Hue Exhibition

A one night only exhibition, curated by two photography students at Leeds Arts University. I offered my work as a contribution through an Open Call on social media. The exhibition looks at images which include red, yellow and blue. 

For an exhibition done on a budget and in a short amount of time, it was curated really well. I think the amount of images included made good use of the space available, and the simplistic grouping of the images worked in it's favour. 

I'm pleased I was able to be part of this exhibition. It was really interesting to exhibit amongst such a variety of works, from sculpture, photography, fine art, and illustration, each of these discipline were brought together through colour. It was also satisfying to be able to exhibit somewhere so close to home.

Kafka on the Shore, After Dark, 1Q84
Image from a brief based around the works of Japanese author, Haruki Murakami.

Michael Driver

Be observant

Exhibiting 

Zine fairs 

Email illustrators that are already in the industry 

Working there?

How to get clients?

Who to work with?

What’s a good way to get into the industry?

A5 Mailouts - 2/3 times a year

Always make sure you’re doing stuff

The Graduates List

Don’t work for free

Be confident pricing

Compliment before asking for work “I really like the work of people you commission… I’m interested in getting into… would it be okay if I sent you a print…?”

Post catches peoples attention

Be hot on emails

Advertising is where the big bucks are

Look at getting an agent but don’t rush into it

If your work is good enough, someone will probably contact you before you contact them 

Contacting other professionals

First I approach the magazine on Instagram as there was no email address available. 

Through email, I then explained the concept of the exhibition and event it was in conjunction with. Although I didn't get a response, they now know about the exhibition and am aware of my work... maybe something could come of it in the future. 

Artist Statement written for 'A Study of Imaginary Chasms'

Originally from Sunderland, Ella Ray Barnes is currently studying her final year as an Illustration student at Leeds Arts University. She primarily work sixth graphic narratives using a range of media and techniques towards developing a personal practice and the artistic dialogue relating to both storytelling and local historical and socio-political themes. Recently, Barnes’ practice has gravitated towards explorations of colour, shape and pattern layout - particularly within a publishing context. Barnes had been particularly influenced by Saul Bass and Freidrich Hundertwasser’s techniques which initially informed her undergraduate dissertation focusing on deuteranopia colour blindness. She currently enjoys exploring the opportunities offered by different processes as a means of developing or changing the direction of her creative practice. However, composition is the most vital aspect of her work in general. Barnes aims to create images with clarity and purity to provoke emotion and unlock something relatable to other, as a way of connecting herself with the viewer. 

A Study of Imaginary Chasms

I exhibited some pieces of work in an exhibition curated by Lungs Project in collaboration with Gosforth Civic Theatre.

(Description taken from exhibition booklet produced by Lungs Project)

“A cross-disciplinary group exhibition developed in collaboration with Gosforth Civic Theatre. “A Study of Imaginary Chasms” brings together the work of three female visual artists; Ella Ray Barnes, Fang Qi, and Jill Tate all of who are connected to the North East through unique pathways. The exhibition thematically responds to “The Class Project”, a one-woman play written and performed by Rebecca Atkinson-Lord.”

“The series of works featured in the exhibition correspond to the overlapping anecdotes within  “The Class Project”. Each artist’s body of work expands on the themes underpinning the play, presenting personal commentaries on identity, home and belonging as embedded within historical, socio-economical and contemporary narratives. The exhibition is conceived as a reflective study of the power dynamics which drive a wedge between individuals and communities within the U.K. It aims to examine the dominant narratives influencing our public and personal relations. In doing so; it wishes to reveal the cultural judgement systems which shape and maintain social stratification, dividing us into our economic class, regional identity, and status, creating “imaginary” chasms often seem impossible to overcome.”

The North-East Miners, 2016

‘The North-East Miners’ series respond to the historical narratives of the Thatcher era. As a young Sunderland-born woman, Barnes intended to resurrect the emotive qualities of her past experiences of local documentary photography which focused on post-industrial mining themes. The images in the series explore the efficacy of Miners’ Strike of 1984-85, and the socio-economic impact pit closures had on miners, their families and wider communities. The series focuses on the consequences of these events and is intended as a tribute to those who were affected. Within these images, Barnes pays particular attention to conveying a sense of honesty and ‘grit’ in presenting a style of speech which was true t the area. This style might resonate with those who had experienced the era’s ups and downs first-hand or indirectly as a part of the legacy of today’s East Durham social landscape. 

I feel really proud to have been involved in this exhibition, and feel it was a great platform for that series of work to be shown. On reflection of the exhibition, I'd like to revisit this project. It's a project I'm passionate about and really enjoyed working on originally, I still feel like there's so much more work I could make in relation to it. 

Contacting other professionals

I contacted a graphic designer based in the north east for some advice on a project I was about to start in another module. I've found that contacting people through Instagram can be a more direct route, rather than email, although I would always opt for email first if it's readily available. 

Contacting other professionals

PP Session

Where do you see yourself now as an illustrator?
My practice is currently driven more by personal projects

Do people know you are here?
I've established an online presence which has offered a platform to network

What methods are you using to tell them/How are you directing them to your work?
Social Media - Instagram/Website/The Dots

Are you getting any feedback?
I visited UK Greetings and had a portfolio review with two of the creative directors

You have had 3 years to develop your talent so far, what do you feel you have achieved?
I'm a lot more conscious of developing strong concepts within my work. My confidence in approaching briefs. The process in which I approach briefs is a lot more refined.

How do you see this, achievement, slog or useful?
An achievement, I'm proud that I've got to a stage where I feel confident in how I work and the work I'm producing.

What will your final PP presentation contain and why us it important?
Reflection on the 3 years at uni, and future ambitions going forward.

Why do you need to present yourself?
To sell myself! If I don't have to confidence in myself or to present myself to clients, how can I expect them to have confidence in me and hire me?

Can you see this presentation having any other uses?
I hope that it builds my confidence in talking about myself and work. If I plan carefully and make sure I'm totally prepared I think it could make a big difference to how I feel doing presentations in the future.

Professional Invoice

Website

So far, my website is very basic. However I've managed to include all of the aspects I wanted in making my website. The front home page also switches between three images. On reflection, I'm going to change the 'Home' images to images of my process and of me working, this could also be done through a video. The tiles show the whole image and then more info if the viewer clicks for this. I find this is an easy way for people to scroll through and hopefully find something they like, without having to flick back and forward through different pages.