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I'm 18 and need help branding myself.
almost 8 years ago from Blake Hawksworth, Filmmaker and occasional writer, always on the move.
Blake Hawksworth, almost 8 years ago (edited almost 8 years ago )
Brian, thank you for your response and advice. I've never aimed to give off an arrogant bravado in my work, writing or personal brand. The fact it may come across like this is nothing but a shock, so thank you for the note. I am a humble teen, the only conceivable reason for being on this very post asking for all of your help. As for travel, that is a huge part of who I am at the moment, trying to see the world and hopefully develop myself as a designer because of it. I accept it should take a backseat role on my portfolio, but it has been funded by me, working undesirable jobs, to get the money to go. Thanks again for your time and advice!
Brian Studwell, almost 8 years ago
The way you're responding to the feedback you're getting here tells me you're on the right track. Keep it up! One thing I'd like to add is that you should take everything anyone tells you with a grain of salt. No one knows the truths of your life like you do. You can collect all the critique and advice you want, from all the brilliant people in the world, but ultimately you are the one who gets to decide whether or not to listen to it. The people who seem older and wiser than you may have a few experiences you don't, but everyone you know is, for the most part, figuring it out as they go along. You just get better at hiding after a while.
I would first like to say that you clearly have a sensitivity to visual design. I appreciate the tone you're working towards with your portfolio. Now, the irony of the situation is that men at the age of 18 don't tend to take the advice that comes their way. They learn things the hard way. It's the natural order. I'm now 27 and I possess a substantial and ever growing list of things-not-to-do. I recommend to you a healthy dose of humility. The phrase, "through my extensive experience in the business world", screams, "I am full of shit". Much of your writing conveys a similar bravado. Be humble. Be proud of your work, but let it speak for itself. Your portfolio, while demonstrating some of your undeniable talent, feels like the travel blog of a rich kid with more free time than is good for him.