Adam Higton talk notes

These are my notes from the talk from Adam Higton. The talk was very interesting and provided some great advice. I found it interesting the way he described building momentum and not expecting things to just happen instantly. How you need to make things happen for yourself by creating personal projects, specifically ones that will help build your network or help create exposure. Coming up with collaborative projects like publications with various illustrators work could help to build a network that will be beneficial in the future. You also have to develop a thick skin and not take things personally, sometimes people will not get back to you, work you create will not end up being used. 

Maintaining the network from the course we already have and finding shared workspaces can provide support, advice and help you get work. It forms part of the idea of putting yourself in a place to find work. The more your name and work are circulated, especially in the right circles, the more likely you are to be approached with work. Networking should not be only localised. Your work can come from anywhere in the world and your social media, online presence and work itself should cater to a global audience understanding cultural differences. It was good to see his journey from graduating until now. he portrayed it very honestly and didn't try to gloss over the negatives or struggles to get to where he is. His work also appears to still be changing both in aesthetic and the processes used which is a good lesson for used to be constantly moving forwards and experimenting. I would like to contact Adam to ask him some more questions about his practice...

Advice

Adam Higton

Keep momentum
Find things to work towards
Come up with ideas that will help network
Collective work
Invite artists to collaborate
Be prepared that some jobs won’t work out/go to print
Look at shared spaces to work around other artists
Put yourself in place to get jobs
Ask questions
Be direct, take opportunity’s
People will try and take advantage
Make sure you value your work and get advice when agreeing to do work
Always agree on fees etc first before starting any work
Don’t expect things to happen instantly
Jobs tend to snowball over time
Keep putting the work in and being proactive
Reach out beyond local contacts
Think outside the country
Majority of work may well come from overseas
Don’t take things personally
Be persistent