Photography

VERY frustrated. Had photography sessions booked at Markeaton Street for the images for the CONNECT brochure. Had assumed, had been told, that we would end up with at least a few shots we could use - inferred from this that the photographer would be prepared for what we needed to shoot, i.e. had been informed what we each do and would bring the relevant equipment. As it turned out he was in no way prepared, so we spent a short while discussing rudimentary lighting, took a few sample shots and spent the rest of the afternoon tinkering around on the Faculty's Macs. Very nice, but as few of us can afford Macs or the software needed to seriously manipulate the photos, not very useful for the future.

There was the option of organising additional sessions afterwards, but having tried to contact the photographer three times, I have yet to receive a reply. Deadlines for the catalogue mean that I'll end up taking the images myself, as even the few shots I did get were out of focus and poorly lit.

In order to be satisfied that photos will show what I want them to show, I'll keep invesigating techniques, invest in a light tent and get a higher MP camera.

Oceania...

Been working more on the concept of coasts, oceans etc. From abstract wave forms like the ring on the right, to more literal pieces, e.g. a harbour wall pendant, complete with seaweed and rope :)

This and the Victoriana stuff will be my two main ranges for the exhibition I think. Exhibition meetings will get going in a couple of weeks so we'll be able to start thinking about the practical aspects at that point.

To follow up:

Consider/decide how many pieces for the exhibition, given time

Statement of intent assignment

Had our first assignments back off Heather on Monday. Main feedback was that I need to start looking in earnest at finance figures if I'm going to stick with the business plan...i.e....

1. make a judgement about how much I need to live on

2. break it down to periodic amounts, i.e. if £12000 per annum, then £1000 per month.

3. break down further - what activities will I need to undertake to make that £1000 a month; workshops/teaching, stock sales, commissions, wholesale to retailers etc.

Should be interesting - already makes it seem much more real, which is great, need an injection of reality at this stage, as getting too carried away with ideas.

Website

Have subscribed to MrSite, finally, and got my website on the way...

www.codejewellery.com




Had some good feedback so far - really easy to edit, will need to add the shop section next, and need to educate myself re. tags and keywords - think I'm most of the way there and it should be easier once the full text is on the site, will work on that tonight.

Happy New Year!

OK - 2008 here I come. Calendar is now updated with major details so far, will keep checking to see if it's following through from Google to Blogger...seems to be OK so far.

Need to stick to the list I made a few posts ago re. big things to do, a couple already crossed off, need to make sure I don't stall now I'm back at work and it's getting to our busiest time of year.

Shouldn't have to do any overtime this year though so fingers crossed will still have enough time to get things done. Silver and copper all on it's way, along with a few more bits of kit to boost the workshop - now just need to perfect the art of soldering without setting the attic smoke alarm off :)

Blog nightmares...

...apologies for the ridiculous delay since my last post - have had major password and access problems with my blog and it's only just been sorted out. Lesson learnt in terms of reliance on 'virtual' means of maintaining records!

Luckily I kept a written log, so I can now transfer all of that to the blog, with dates as relevant.