OUGD602 - Glug Leeds - What I Wish I'd Never Known

6A2 - Demonstrate specific knowledge and specialist understanding of the professional and contextual location of their practice.
6B2 - Undertake research to identify and evaluate their personal and professional skills and the career or progression opportunities available to them.

GLUG LEEDS 27.09.18

WHAT I WISH I'D NEVER KNOWN:

Glug is a global creative community connecting, inspiring and educating creatives from all corners of the industry, and around the world. The theme of this talk was based around personal reflections from four creatives on things that have held them back personally, professionally and creatively - things they wish they'd never known, things they wish they ignored that have held them back or caused doubt.

Andrew Brown - Brass Agency:

- if you're stuck on a problem, forget about it and think about what you want to do instead - try and then make this work for the problem.

- Andrew believes that all experience is equal, by this he meant that you do not necessarily have to go out of your way to try and do something exciting, e.g. travelling, because you can gain just as much experience and ideas from such experiences still doing seemingly mundane things.

- don't get hung up on trying to be someone or something, just be it.

- pursue your art, this will put you in a better headspace which you can then use to help inform your ideas and let new ones grow.

- avoid knowing things that shutdown the "playground", just play in it. By this Andrew meant do not get caught up on things which could inhibit your creative flow of ideas, simply work with what you have.

- don't worry about the destination.

Jonny Ridout:

- Jonny is a freelance sound engineer, who works with many artists and is currently working with Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen.

- remember that qualifications don't dictate your worth, it's not the qualification or grade itself, it's what you gain from it, learn from it, experience from it which is what matters.

- "it's not what you know, it's who you know" - it's important to have the ability to talk to people and build relationships (networking).

- it's never too late, remember that you have the freedom to try new things that you are interested in - you never know where it may take you, just pursue the things you enjoy.

- do not worry too much about financial stability, as long as you earn a living then just continue to do what you enjoy.

- when deciding what to charge people as a freelance designer know your worth - figure out what level you're at and then work out charges based on this. E.g. where are you in your career, who is the client. When you know your level, do not try and compete with people higher than you. If struggling, find out industry rates.

Simon Forsrer - Robot Food:

- founder and creative director of the branding agency, Robot Food.

- was influenced early on by two books by Paul Arden, It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be.

- Rule 1: experience is everything. Simon believes that determination is more important than experience, do not say no to something even if it's something you've never done before, do not turn away big clients, seize the opportunity instead to challenge yourself.

- Rule 2: "that's the way it's done". Paying too much attention to rules always produces similar outcomes, you have the freedom to be creative.

- Rule 3: the expectations we put on ourselves. Seize opportunity when it arises, set yourself challenges not explored before.

- remember that you can't do everything alone.

Max Adamski - Jigtalk:

- designed a dating app where the premise is 'talk more = see more'. The more you talk, the more of the person's profile picture is revealed, fall in love with the mind.

- during the talk, Max brought up quite a controversial point which did not impress the majority of the audience, who predominantly were working for agencies - do not outsource or look to agencies to put out your idea, Max rendering them as useless. Instead, build a team of people to work with yourself and don't take shortcuts.

Next talk: Glug-xibit 28.11.18 @ Duke Studios.