Was fortunate enough to get a portfolio surgery with Steve Wills - the art director from B&W Studio of Leeds. One of my favourite design studios in the north and was thrilled to be able to speak to him and get some feedback on my direction and quality of work for my portfolio.
I didn't really prepare a portfolio in the conventional format for this, from my previous studio visits, I took both photographed work and actual pieces and the feedback received seemed to have pointed towards physical pieces. I felt that this was a logical approach especially for my design discipline. I was able to discuss work more personally, allowing designers to actual feel the quality of the printed outcomes as opposed to looking at photos of them, which I was sure that they would appreciate. Another factor for this decision was that the majority of the designers who agreed to see me in person had already seen my work through my website, therefore it was a bit pointless showing them the same photos of my work but printed out.
The portfolio surgery itself was quite positive as a whole, discussing the majority of my projects, both recent and slightly older ones aswell. I just wanted to receive feedback on my work as a whole and the way I'm thinking visually and conceptually aswell as his opinion on the format of displaying my portfolio. Steve made several valid points on my work, which has been extremely constructive and useful. Many of which I will be taking into consideration when presenting my work next time such as the order of presenting aswell as the design aspects and attention to detail that I should take more time to consider next time.
Overall it was half an hour well spent, the feedback was positive, honest, brutal and constructive and getting to speak to a professional who produces work of the quality that I aspire to was invaluable. Will hope to keep in contact via email and possibly arrange to get some feedback towards the end of the course.
