4 Networking

I've always cringed at the idea of Networking events. Being a creative type I prefer to let my work do the talking and am happiest getting on with the job of producing it. After looking into Networking organisations in my local area a few months back I was rather put off by what seemed to be a whole stream of etiquette, rules for joining, not to mention the financial outlay.

After attending a couple of recent free Business Link seminars; they we're very good by the way, I got chatting to Bernadette Jones and she mentioned 4Networking, of which she helps run the Birmingham City Centre meet ups.

On the promise that these events are a lot less stuffy/ restrictive than many other network groups I went along to my first session yesterday. I have to say I'm very impressed, the set up is informal but structured, you each have a 40 second round to introduce yourself and the services you provide, followed by three 10 min chats with anyone you may be able to help or could help you.

At the time of writing this I have two meetings with new contacts lined up and some details for a few more referred from one of the attendees. As a non-networker I'm very impressed and have signed up for a 6 month passport so I can visit some of the other groups in the local area, as and when my commitments allow.

If you've been looking for a networking group then register for the free online forum and get involved.

4AM Project

© Karen Strunks 2009

The very talented photographer Karen Strunks has been keeping herself busy with the ever-growing 4AM project. Some of Karen’s photos have brought life to the inside covers of the last two SpeakOut magazines and now you can get involved. The global following gathered for this project is truly inspiring so hats off Karen! On a local level if you’re a keen photographer and fancy snapping Birmingham at 4am then set you alarm early on 04/04.

Plus 2008 a Visual Overview

Better late than never above is a visual guide to this years Plus festival. Only had time to whizz round for an hour or two with my camera so missed the Jonathan Barnbrook talk but all in all the event seemed to be a success, though some of last years contributors were noticeable by their absence.

From talks with some of the exhibitors, this may be due to the current crowd that the exhibition attracts, mainly students. Whilst this is great and I noticed a few coaches outside the venue from around the country, speaking from a business point of view I think a lot of local small companies are becoming increasingly weary in these belt buckling times. 

If you are spending not an insignificant amount of time and money to exhibit the main return for companies is to showcase their skills to potential new clients. Perhaps the entry charge of £15 a day is off putting to a lot of the general public and local businesses. 

I get the feeling the main thing that comes out of the event for many companies is to be inundated with CVs from visiting students. It's a shame as I'm sure the event costs a lot to put on and margins are tight but I do think the entry price a little steep to reach the broad audience the event deserves. 

Regardless of the above it's all about some great work on show. Especially from Fluid, (having done a fair bit of freelance for them recently I was very impressed with their stand and publicity material for the event, as I know how busy they have been of late). Great to see the Cov Uni stand and chat with one of my old tutors, complete with some very nice work and a selection from it's metal type vaults, takes me back to my Uni days! The Baskerville headstone in development was fascinating to watch and I was very impressed with the quality of work from Sutton College. 

Midlands Design Events

It's going to be a busy few weeks in the Midlands for big creative events. Hopefully a good sign of the Midlands getting more established on the creative map.

Hello Digital kicks off with Hello World on 23-24th with Hello Digital on till the 26th. A chance to meet life sized robots, control a giant wall of sound and see some leading lights of the animation world at Millennium Point. 

Plus+ on 5th- 8th November looks like it's going to be better than ever. As always showcasing creative talent in typo/graphic design, plus a great line up of speakers including Jonathan Barnbrook & Airside, can't wait.

Wolvehampton plays host to the Flip Animation Festival on 6th - 8th November, clashing with Plus+ is prob not a good idea but if your more into your animation than graphics looks worth a visit.

Scandinavian Illustration

A massive generalisation I'm sure but there seems to be something delicate and quite beautiful about Scandinavian illustration and design. If your up in the north over the next couple of weeks there is an exhibition entitled tradition in Newcastle showcasing 10 designers/illustrators. If not head to the collaborators page and check out their websites.