June was a mad month and the madness has continued since then! There was the degree show at Uni, then I went to London the following week to attend a children's book portfolio day. The next week was D&AD New Blood in London - my work was featured on the stand for the University of Huddersfield. It was inspirational to see so much talent in one place and so it felt good to be part of that. London was extremely hot, and I had forgotten just how busy it is! Give me Leeds any day! But it was good.
Two of my illustrations are currently on show at Mr Thomas' Chophouse in Manchester, in an exhibtion called Unleashed: The Best in the North. The exhibition is on until the end of August, when it will then move to Tom's Chophouse, Leeds. It was such an achievement to get my work into this show anyway, but I was also one of the final 25 (from 190 students) to be shortlisted for the Best in the North award.
Very excitingly, some ladies from Hallmark came to visit our degree show! Our tutor had told us in advance, so that we could be there ourselves to be introduced. I really didn't know what a greetings card publisher would make of my portfolio. But hoorah!!! Hallmark did indeed get in touch and offer me a placement! I went there for a two week placement and I have now been there four weeks - they wanted me to stay to keep illustrating for them!! I am getting so much practice, drawing every day, trying new ways to colour my work, getting better with the digital side of things and getting to illustrate such varied subject matter every day! Plus, I love the idea that all my work is intended to make someone smile - that is so my cup of tea!!!
