5 year plan

Where Am I now?

I have a lot of skills already developed that could be useful to a variety of companies, as well as experience working at the British Ceramics Biennial. Thanks to this work experience I have a reference from some of the core team at BCB, and an understanding of what events running is like behind the scenes. I have done a lot of commission work for individuals which I have had extremely good feedback on, and this has also toughened me up to criticism. I have also worked with organisations such as fluffy butts rescue and bunny angels which are charities that I have provided artwork for, both branding and fundraising. 

I am yet to create a strong portfolio, or to become certified in any of the adobe programs, which I really hope to have done before the start of my 5 year plan. I intend to have made a good impression on the National Literacy trust with my project 'story quest' which I will be completing this semester,  I need to be on the look out for more opportunities like this which could lead to more work.

Year 1:

Ideally when I graduate I want to find an internship that can help me to gain some experience and get my foot in the door, this will increase my chances of landing a junior position at a company. 

If the internship route doesn't pan out, I intent to reach out to a lot of the companies that I admire and attempt to show them my work, this could get me on the radar for positions, which I will apply for as and when they come up.

By the end of year 1 I would really like to have found a junior position, but if this bleeds into the second year I will work in an unrelated job and in the meantime continue to build skills and polish my portfolio.

Year 2:

This year if I haven't already I want to land that first role at a company, this is a really crucial step for my progress and If it hasn't happened by the start of year 2 I will have at least improved my portfolio significantly to hopefully allow for those opportunities to happen.

Alongside my position at a company (fingers crossed) I would like to be building a stronger online presence, and this is the year I would like to build an online shop selling prints and commissions. This will act as a supplement for my income. 

year 3:

I would like to advance in a company, this doesn't mean a promotion within the year, but looking at ways I can impress my employer and also keeping an eye on any better paid jobs that I may then have the experience for. This is of course all dependent on if I land that first role. 

Continue to build my brand on social media and my personal shop. Have a professional website that is up to date. 

Year 4:

Whilst working at a company, in year 4 I would also like to begin some larger side projects, such as beginning to write and illustrate my own books to approach publishers with. Doing projects like this will gradually grow my reputation, and later in my career (closer to the 10 year mark) I would like to use this reputation to go freelance. These projects will extend into year 5 and beyond, I want to be continuously creating work.

Year 5:

I want to be well established, having a non-junior role at a company.