SHOW it. Fix it. Show it.

There are many good things to be said about the local creative industry — a fact which in and of itself is testament to the impressive growth the industry has seen in the last decade and a half. All indicators currently suggest the positive development will continue, and while it does, the industry’s practitioners — particularly the new bloods working to carve their own niche — should become more active in putting their work out there… everywhere, and for two good reasons.

Raise your game

There are obvious considerations when putting your work on display, all of which I can appreciate, particularly the risk of plagiarism. In the grand scheme of things though, they aren’t good enough reasons to keep your creations under your pillow. I often get questioned by young designers and creatives, on what’s the best way to get their work noticed by potential employers, or businesses which need creative services. My response to them is usually along the lines of “have you already shown your work to your fellow creatives?… Have you shared it with more experienced and — by your own estimation — better practitioners in your field?” The answer I get is often “no” or “not really.”

Young creatives should bear in mind that the reason I stress sharing their work initially, is not to show what they can do — but instead to show what they can’t yet do.

It can never be overstated, the importance of getting feedback from peers. I personally think the best feedback comes in two sizes: brutally honest, and constructive. As a creative newbie, fresh out the gate, if your feedback mostly comes from ‘friends’ and loved ones, and that feedback is all or mostly ovational, then you need to step away from the applause and find an objective audience that cares very little about your feelings.

Jedi level

This is not to say your work as a relative newbie can’t be on a ‘Jedi’ level, but my guess is if you were a savant, you’d already be famous. I strongly suggest all the non-savants actively put their work up for fair comparison and honest feedback, and do so hoping that people will tear the work apart — hopefully in good spirit.

Actively seek out the opinions of peers, like-minded and otherwise, and the opinions of more experienced, successful practitioners in your field. If feedback is slow in coming, then keep asking for it. Be annoying if you have to. Well seasoned and knowledgeable professionals will often appreciate your desire to improve, and if nothing else, your high regard for their opinion will make them feel important… and everyone likes an ego boost.

In a nutshell, you need the opinions and the healthy competition of fellow newbies and other creatives of every level of skill between yourself and the best there is. Feedback helps you develop honest self-assessment, and frankly, you need to compare yourself to everyone if you are to raise your own game. You need to know your strengths, weaknesses, and you absolutely need to know where your niche is, and what level you need to reach to carve your place in it.

Show your skill

Actively put your work in front of everyone. Get a personal portfolio site. Heck, get several. Seriously. There are many — good and free ones too — each offering a different approach and format through which to showcase work, so there really is no excuse.

Don’t hesitate to join (established or up and coming) groups or associations which cater to your specific or general field; be active and network with your fellow creatives. Never get sucked into the false notion that you’re competing ‘against’ them, instead, think of it more as competing ‘with’ them, in healthy competition.

Each of us is a link in the chain that is the industry, and the stronger each link is, the more weight we can lift together, and the further forward we can take our industry.

Get yourself active on social media and use all the popular platforms to show your work and build a following. The better your work, the faster and larger your following will grow, and the more active your followers will be in engaging with and sharing it.

The world is a very large place and comparatively, people who need to have things created for them far outnumber the people who can create things, so open yourself up to as wide an audience as possible.

It sounds cliché to say you never know who’s looking, but you’d be wise to convince yourself that everyone is. Make them look.

Neil Buckle is a graphic designer, illustrator and fine artist. He’s also Director of Student Affairs within the Jamaica Design Association (JDA). Contact the JDA at info@jamaicadesign.org