The thing that struck me the most was that the way in which each designer worked with contacts and self promoted was so different in approach; for instance Hsaio-chi Tsai refused to work with Philip Treacy as he wouldn't credit her work, where as Virginia Hodge-of HodgeSellers takes the discrete approach as they are so well known within the industry they don't self promote; selling to luxury brands in Europe such as Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein and Armani. They both have very different products but it did make me wonder about how I will go about collaborating in the future.
'No matter what the current situation, find the resources to continue your own artistic practice alongside any other work.Strive to share your story and get your ideas made.Resources referred to finding the time, money, energy & creativity to make in the face of work-life balance issues''Being bold and ballsy was what seemed to get Virginia Hodge work & her profile known by leading fashion houses since graduating from CSM.Be prepared to be the textile-designer who will go the extra mile to show determination & certainty that you're the right person for the job.'
'All 3 speakers talked of the idea of being a collaborator from start-to-finish of any given commission or project.An emphasis was on the need to be co-active in any personal & professional relationships at the start of your career and beyond.The collectives and collaborations you'll be part of during university will most often be the ongoing connection and elevation needed to raise your profile beyond graduation.The essence of those collaborations will essentially be founded on shared artistic, personal and professional values.Even when collaborating, find away to get your own stamp on the work, whether that be your name on the finished piece, or a sense of your branding within the promotional material for the piece. This leads back to your sense of autonomy of a designer-maker & sticking to your own brand values as well as respecting the brand values of those you collaborate with.'
