Strengths
Creative dexterity
I think I have demonstrated throughout the course that I can adapt and am more than willing to change the direction of my project if I can see real change and progress. My skills are quite eclectic and due to the nature of my profession I am able to on most occasions utilise either some form of software or seek mentor advice and guidance from people in specialised fields. I have always enjoyed being creative and believe this has been very beneficial to my progress in the course as I won’t allow limited skills to dictate its direction. I am more than willing to train myself or to do courses in order to maintain my organic and flexible working methods.
Established collaborators
Through my own personal and professional work and the study I have conducted on this M.A., I have built up a considerable number of artists and professionals that are willing to work with me for positive change.
These are detailed in my stakeholders tab.
Letting the project evolve
This is something that I think the tutors have helped me with. Not being afraid to delete that paragraph, Not being afraid to drop a character from the plot. In some ways it’s very liberating in being able to realise when to let go and I definitely see it as a strength.
Ability to self-evaluate
This is definitely something I’ve improved upon and my learning log has certainly helped my progress with this. I also try and maintain notes, whether that be on my phone or in a notebook. It’ not about being over critical. I learnt a long time ago that on occasion I need to cut myself some slack. I’ve dedicated myself this year to give everything I can. I don’t know yet if it will be enough but at least I can hold my head up high.
Ability to recover from after rejection
I’ve sent off countless emails / thoughts to different people. There are those times unfortunately, where you will not hear anything back. The trick is to wait it out a while.
If, however I have not had a response, I feel I have been able to deal with it and move on. In order to let this, unfold, I must let it take some organic form. I can also reassure myself that if I am unable to attain the stakeholder I want, there is still time down the line for people /organisations to become involved. I also help my age has enabled me – I’ve been mostly fortunate with opportunities in my life but have had the odd job rejection etc. This experience has made me a bit tougher in combatting creative foes.
Weaknesses
Being over ambitious / Over cautious
Do we all want to reach for the stars? As it stands this new direction for my project isn’t a commercial venture, however I don’t want to put any boundaries on this. Do I think this has potential to become a positive movement but I have to be realistic and know what my limitations are? There is also a time limit now – and I need to be very wary of this.
Changing direction (too much)
There is certainly a fine line to making sure that you let the project evolve, whilst also trying to maintain some control over it. It requires focus and a willingness to maintain your organisation aspects but also let the creativity run its course.
Data management
This isn’t a weakness as such but it’s something I keep trying to improve. My job dictates that I need to be trained in excel etc. I have struggled in the past but over the past couple of years I’ve added these skills to my armoury. There is a part of me that is very apprehensive about the algorithm. We all seem to be bombarded with our specific needs on our social media accounts. Data processing and crunching can sometimes make me want to hide my head under my duvet. I would much rather tune my instrument by ear.
Allowing others into the project
Perhaps something I could be accused of in the past. I’ve always wanted the end result to be perfect – like many of us. This course has enabled me to let go of the reigns a bit and to let have others not just have their say but to also help shape my ideals. This is very important to me.
Opportunities
To help others
I’ve documented the reasons why mentoring is so meaningful for me. I am really starting to believe that I can now make a difference to someone’s else life. Even just one. This means everything to me and this course has encouraged me and given me the confidence to continue this cycle of mentoring and creativity.
Future adventures with stakeholders and collaborators / Pursuing different career pathways
and goals
So much has happened in the past few months. Not just in terms of this course but the different trajectory that my career seems to be taking. Writing a children’s book had not been at the forefront of my mind but it does seem to encapsulate a lot of my passions. Working towards the happiness and fulfilment of children is so important to me. On top of this, I am able to devise different concepts and play round with images and words
Understanding other industries / To launch new pathways
I know the next few months won’t be easy. I have found out so much about writing and developing books but there is still so much to learn. From formatting to negotiating deals with different publishers, there is still so much to learn.
Threats
Diluted market of children’s books
Even in these first few weeks it is very evident that the market I want to research and potential go into as a new career is not only very competitive but also a little overwhelming. It seems that there is every form of children’s book out there. An example is that I came there always seems to be copyright infringements going on, due to lots of images of animals, letters, stories. Richard Reynolds told our class once that every story was based around Cinderella. I wonder what the equivalent is in the children’s book market? It is something I intend to research
Homelife / Covid 19 / Work
It’s been incredible hard over the past few months. I do however consider myself quite fortunate that is has not affected me too much in terms of the financial implications of this pandemic.
Having a 3-year-old son, hanging around the house means it’s quite difficult to do this course and to concentrate at times. My Wife has been very supportive but I still need to do my part.
I am in no doubt that this pandemic has held me back from doing exactly what I want to do but I will address that in a post nearer my submission date. For now, I will give everything to make this a success.
Compulsive behaviours & anxiety
This is something I tend to keep quite private but I do suffer with anxiety and I have compulsive tics which can be very tiring in trying to combat. This course has allowed my imagination to flourish on so many occasions and at times it’s been hard trying to get to sleep. Often after classes, I could never drift off as sometime I would get back after 1130pm and could simply not unwind after hearing everyone’s great ideas.
Complacency
It is nice to have a sense of pride and achievement if you’ve done something well but I have never dwelt on this. I always try to improve and even more so as I get older. I never get the feeling that I’ve done it all or that life’s complete. I want to go on even further after this course and strive for change to help others and myself.
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