James Ballantyne

Its Liminal Everyday

Half In Wood, Half In Iron

Garmisch

Paris

Cherie Federica - Aesthetica Magazine

Cherie kindly gave a lecture on how she built the world renowned Aesthetica whilst studying in york.

I must note how nice and professional Cherie was, as I have been to other talks with industry professionals who wanted to flake as soon as an issue happened. It was refreshing to see.

Although the work in Aesthetica doesn't align with my work there was a large amount of information to take away within considerations to my practice.

Cherie emphasised that she had no idea what she was doing when building the magazine company; it was new territory. Learning as you go proved to be a difficulty to be overcome but it was valuable to learn on the way. It's worth throwing yourself in the deep end, it's either swim or drown, instincts kick in so you swim.

What I pulled from it was the considerations towards photographic competitions, as this is a great way to get your work seen by industry proven professionals. Cherie made a critical point on making sure you know the magazine. An easy oversight. I overlooked it a lot. It was understanding your work went to the right place, in order to be reviewed and appreciated properly.

Further adding if you submit more than one image, be clear in what the story is. Be absolute in its understanding when submitting work to external places.

Follow up emails and contact people directly. Some artists and photographers have telephone numbers in their contacts page. Telephone them with a clear direct intention.

Since this talk, I have submitted work alongisde a group of peers at my university to Source Graduate Showcase.