poster jobs summer 16

Since the summer started I've done a few poster commissions. Most of them have been a continuation of my work for Fuzzy, like stated before I'm really trying to push myself to make things I genuinely like, would suit my portfolio, are out of my comfort zones though of course, above all, please the client.

Some I'm happier with than others, but I do really think I'm getting into the swing of knowing what I like AND how I can handle that in a poster/ digital format.

I also got a job making a poster for the Flamenco Sketches comedy night in London. This was a connection made through social media and handled... informally. Everything about it was professional but sometimes it's also ok to send (and receive) fun gifs of LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy.

Conor Jatter, who handled the commission and is also a designer, talked to me about my work after seeing it on tumblr- which goes to show that it's an OK pseudo-portfolio. I took it as a chance to try a painted commission (as that's where I have most fun) and it felt like a more successful attempt than what I made for CSN. 

££££££

Since the end of the last academic year I have been asking for more money and what I think is a reasonable rate not only for clients but, honestly more importantly, for myself. I've had the odd job inquiry (mutual friend's band t-shirts, flyer work proposed from a tumblr user etc) that has (sometimes mysteriously) gone silent when I've asked them for the sum. I'm ok with that and I am no longer prepared to work for lower sums (what I charge now I would consider on the cheaper side) unless it truly truly truly was something spectacular/ close to my heart. There's little point when I could be using that time to sell prints, or engage in my practice in a personal way - I'm lucky to be in a position where I'm not clamouring for any scraps of money for a lot of work.

I have had some troubles though. I've been working with Fuzzy for three years now and would consider it to be a good and trustworthy relationship. There's been issues with the payments not coming through, which has happened before and been corrected but this time it is taking much longer.  The guys have been really apologetic and good about it and have been chasing up who is in charge of payments. However, I do wonder if it is worth holding off further jobs from them until I see some money. Regardless, I will be away for a week soon so unable to work.