Studio visit- True North.

Today I had the opportunity to visit True North in Manchester which is a brand and communication agency. Not only did I get the chance to look around a beautiful and spacious studio but the chance to have a portfolio surgery with one of the designers there. This was an interesting chat which I left more positive about my work and direction with my practice. Also left with some useful direct contacts to email when I get back that could lead to more studio visits or placement.

Feedback and suggestions which I received about my portfolio was:

• Digital portfolio and the copy written on them isn't necessarily needed on a face to face portfolio because you are their to talk about the concepts. 
• But the copy amount on the digital portfolio is good and needed. 
• First project works well to explain me and my personal interests. 
• Good to have direct link to self branding straight away. Expansion good to start with.
• Send Leeds cat rescue proposal of site and re brand. Turn it into a live project. Mention willingness to work for charity for free. 
• 78violet- expand onto other products such as posters, tour stuff etc
• BEAR- more realistic box. Wrap design around an actual cereal packet and photograph. perspective on some is too distorted and needs fixing.
• Account-ants- use of wording and tag line works well. Make more emphasis of interiors and idea of ants/larger than life objects. Ants propping up doors/tables etc. 
• Notepads- show off better. Direct images of all four different notepads. Show more of the variety talked about. Look at expanding even further onto more products. Interesting idea that is different. 
• Be careful about spacing on Flashback logo
• Eyt all- great theme by using dialect. Interesting to see where this ends up when applied to products. Something to show off when more time after submission. 

Also feedback about contacting studios:

• Look at work first and tailor portfolio to suit.
• Do a range of placements to try out everything- don't settle too soon 
• Show samples in email then full and more complex portfolio in person 
• Chat through ideas more in person