CHARLOTTE WAKERLEY
LEVEL 3 MEDIA STUDENT
B1 Progression
Interpretation of the brief
In the brief I have been given, it is stated that I must provide materials to promote myself to employers, clients and universities. I will achieve this by creating a physical and online brand identity. Some of the materials that I must create are my university personal statement, AV videos and CVs. The deadline for this task is 2nd March 2023 and my audience is for future employers, clients, work experience placements and higher education providers. I will graded in 5 criteria segments, informing ideas, problem solving, technical skills, professional practice and communication.
Review of year one
I created a review of year one so that I could reflect on what I achieved throughout my three projects in the first year of college and to see what I could improve on, moving forward into year two.
Soft skills infographic
I created an infographic to review my skills from year one. The higher the score I gave myself, the more confident I felt with that certain skill. I think this was useful to create as it gave me the chance to understand what I believe I was good at and what I could've improved in. I also noted underneath each skill why I gave myself that certain score. Such as for deadlines, I gave myself a score of ten since I managed to do most of my next steps tasks on time in year one.
Media job research
Assistant Director
The assistant director must guarantee a successful shoot, they prepare the shooting schedule in agreement with the director, the director of photography, and other department leaders. They examine the script in pre-production, assessing what will be required in terms of talent, locations, equipment, and crew. They take the lead in scouting potential filming locations. Then, using the cast and location availability, they decide what to shoot and when using the Movie Magic software, which they enter the scripts into. They determine the duration of each scene's shooting and jot down the shooting schedule. They also review the set during filming, allowing the directors to concentrate on the performers and arranging the shots. A high role requiring years of experience is an assistant director. On film sets, the majority of assistant directors begin as trainees or floor runners and work their way up. A-levels or Higher's in art, art and design, photography, film studies, business studies, drama and theatre, graphic design, or maths are beneficial for a career as an assistant director if you plan to attend university. An assistant director receives a salary of around £50,000 a year. This role doesn't interest me since I prefer to have more productive and creative roles. This position appears more like an academic career on set, which doesn't fit what I would like to accomplish because it requires a lot of planning, communication, and multitasking. My skills and experience do not fit this role as I have never been on a film set, which means I haven’t gained any experience for this position. I would need to find a job as a runner on a film set and work my way up if I were to try and get a career as an assistant director or I would go on to study either drama or media at university.
VFX Editor
VFX editors work as the link between the film or TV production team, that shoots the live-action content and the VFX studio that creates the visual effects. A VFX editor may work directly for the production company of a movie or television show or for a VFX studio. Whether they are in-house (employed by the studio) or client-side, their job differs (employed by the film or TV production company). Since a VFX editor is a senior position, you should have experience working in a VFX production pipeline as well as editing projects. There are several ways to get this job. In a VFX company, you might wish to start off as a runner or assistant technical director. As an alternative, you might enter the field by working as a post-production runner in a post-production company. A degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related area like visual effects, post-production, or digital media is usually needed for VFX editors. A VFX Editor receives a salary of around £35,000 a year. I am interested in this job as I have a passion for creating special effects for films and I would like to have a post-production career in the media and film industry. I enjoy being creative as well, and you have lots of chances to do that in this role. I am organised, I'm skilled at communicating with others, and I have a decent understanding of storytelling, therefore my talents and experience do fit this position (which is essential for editing videos). However, since I haven't practiced enough editing yet, I would need to find a job as a post-production runner on a film set and work my way up if I were to try and get a career as a VFX Editor or I would go on to study either visual effects or post-production at university.
Screenwriter
Screenwriters develop and write the scripts for movies and television dramas. They either achieve this from scratch, by turning an existing narrative into a screenplay, or by collaborating on an ongoing production. Screenwriters create their scripts so that the script readers can picture the location, the emotion, and how it will act out on screen. When writing and reworking their script, they communicate with producers, directors, and actors while regularly meeting deadlines. You should start writing your own screenplays as soon as you can if you want to become a screenwriter. The technique must be practiced. Although having relevant education, whether it be in English or screenwriting-related fields, is incredibly beneficial, a degree is not a requirement to become a screenwriter. It will be crucial to get a degree in either creative writing, film/television production, digital media, or English if you wish to go to university before becoming a screenwriter. A screenwriter receives a salary of around £33,000 a year. Since I dislike writing and do not want to engage in the pre-production of a film or television drama, I am not interested in this role. I am unsure whether my skills fit the job description because although my writing skills are poor, I am still very creative and I have a passion for film and TV (which are some of the qualities you need for this role). I would need to have the knowledge and passion for screenwriting in order to take on this responsibility.
Costume Designer (Film and TV)
A film or TV drama's main product would be its costume. Wearing the character's clothes not only enhances the appearance but also creates an emotional connection between actors and the characters they are portraying. The costumes worn by the cast are designed, created, and hired by costume designers. As a starting point, they work with the production designer, hair and makeup artists, directors, producers, and writers to improve the production look and tell a story. To express the style, they gather research, create sketches, and develop mood boards of characters and outfits. Costume designers often begin as costume runners or trainees and make their way up. Some come from theatre or fashion design, while others have experience of working with costumiers, but regardless of experience, they begin as learners or trainees. However, it is encouraged to obtain a degree in either art and design, costume design, fashion, or performing arts if you wish to gain one before beginning this profession. A costume designer receives a salary of around £25,000 a year. I am interested in working in this field however I do not have many sewing or designing skill sets, despite doing fashion and textiles at GCSE. Costume Designers also need to be able to effectively communicate so they can share the vision of their costume design with members of the team. A costume designer must also be decent at storytelling as they must understand how a story can be told through garments and colour palettes. I think I'm good at these elements of this career however I would still like to aim towards a more technology-based career.
Animator (Animation)
To create the appearance of movement, animators produce still images that are played quickly one after the other. They are storytellers, actors, and artists. They have a great technical awareness of how things actually work and are aware of how characters portray emotion. They create a believable environment by combining reality and creativity. Storyboards provide animators with a visual brief, and directors provide them with a spoken brief. They produce illustrations, models, or digital pictures based on the brief in a way that suggests movement. The heart of all animation is the ability to translate the brief into movements. The talent to draw, model, or handle puppets in a way that gives the impression of movement is the most essential skill of an animator. Regardless of how you enter the field, you must learn how to do this. A degree in animation or art and design is also beneficial. You will have the chance to study the software and animation methods through this. An animator receives a salary of around £35,000 a year. Although I have poor artistic and sketching talents, I'm interested in a future as an animator because you can have a lot of creative freedom as an animator (just like with editing, visual effects, and motion graphics), and you can create characters and situations to your preferences. A handful of my skills might be useful for this career path. I am organised because I can meet deadlines, I am passionate about this topic, and I have a basic knowledge of filmmaking. Animating and drawing are some of the abilities I would need to develop in order to succeed in this profession. I would need to have the ability to draw and animate in order to obtain this role.
Life aspirations/goals
I made a mind map of my life aspirations and goals because it can help me to plan out what I will need to do next, in order to meet these goals. Some of the goals that I have listed which I would like to reach throughout my future career are to go to university to study VFX, become a visual effects artist for film and television, travel and shoot videos and apply to film festivals.
Short, medium and long-term goals
Following from my life aspirations and goals mind map, I created a list with bullet points on how to achieve these short, mid or long-term goals. For example, before I start university, I will create a portfolio to build up my work before attending. These goals were important to note down and know how to reach them as it will motivate me to obtain them and it will help me plan out what to do before I aim for bigger goals.
Personal development plan
I created a personal development plan so that I could analyse my personal goals in order to reach them in the future. For instance, one of my short-term goals is to develop my skills through student and personal projects. I explained on my personal development plan that I will help out with other's projects so that I can develop my lighting, sound and cinematography abilities.
Timeline of goals actions
I created a timeline of actions so that I can plan what I want to do each month in order to achieve long-term goals. For example, in November I would like to have finished my personal statement so that I could feel more prepared before applying to my chosen university courses.
Music video - final edit and feedback
I worked as the editor and camera operator on the music video for my group. It was my responsibility to make sure that the video was edited by the deadline and that all the shots were clear and in focus, and that none of the shots were shaky. However, I think that some of the shots were a little unstable even when using a tripod. Next time, I will make sure to review all the shots before moving onto shooting the next one so that I can review my mistakes. I believe that I managed to keep all the shots in focus, and I also trust that the final edit turned out well. The one thing I’d do differently is try to match the lip sync shots to the music.
The music video's theme was retro, so my group and I wanted it to seem as though it were a bunch of teenagers recording each other at school back in the 1980s. Since we used film overlays to give the video an older look and feel in the final version, I felt that my group and I were successful in capturing the idea. We settled on the Tears for Fears song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" as it was released in the 1980s and perfectly suited our concept.
Since we wanted natural lighting for the video and only needed to add music in post-production, we didn’t hire any lighting or sound equipment for it. I believe that we should require lighting equipment next time because a number of our clips were overexposed and overly bright.
I believe it ended up being okay for our camera work, although the framing and composition still need improvement. The rule of thirds will be on my thoughts the next time I produce a video, and I'll make sure there isn't any dead space in the frames.
Documentary - final edit and feedback
My role on this documentary project was the editor and one of the interviewees in front of the camera. It was my obligation to complete the video by the deadline and to inform the audience about the specific topic (Spider-Man).
I think that we did well with adding an A and B-Roll to our video as these are essential for documentary styled videos and unlike in our music video, we booked out lighting equipment this time which made the lighting in the shots a little better. For the lighting, we could have improved massively if we used more shadows since our clips were too bright and adding shadows would’ve given it more depth. For the audio, we used an attachable microphone which we placed on top of our camera. Next time, I think that we should use a boom pole as you could hear a lot of background noise and it wasn’t pleasant quality.
The educational/news style of the video was noticeable to our audience, but they weren't really engaged since it felt scripted and was too long. For the next time, I'd like to try to limit the video to a maximum of one or two minutes.
Short film - final edit and feedback
For this short film, my roles were the talent, editor and director. It was my responsibility to direct the other talent/myself, put the film together and to perform in front of the camera I think that I did well with organising the production process as I booked out the equipment and location for myself and the other crew members/cast. I think that we did much better with things such as lighting and audio compared to the music video and documentary projects. Our lighting was still a little bright at times but I think that if we added more shadows in the lighting next time, it will be much better as we able to add more depth. For audio, we didn't end up using the h4n zoom recorder a lot as the batteries kept dying but in the door shaking shot, we managed to use it and the audio quality was far better than when we used the attached rode microphone in the documentary. Next time, I will make sure to do more planning for the shoot and research on equipment before the production.
AV presentation script
Part one – Skills audit/analysis of my productions
In my infographic, I gave myself a score out of ten, based on what I believed were my strengths and weaknesses from year one. Deadlines, grades, and independent work were my main strengths. I gave these the highest rankings considering that I finished all my coursework and next steps tasks on time, I obtained good grades throughout the year, and I worked independently on a lot of my assignments and projects. Academic work and teamwork are two areas that I need to develop. These received the lowest rankings from me since I still have work to do in terms of being able to research ideas and information and I need to learn how to communicate my ideas clearly to others.
I've learned how crucial proper lighting and sound quality are through the process of creating music videos, documentaries, and short films. We didn't need a microphone for the music video because it wasn't essential, but we didn't reserve any lighting, which I think we should have considered since many of our clips were too bright. We made sure to rent out lighting equipment for our documentary and short film, and it looked considerably better. For our film, we made sure to supply a boom microphone and H4N Zoom Recorder to obtain the highest audio quality we could get although in our documentary, we used a microphone that can attach to the top of a camera and the quality wasn't ideal.
Part two – research into the media industry and jobs
Throughout the course, I have preferred post-production work rather than pre-production and production. This has sparked my interest in jobs such as editing and VFX. In order to achieve success in these professions, I must either start as a post-production runner and climb my way up or obtain a degree in one of the following subjects: post-production, visual effects, IT, digital media or animation. My organisation and creativity skills currently look good compared to these job requirements. These abilities, in my opinion, are necessary for these positions because they require you to be creative with VFX and editing and you also need to be highly organised in order to meet all the deadlines for projects.
Part three – my short, mid and long-term goals
My long-term goals are to graduate from university with a degree in visual effects or post-production and I want to work as a VFX Editor or Artist after completing my degree. Producing my own projects for my portfolio, applying to universities to study post-production or visual effects, and trying to enrol in some part-time courses at the BFI Film Academy during my gap year are some of the important objectives I've set for myself in order to accomplish my long-term aims.
My timeline of tasks to attain my goals for the following year are to visit several university campuses and I would like to apply to university by January 2023. Meanwhile, I'll be completing my personal statement work to submit in November of this year. Throughout my final year of college and my gap year, I'll continue to update my portfolio to show potential companies and I’d like to enhance my Adobe Photoshop and After Effects editing abilities before I start my university course. I'm hoping that if I stick to these goals, I'll be able to successfully accomplish my long-term targets.
AV presentation
I created this AV video presentation so that I could reflect on my previous work and skills. I believe that I managed to cover a lot in this AV presentation. I reflected on my work and projects from year one and what I did well and what I could improve on. For example, I talked about how I improved with the audio quality in the FMP test short film compared to the FMP test documentary. I discussed how it was critical to have lighting equipment when I didn't use it. I also explained my plans for the upcoming college year, such as, applying to university, creating a personal statement and visiting universities. Overall, I believe that this was a successful AV presentation and it gave me the chance to reflect on my past, present and future work.
SWOT analysis - hard and soft skills
I created this SWOT analysis so that I could recognise my strengths and weaknesses and how I'd like to improve these hard and soft skills. I also explained about some opportunities that I have had the chance to take part in but I also explained about some threats that may stop me from taking on more opportunities, such as having dyslexia and health issues.
Reflection of feedback & targets identified
In my AV video presentation, I managed to demonstrate good editing skills and this aligned with my goals and aspirations. I managed to identify my personal key skills that I have developed and this relates to my chosen career path that suits my likes and abilities. I have given evidence of my research into universities to find options to help achieve this goal. I have clearly identified my actions timeline and how this directly relates to me being successful in achieving a place at university.
My AV video moved on a little fast paced, making it difficult to follow the information being given, specifically the visual content. Next time, I will try and slow the pace down and give more information in line with the guidance given.
This term I will work and focus on my editing techniques so that I can improve in my preferred interests. I will also like to focus on improving on the skills I discussed in my AV video, such as team work skills.
Inspiration case study - AV
I did some research on Stan Lee and his career before creating a script. I used images and a powerpoint to showcase my research clearly.
I then used my research to develop an AV script. I added the clips I would use on top of my narration/VoiceOver on the left hand side of the grid and then I included my narration/VoiceOver on the right hand side. This will help me create my video.
I then recorded a VoiceOver using my research and AV script and added clips and images on top. I believe that this video was a success as it gave me the chance to showcase my inspirations and talk about how my influences inspire me and my work.
CV
I created and updated my own CV so that I can include all of important information such as my education, past work and productions and my contact details to all my future employers.
Creative CV
I developed a creative CV so that I could include my creative work experience off more and creating this creative CV gave me the opportunity to use more colour and different fonts on my CV and it helps my CV stand out more. When applying to work on different films, I will hand this CV to the person hiring me rather than my standard CV. On my media CV, I managed to include lots of information and fit in it all onto one page. I included my name, my current role (media student), my contact information, my references, my past employment and my productions. The layout is also readable and it's easy to understand which section of text is in which part of the CV. I also liked my idea of using image icons for my website, email and phone number.
What is a cover letter?
As part of your job application, you must provide a one-page document called a cover letter (alongside your resume or CV). It acts as an introduction to yourself and an overview of your work history. Your letter should usually be between 250 and 400 words long.
The following information about yourself must be included: your name, phone number, and current home address. Like any other business letter, you should also provide the date as of today. You must use persuasive language in your sentences if you want your employer to consider choosing you for the position. Prior to writing your cover letter, it is also crucial to do some research on the department, as this will demonstrate your knowledge with the company.
Cover letter
I wrote and sent a cover letter for my BBC 3 interview. I believe that it was essential to write a cover letter so that I can practice for future and I would know how to write one when it comes to me applying for jobs in the industry.
Logo research
I researched 3 different logos from the media industry. I looked at Pinewood Studios, Dreamworks and Warner Brother Studios as they are all film, television and animation companies. I researched the logo's colours, shapes, images and meanings in order to help me think of ideas for when it comes to designing my own logo.
My logo designs
I had to design 3 different logo designs. In my logo design I wanted to include text and an image that makes it clear that it is a media business/company. I wanted to use the colour black for strength and professionalism and I also wanted a bit of purple in my logo to represent creativity. I also want my logo to be simple and clear.
For my first design, I used a clear font and hint of purple on the clapper board icon.
I did a similar design to my first design, using the same tone of purple and I added text at the bottom.
I changed the design a few times during the design process of this logo. Again, I used black and purple for the colours and I changed my image from a camera to a clapper board as I believe it suited the logo better.
My final logo design and feedback
Peers who gave me feedback on the first design mentioned that they liked the fonts I selected since they were a decent size (not too big nor small). They additionally noted how much the font sticks out in my last design, stating that it was their favourite font that I used throughout my designs. My peers chose my second design as their favourite as it is more unique than the others because logos with film symbols are uncommon (unlike camera or clapper icons). However, they also suggested that I add a circular background to this logo as without one, it would be too plain.
I ended up choosing the second design and from the peer feedback I gathered, I thought it would be an even better design if I added a circular background to the logo. I also changed my name from "Charlotte Wakerley Media" to "Charlotte Rose Media" as I want my brand to have a friendly feel to it and I believe that using my middle namer rather than my last name is better for an informal tone.
Research into BBC3
The BBC owns and runs BBC Three, a free-to-air public television channel in the United Kingdom. On 9th February 2003, it debuted with programmes directed towards viewers aged 16 to 34. These included shows in many genres, such as animation, comedies, current events, and drama series. In 2016, the television network was replaced by a BBC Three streaming channel that was exclusively available online. On 1st February 2022, BBC Three made its comeback to traditional television after six years online. It shares airtime with CBBC and reruns every day from 19:00 to about 4:00. Through a mixed-genre schedule of original UK material and fresh UK talent, BBC Three's aim is to introduce younger viewers to high quality public service broadcasting.
Preparing for an interview
I thought about what I should do before/during an interview and how to prepare myself for one.
Preparing interview answers
Tell me about yourself
(Should be about 2-3 minutes long and briefly cover your education, your interest in the field, work history and experience.)
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I went to Monmouth Comprehensive School before I went onto to study creative media production at Gloucestershire College.
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I have been interested in this industry since I started studying it and I have enjoyed having many opportunities to use different resources such as cameras, microphones and editing software.
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I have also already got a job in the industry, and I have taken part in a few student projects.
Why did you apply for this position?
(Focus more heavily on why the position and company excites you, rather than why you should excite them. Demonstrate what you know about the company (and use the job description to back up why you’re the right person to do this job.)
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I enjoy watching BBC Three every night and I like to watch programmes such as Top Gear, Family Guy and Gavin and Stacey so when I saw a job position available at this company, I immediately applied.
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I am right for this position because I am passionate about film and TV, and I am organised and can keep on top of projects and tasks.
What relevant skills and experience do you have in this field?
(This is your opportunity to justify with evidence why you are the ideal candidate for the position, it is a good idea to revisit your CV to remind yourself of specific experience and skills you referenced in your initial application.)
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I am good at communicating ideas in a team and I can also work independently.
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I have a creative mind which means I can bring lots of ideas to the company.
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In the past I have worked on many student and work productions.
Producer – podcast episode
Camera operator – campaign, music video, documentary
Director – short film
I am also currently a Junior Creative Designer at the travel tech company, Inspiretec.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years' time?
(Be passionate about the industry. Fit your career goals around the organisation’s objectives, demonstrate ambition and exploit strengths.)
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In 5 years', time I would like to say I have just graduated university in a visual effect or postproduction degree.
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I would also like to have started working at a visual effects company and working on film or tv programmes.
What is a weakness of yours?
(Weakness + how you’ve tried/are trying to address it = (eventually) strength.)
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I can be a perfectionist because I always like my work to look good.
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I also have dyslexia and it sometimes can be a struggle to manage more than one task at a time.
University research and personal statement
Since I can remember, editing, visual effects, and motion graphics have drawn my attention. I used to enjoy using iMovie with my sisters to produce my own short films and movie trailers for fun. My interest in the media industry grew as I continued my media studies at Gloucestershire College, specifically in the post-production stage of creating content, which is what motivated me to apply for this course.
My goal to further enhance my editing skills and my preference to pursue a creative career are additional reasons for why I am enrolling for this degree. I also enjoy seeing my concepts come to life, so I would be able to accomplish that with the use of the required skills you will learn during this course. When I was younger, I visited the Harry Potter Studios, which is when my interest in filmmaking began to blossom. I discovered that my favourite part of the experience was the green screen area. Ever since, I have been curious about the making of films. I now also frequently go to the cinema to see the newest movies as part of my film interests.
I have built a professional portfolio to display my projects during my college education. A podcast episode, a campaign video, two short films, a music video, and a documentary are some of the products I have produced so far. My assignments have helped me expand my knowledge and skills. These projects have made me aware that I am excellent at submitting assignments on time, that I am organised, I am a great speaker and listener, and that most importantly, I am deeply passionate about the subject. Regarding my technical skillsets, I have begun to perfect my knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro and Audition, and I have grown more confident with using cameras.
I have given my future career a great deal of thought, and I have concluded, that I want to pursue my passion for post-production and work towards becoming a VFX editor after I complete my degree. By specializing in visual effects and motion graphics, I will be able to use a variety of editing software and produce projects that will perfect not only my technical abilities but also my teamwork, communication, organisation, and time management skills. Since I can transfer my technical and soft skills from my current course to this degree, I believe my studies will be beneficial when I begin my university course. My position as a junior creative designer at Inspiretec has given me a good amount of industry experience, which I can also relate to this program since I edit several videos for the business, communicate with the team, and I must meet deadlines.
During the summer break, I will continue to work at the company, Inspiretec as a video editor, building up my skills outside of education, giving me real life employment practice and experience. This job has allowed me to work on real creative briefs, discuss creative decisions with clients and obtain valuable feedback.
I have researched the courses resources and it has excited me even more and made me more motivated to do this course. I believe that the course will be an incredible assistance to myself and my future career. Green screen studios, professional cameras, lighting, and editing suites are a few of the additional resources that I will have access to that I would not have anywhere else. The chance to use these materials will boost my interest for the subject and open up new opportunities for me.
In conclusion, I believe I am the right fit for this course because I am enthusiastic about the subject, I am flexible in the types of projects I can produce (such as audio, videography, and photography), and I already obtain high grades in my media course, proving my commitment to challenging work and drive to succeed in my studies.
Showreel research
I had to research what showreels are what the purpose of them are so that I would know what to include in my showreel and know who my audience are for my showreel. I also had to look at showreels and see what codes and conventions from certain showreels I would like to include in my own personal showreel.
My showreel
From my feedback, my peers discussed that my showreel is fast paced and that I should include less shots of each project so that each shot could last longer. I agree with this feedback as you don't get to see much of each shot. They also mentioned that they liked my use of text and how it changes colour on the beat of the upbeat background music. Once again, I agree with my peers and it is something that I would not like to change about my showreel. I will take notes from my peer feedback and make sure to slow down the pace of my showreel in my final edit, still trying to keep the duration at about 1-2 minutes long. I will also include more clips from other projects I have worked on since creating my first draft, including my 'Project Basterd's' and 'College Promo Video' projects.
I decided to keep the fast pace to my showreel as I wanted to keep it at one minute long. I also included two more projects to my showreel and I think my final showreel turned out well.
Platforms for promotion research
I researched different platforms which I could promote my work and future business on as I could figure out which platforms are best to find/promote work on. I achieved this by writing out the pros and cons if each platform.
My social media platforms
I created some social media platforms using my brand name "Charlotte Rose Media" and the logo that I designed. I started off by adding my logo to the profile pictures. For Facebook and youTube, I had to include a banner/cover photo, so I decided on using my brand's colour. I then wrote a bio/about me section so that people who visit my page could know what it is about. I included what kind of work I do (videography and photography), my location area, my practitioner website link and I also included that I am a media student so that they could know what my current role is. I'd say that my social media accounts turned out great and I believe that I could reach my intended audience of people interested in media and future clients.
Social media platforms - evaluation
For my social media platforms, I of course included the logo and the name of my brand but I also made sure to use my brand colour scheme, especially when making the banners for my Facebook and YouTube pages. It was also important to create a bio that was useful for my audience and got the message across of what my brand is. I included in my Instagram bio that I am a media student and that I do videography and photography which I think was crucial for my future clients or followers. I also added my location (Forest of Dean) as my viewers would know I am based. When creating my posts on Instagram and Facebook especially, I will use hashtags so that more people can find my work/page.
Types of contracts
I looked into different types of job contracts so I could recognise the up and downsides to each type and help me have a think about what type of contract I would like to be on in future. After doing this research, I am most interested in full-time, temporary and freelance work as I would like to be in a job where I have flexible hours and paid leave (excluding the freelance contract).
Self-employed
I did more research on freelance and I explained the difference between a sole trader and a limited company.
Self-employed - case study
I looked at a freelancer's website as I am currently more interested in employment as a work contract and from researching Steve Phillip's website it made me realise how much work you can get from freelance.
Purpose and features of a website
Developing and publishing a website has the purpose of showcasing and promoting both your work and yourself. Having your own website can be important for networking and making connections with people who share your interests or discovering potential clients. A website's primary goal might also be to sell your products.
Some features you might include on a website to help your business/site grow are your best products/work, an about page (so that your audience can discover more about you), your contacts and social media (for your clients to contact you), a search bar, events (if it’s necessary for your business), a call to action, a clear navigation, a home page, a blog (which you should update regularly as it will show that you are still working), a header and/or logo, your branding and personalisation (with your own colour scheme which goes with your logo and brand), an email newsletter, clear messaging and fonts. It is also a good idea to make sure that your website is mobile friendly so that your customers can look at your work when out and about.
Your website's target audience may include individuals who are close to you in age, share similar interests, are inspired by your work, or are potential employers.
Researching practitioner's websites
I researched three different practitioner's websites to see what they included, what their layout was like and what I liked/disliked about their pages from an audience perspective.
My built promotional website
I created and designed a website layout so then it would make my website building process a lot quicker and easier. When designing my layout I had to think about where I wanted to place certain elements and what I needed to make a successful site. I also thought of what colour scheme I wanted for my brand, which would go with my logo.
I have created a website to promote my work and brand. I followed my website design which I developed on Canva so that I could easily produce it. I ended up changing the colours a bit but I think it looks better having one solid colour rather than including the light blue banner at the top. From my peer feedback I received, they discussed that they love my colour scheme as it fits my personality well and it's very easy on the eyes. They also explained that they like how I have separated my Inspiretec and college work, as it shows I have both experience and education. They also like my video slideshow and they like the thumbnails that have been included for each video. The one thing they said they would like to be improved is the black box at the top of my page as they think it is too basic and think it could be more stylish.
Finalising my brand
How do you want to be perceived - identify 5 words that describe you as a practitioner – explain each one and why it relates to your skills/characteristics.
Creative - I have a variety of imaginative concepts that I can contribute to a project, and I can think of ways to add engaging transitions, effects, music, sound effects, etc. to any project I produce. For instance, when I was practising for a creative project, I considered merging the idea of "identity" into my shot by using the reflections in the window.
Passionate - I am extremely passionate about this industry because I have grown to love it through my studies. As a practitioner, this is ideal for customers as I will work with them with a positive attitude due to my love for the work that I am producing for them.
Motivated - I am driven to stay on top of my tasks because I dislike stress and I enjoy being motivated. I am also highly motivated to do the greatest job I possibly can in order to be satisfied about my work, and when peers provide feedback, it motivates me to perform even better next time around.
Organised - I can manage all my tasks and projects. I accomplish this by creating timetables, to-do lists, setting targets, turning off my phone while working, and listening to music. I've already mentioned how motivated I am, so that keeps me focused on meeting deadlines.
Flexible - Regarding the work I can generate, I am flexible. I can create photography, videography, and sound recordings thanks to my college studies (such as podcast episodes, pictures, short films and campaigns).
Identify what font styles and colours you can use that will give the correct message to the audience.
As a media practitioner, I consider that purple, blue, red, white, or black would be the ideal colour palette for a media brand. Since media is a creative field and purple is a very artistic colour, I believe it is appropriate for a media brand. Blue, in my opinion, symbolizes trust, and red, for passion, which is helpful for this kind of brand since clients need to be able to trust you and your company, and red gives the impression that you are passionate about what you and your company are. In terms of colours, black and white are very professional, and my opinion is that the more professional your brand is, the more people will look at it and take note.
In terms of font styles, I think the serif style is highly traditional, professional, and easy to read. Companies like Netflix, Mercedes, Prada, and Facebook use this font (every logo with this font has a crisp readability). This is ideal for a media brand because the designs are straightforward and highly professional, which fits the media branding. As it gives you the chance to have a decorative and unique font, having a display branding font could also be greatly beneficial for developing media brand display font styles are used by businesses including Disney, Sega, and Baskin-Robbins, and they may help you stand out and it will help clients remember your specific font. Finally, it is useful for a media brand since it showcases creativity.
Font style examples.
I wanted to relook at my logo design. I didn't like the clipart that I included and it made my logo look fake so I decided to design a few more similar designs with a different and more creative font, and gain more peer feedback. I wanted to keep the purple colour to my design as purple is a imaginative colour which suits the media brand. From my new designs, my peer feedback said they like design 3 as they like having the coloured background and they prefer the font to the original. One thing they said they would want improving on this logo was adding a personalised icon, however I am unable to do this as I don't require the resources in order to create my own icon to complete the logo.
In conclusion I decided to use design number 3 as my final logo as it is simple and creative. I am also using design number 4 because I will ned a circular design for social media platforms and profile pictures.
Design number 4 (for profile pictures).
Design number 3 (for websites and banners).
Businesscard and letterhead
Business card - front.
Business card - back.
For my practitioner branding, I created a business card. I applied the logo I made and I used my colour scheme (light purple, black and white). Additionally, I used the font style that I use for my brand (Garet and Apricots). I selected this font for my brand as it is simple to read, elegant, creative and professional. I simply placed my logo on the back of my business card as I wanted the information about the company to appear on the front. I included my email, website, a social media platform, and my location to the front. On my business card, I didn't wish to include too much content because too much text may turn away potential clients.
I used similar elements for my letter head compared to my business card that I developed. Once again, I included my email, location and website link. I created this letter head for when I send letters or send emails to clients or collaborators.
AV presentation two
I created a script for my AV presentation because it helped me plan out what to say, what audio I would need and what visuals would be needed and when.
I created a production schedule for my AV presentation so then I could plan out when to write the script, when to shoot the video and when to edit.
I created an AV video so that I could go over all of the work that I have created for this project and my next step plans. I believe that this video was a success as I covered a lot of areas of my work and I reflected on what I would be doing in the following years. I discussed my development on my logo, social media platforms, showreel, business car and letterhead. Something I would like to improve for next time is to go into more detail on my logo. I discussed the development, however I did not explain why I chose certain elements. Such as, I didn't talk about how I chose the colour purple because it's a creative colour. I think that the pace of this AV presentation was a bit slower than my last one which was something I wanted to conquer for this video as my last one was too quick. Overall, I am happy with this video and I included plenty of content.
Re-read the brief to ensure I have everything
Under the assignment brief, I was required to develop a personal brand identity (both online and in physical promotional materials). I think I did well with this portion of the brief because I produced a website, a social media presence, and physical materials like a business card and letterhead. The brief also advised me to make plans for my next steps, which may include pursuing higher education or obtaining more work experience. In the early stages of this project, when I was planning my short, mid, and long-term targets, I accomplished this. I described my specific goals as well as what I would do to achieve them.
The target audience is towards future employers, work experience placements, clients or higher education providers. I believe that I have met the requirements for all of these audiences as I created a website for employers to review and clients to contact and check out and all of my research, goals and my personal statement will be beneficial for higher education providers to seek.
This project is being graded in five section. Informing ideas, problem solving, technical skills, professional practice and communication. For AC1 (informing ideas), I needed to inform my ideas. I managed to include this in my interpretation of the brief, when reviewing other practitioners websites, exploring self-employment and researching platforms to use for my online presence. For AC2 (problem solving), I needed to use problem solving at all the stages of this project by testing, reviewing and reflecting on my work. This included my short/mid/long term goals, developing my logo and brand identity and obtaining feedback. For AC3 (technical skills), I needed to use the most appropriate and effective technical skills throughout my project. I made sure to capture, edit and organise materials (in my AV presentations, case study and showreels), explore different media (including social media, websites and platforms) and comparing media (such as in my platforms research). I also made sure that my website layout is easy to navigate and looks presentable. For AC4 (professional practice), I needed to apply professional practice on the assignment. I completed this by creating a shooting schedule for my AV presentation, analysing my work and explaining why I completed certain tasks, creating AV scripts for my videos and creating documents which will be useful for my professional life. I also made sure my website is neat and professional. (CV's and cover letters). Finally, for AC5 (communication), I needed to use my communication skills. I did this by considering my audience and purpose, using multiple channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and my website) and my interviewing skills.
Final evaluation
Overall I believe that this assignment went really well. Before this project I didn't know a lot about employment, applying to universities, my personal goals and creating a brand. From this assignment I got to create my own brand by creating my own website, business card, letterhead, logo and social media platforms. This has helped me develop skills in understanding how to create a brand, organisation and individual work. At the beginning of this project I had to do numerous research on how to reach my personal goals, both short, mid and long-term. This has helped me develop my planning and researching abilities. Half way through this assignment, I had to research different types of employment. This helped me reflect on what I would like for my future career path and I also listed advantages and disadvantages to all types of employment, including part-time, full-time, self-employed, etc... I believe I did well with all sections of this project as I annotated my work to show why I did certain tasks and I believe that I have reached the brief's requirements. However, I would have liked to improved in my evaluation and feedback as I feel like I didn't write as much as I believe I should have written.