Next week bring any images from the mock shoots you did with Caroline, promotional items you have collected, your mood boards (see link on sidebar), 3-5 pieces of your best work, your notebooks and your CV if you have one.  Remember that the last date for late submissions from last semester is the 28th of January. 

Self-Promotion Project

Hello, all.  Thank you for all your well wishes!    I am indeed feeling better.  I don't like to miss class, but hopefully we won't be thrown too far off track, thanks to Mags delivering the message to register for Showcase.  Hopefully, you will all have been able to do so by tomorrow.  If any of you have experienced trouble with the registration, or with the blogger template, we can address those issues tomorrow during class.  Be sure to jot down any questions you have regarding these issues.

As well as tutorials, we will discuss our next self-promotion project, where we link up with the AGH2 class.  We will set up an ersatz professional situation wherein you will engage them to design a promotional package for you.  For this project, you will need to begin collecting imagery in a file.  This imagery will include digital photographs of your own work from your photography module.  It can also include images from print media sources, and your own design work.  This is an excellent opportunity to have business cards, stationery, labels and other print media custom designed for you.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you all come up with!  Until tomorrow!
 

New Term!

I hope this post finds you all well rested and looking forward to the second term.  As we return this week from the Christmas break, we find ourselves looking forward to attending Showcase Ireland at the RDS from the 23rd to the 26th of January.  It is mandatory that all class members attend this exciting event run by the Crafts Council of Ireland.  Preregistration is free on line (e20 at the door), and you can do so by clicking on the link at the end of this post.  We will discuss the event and how we will apply what we discover in class tomorrow. 

Please note that late submissions from last term must be turned in by January 28th to avoid a summer project.  

http://showcaseireland.com/register/