Conclusion

I have found Work based Learning Stage 2 to be extremely helpful towards my future in the practice of illustration. I have learnt where the best agencies are for specific styles of work, if I do decide I want an agent upon leaving university. Also, where to find constant job listings for creative practices.

I think the most helpful part has definitely been the work experience. If work based learning hadn’t suggest/advised that we try and find a placement I wouldn’t have worked in the tattoo shop. Without this experience I would still be questioning if it was what I wanted to do. I am definitely sure how I feel about working in a tattoo shop now. I would enjoy it working with the right people, however, for now, I would prefer just doing my tattoo work as a hobby. Being a tattooist is no longer on my list for jobs when I finish my course. Luckily, it wasn’t my only option I wish to try and pursue. After completing my work experience it has definitely made me see that I should try and get work experience more often so I can cut down my list of options and figure out what will best suit me.

One of my weaknesses has been time management, as always. I’ve never been great at organising my time, especially when it comes to projects. However, I’ve never missed a deadline. Becuase of this, over the years I have learnt that competitions and commissions etc with a close/short deadline are not for me. I stress out and don’t complete the work to the best of my ability. The longer I have to do something, the better the quality of the final outcome.

Overall, I have definitely started making a path for myself for when I finish my course. This has definitely taken a load of my mind and hopefully I will be able to carry on cutting down my list of options to head me in the right direction.