UmJammerLeilani

Hey all,

just registered on the forums, nice to meetcha!

If it's cool I'd like to get some views on my "great idea"

Basically, I'd like to move to Dubai... but I guess you need the back story...

I just graduated from University this year with a degree in Illustration, my original plan after graduating was to move back home, go back to my old job whilst slowly working towards building up contacts and commissions until I eventually get a good steady amount of freelance illustration work coming in. I know I have the motivation and talent to get where I want so that plan was great and I'd been totally focused on it...

THEN for various reasons, I'm looking to move abroad... I know that my original plan of action is probably not a suitable idea if I am serious about moving to Dubai SO

I've been sending my CV through various job websites (bayt, gulftalent, monster gulf etc) and to various companies and studios directly. I've been applying to anything creative that I'm genuinely enthusiastic about and feel I could successfully apply myself to from graphic design to interior design to visual merchandising... (anything that advertises itself as being nearer an entry-level position rather than requiring years of experience)

I'm hoping that eventually someone will give me a chance, but what could I do to improve this? I'd really like to talk to one particular forum member (Spugsy is it? I think so) who I've noticed has answered a few threads relating to graphic design/creative job stuffs... but I can't PM until I've made at least 3 forum posts so here I am!

OR could I still go with my original plan? Try get a job either in retail or admin somewhere (do people really sponsor UK citizens to come over for retail sales or secretarial jobs though? I can't imagine that....) and once in Dubai, then focus on building up some creative work for my portfolio?

Sorry for waffling on but I hope you guys could give me some advice, thanks all!

Spugsy

have you got any work you can email me?

UmJammerLeilani

Hey Spugsy, yep I can email you some work no problems.

Actually, my whole Illustration portfolio is on my website and I could just post the link here, would that be alright?

If you'd like me to email you, send me a PM with your address

Blue Cat

put your site up, I would like to see it too

The Dean

Need honest advice about my crazy plan...

.......... it's crazy...........

UmJammerLeilani

Sure, thanks for the interest, Blue Cat!

Here is my website: http://www.tao.cx

if you want the direct link to the finished artwork section it's this:

http://www.tao.cx/garou/

As you can see, it's purely Illustration-only which is my main concern, as I reckon that most places I've been applying to will want to see examples of other kinds of work.... and since graduating a few months ago I've only had one real commission (set of mural panels for a karaoke bar)!

P.S. Thanks Dean... but just HOW crazy? On the scale of craziness

UmJammerLeilani

Weird, I made another reply to this post but it hasn't been cleared by the moderators yet? Let's see if this one goes through ok...

If anyone wants to you can check out my website at http://www.tao.cx, thanks for the interest Blue Cat!

Bob

Aye, new members can't post links generally to prevent spam.

Patsy Stoned

UmJam.. I have had a look at your website and I am sorry but I wouldn't rush to employ you sweetie........... your "junk sketch" thing just takes you to that other link you put up which means..... what?
I truly think you need some more experience before you come here.........but I am sure there will be others who disagree. xx

UmJammerLeilani

Heya Patsy, did you take a look at my finished artwork gallery too, not just the sketches?

Do you work in the design/publishing kind of sector? If so I'd love to have any pointers on what kind of people are needed out there, I'm pretty much "just" an Illustrator even though I feel I have all the basic skills a graphic designer needs... so it'd be great to know what kind of other work would be beneficial to showcase. Hand made books? Posters? Leaflets? More obviously Graphic Design stuff?

I think I need to remove the sketch gallery. I haven't re-designed my website for a while and I think it's needs an update to make it more... direct and focused.

Blue Cat

I am no expert but I am wondering if you might get work with the new Universal Studios that are being built here?

The Dean

http://www.tao.cx

Just looked at your website............

Hilarious.............. Couldn't stop laughing............ Thought my trousers would never dry...........

........... Lincoln has a university...........

UmJammerLeilani

Yup, good old backwards Lincoln

Blue Cat: Thanks, just looking up on Tatweer's career pages now.

Alexa

Darn...if people can make money with that stuff, I really need to put my paintings up for sale......

UmJammerLeilani

It ain't Fine Art!

I'm more likely to make money with my drawings than with any poncey conceptual art nonsense, I'll tell you that! Hehe :P