This week were having a look at what it takes to write a good C.V, I will be popping mine up here in a little while but in the mean time I've found some really useful tips on here:
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv.htm
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/cvs/Pages/default.aspx
http://careers.theguardian.com/writing-an-arts-cv
http://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/tipsheets/resumes-and-cvs-for-artists
Tuesday 26 November 2013
Sunday 17 November 2013
Careers in the industry!
So this week we've been delving deep into the industry, checking out possible career options and what the different routes entail.
On completion of my degree my initial career move idea is to become a textile designer maker, specialising in interiors. I'd love my own shop selling my own brand aswell as carefully selected products from other original designer makers from all over the country. I picture a gorgeous little place selling gorgeous little things that are just irresistible, complete with an idyllic tea room serving up delicious treats-Thats the dream anyway!
Despite this, after a lecture on possible career options, I can't say that I'm a little bit excited by the idea of working for a big/ sucessful company in their merchandising/ buying department- life in the fast lane, living in the city, cosmos after work and all that jazz definitely have appeal. So I've decided to check out the job just that little bit more...
Job Title: Buyer
Job Description: Buyers are required throughout the fashion, footwear, textile and apparel industries to purchase the raw materials or equipment required for the manufacturing process, or to find products for sale and trade to retailers.
A buyer may be involved in the following activities:
Forecasting trends
Planning ranges
Sourcing fabrics and trims
Sourcing suppliers and factories
Negotiating prices and deliveries
Following and facilitating the full production process of garments
Managing the fit and quality control processes to ensure they meet company guidelines/ standards
Presenting and justifying ranges to senior management
Analysing sales and planning mark downs to maximise profit
Buyers frequently work alongside senior management staff to determine buying requirements and budgets. Fashion buyers will also work closely with design teams to research and inform new trends.
They will also work alongside a merchandising team who hold responsibility for reviewing historical sales and other data. This team controls the financial budgets and works with the buyers to plan the introduction of new ranges, control mark downs of stock and conduct sales forecasting.
Working Hours: The working hours of a buyer can vary from company to company but mostly they will be expected to work normal office hours of between 37 and 40 hours a week. Longer hours and overtime may be required to meet deadlines and when travelling.
Essential skills: It may be useful for a person considering a career in buying to have some of the following skills and interests:
planning, budgeting and negotiation skills
the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills
a creative mind to develop ideas and be ahead of the market
Required Quals:
Employers usually expect a candidate to be educated to A-level, HND or degree standard. Many larger companies run training schemes and experience of the industry is also valued highly.
Location:A buyer is usually office-based but will be required to travel both within the UK and overseas to meet with suppliers and attend trade shows.
Salary:A Buyers Administration Assistant can expect to start on a salary of £12,000 to £18,000, £18,000 to £23,000 for an Assistant Buyer, £23,000 to £28,000 for a Junior Buyer, £26,000 to £46,000 for a Buyer and finally a Buying Manager could earn from £45,000 to £80,000 depending on experience, the size of the company and its profitability.
Progression:The typical career route, regardless of the size of company, the candidate's qualifications, age or previous experience in other jobs, is to enter a business as a BAA (Buyers Administration Assistant). Normally you will need to work as a BAA for two years, however faster progression is possible.
You could then expect to move into the role of Assistant Buyer, again this role will normally last two years. At both of these stages you will have no responsibility for managing finances or budgets but you will be assisting the department in varying functions.
Following this is progression into the roles of Junior Buyer, Buyer then finally Buying Manager. Advancement through these stages is related to the amount of money you control within your budget and your commercial success.
Buyers within the fashion and textile industry may be able to move into related areas, such as distribution, logistics, merchandising, sales, marketing or management.
www.creativeskillset.org/
Progression:The typical career route, regardless of the size of company, the candidate's qualifications, age or previous experience in other jobs, is to enter a business as a BAA (Buyers Administration Assistant). Normally you will need to work as a BAA for two years, however faster progression is possible.
You could then expect to move into the role of Assistant Buyer, again this role will normally last two years. At both of these stages you will have no responsibility for managing finances or budgets but you will be assisting the department in varying functions.
Following this is progression into the roles of Junior Buyer, Buyer then finally Buying Manager. Advancement through these stages is related to the amount of money you control within your budget and your commercial success.
Buyers within the fashion and textile industry may be able to move into related areas, such as distribution, logistics, merchandising, sales, marketing or management.
www.creativeskillset.org/
My Verdict
This all sounds so exciting, I love the sound of sourcing different fabrics and trims- shopping around for new products, and negotiating prices is definitely something that I'd thrive on. Although I'm a real creative, I love variety and can become bored easily doing the same thing day in, day out so the sales and analytical aspect of the career is definitely something that attracts me too. Again, the progression aspect within the job is hugely important to me because I always strive for the next thing and to move forward, so the fact that this career has that ladder built in is really exciting.
The downside of this career is that it's generally available in head offices of companies/ brand that are usually in the cities, being a true home bird this is does put me off.
I can't say I haven't thought buying could be something done at a younger age then possibly retire to something a little more relaxed and "maker" based...(I'll just have to talk the husband around first!)
Tina XOXO
Friday 8 November 2013
Turning to TRADE SHOWS...
What is it: THE GREAT NORTHERN COUNTRY CRAFT FAIR (GNCCF)
Where's it at: SPINNING FIELDS, MANCHESTER
What's it all about:
THE Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair at Spinningfields is recognised as one of the leading retail events for contemporary craft in the UK
- It attracts over 6000 visitors with collective exhibitor sales of over £200K.
- It showcases cutting edge contemporary craft to buy from over 150 selected designer-makers in-
- ceramics
- glass
- jewellery
- interior and fashion textiles
- wood
- paper
- silver
- metal
- product design
- print-making and more.
- Visitors can spend the day in a relaxed yet stimulating atmosphere, chat to the makers about their work and buy or commission pieces directly from them.
The idea for the GNCCF was born out of a desire to champion craft in the North, to promote designer-makers and give them a much needed platform in the region to sell their work and to engage a new audience for contemporary craft in the North.
- It showcases over 150 of the UK's leading designer-makers (and some international ones too), all selected by a prestigious panel of craft experts
- It attracts over 6000 visitors, 45% from outside of Gtr Manchester
Who's there:There are over 150 exhibitors in all of the areas mentioned above, some of my favourites include (Click the name links to read posts about each designer):
- Jacqueline Mulvaney, www.etsy.com/shop/mulvaneygirl
- Amy Lawrence, http://www.amylawrencedesigns.co.uk/82316/intro
- Claire Hillerby, http://www.clarehillerby.co.uk/index.htm
- Katie Stainer, http://www.katiestainer.co.uk/
- Hannah Sawtell, http://www.hannahsawtell.co.uk/
Thursday 7 November 2013
Turning to TRADE SHOWS...
WHAT IS IT: Country Living (Christmas Fair)
WHERE'S IT AT: Harrogate International Centre
WHEN IS IT: 28th Nov 1st-dec
WHATS IT ALL ABOUT: The Country Living magazine hold trade fairs throughout the year, but seeing as though christmas is creeping upon us, I've decided to have a good look at their up and coming fair and share it with you all.
WHO"S THERE:Again Like GNCCF, there rate hundreds of exhibitors at this fair, some of my faveorites include:
WHERE'S IT AT: Harrogate International Centre
WHEN IS IT: 28th Nov 1st-dec
Discover a whole range of inspirational and unique gift ideas from over 430 craftspeople, independent retailers and small businesses, all showcasing their original festive wares.
The Christmas Fair is the perfect place to pick up gorgeous gifts for friends and family or find a special treat for yourself. You’ll find hundreds of stands selling beautiful hand-made decorations, stunning jewellery, traditional toys, unique home accessories and stylish clothing all under one roof.
As well as shopping, the fair also includes workshops in things like card and decoration making, and I'm most excited about GINGERBREAD making!!!WHO"S THERE:Again Like GNCCF, there rate hundreds of exhibitors at this fair, some of my faveorites include:
- Alexia Claire,http://alexiaclaire.com/portfolio/
- Bowley and jackson, http://bowleyandjackson.co.uk/
- Flossy Teacake,http://www.flossyteacake.co.uk/homepage.html
Felicity thinks:
How could you not want to be at this fair? When I read the Country Living magazine I'm always taken to a lovely little fluffy place, where the world revolves around talented crafts people and simple gorgeousness; surely the country living fair has to be this place in real life???
It's a real gutsy mix of humble products from designer makers and flourishing shops that dare to stock unique pieces.
I got so excited carrying out this "research", I might of just booked myself tickets! ;)
http://www.countrylivingfair.com/harrogate/Content/Welcome/1/
Girls about town...
Today I spent a well deserved (if I say so myself) day off with my lovely mum roaming the little gems of Yarm high street.
My purchases were somewhat disappointing but generally I enjoy nothing more than feasting my eyes in the antique shop, lovely interior and gift shop "cloud cuckoo"-( which features designer maker products made in Yarm!) and of course Yarms feature store, "Strickland and Halt". The clatting floorboards, the aroma of festive burning candles and the rows of quirky toys and nik-naks all take me back to my childhood when I walk into this place.
Got some lovely inspiration for christmas things I have added to my massive to do list to make!
Purchases include a hand sewn doll rattle from Cloud Cukoo
and lovely old fashioned christmas decs by Gisela Graham from my Lecturers lovely store "Croft Interiors" in Stokesly.
Fave products from Cloud Cukoo...
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cloud-Cuckoo/185016708262631
My purchases were somewhat disappointing but generally I enjoy nothing more than feasting my eyes in the antique shop, lovely interior and gift shop "cloud cuckoo"-( which features designer maker products made in Yarm!) and of course Yarms feature store, "Strickland and Halt". The clatting floorboards, the aroma of festive burning candles and the rows of quirky toys and nik-naks all take me back to my childhood when I walk into this place.
Got some lovely inspiration for christmas things I have added to my massive to do list to make!
Purchases include a hand sewn doll rattle from Cloud Cukoo
Fave products from Cloud Cukoo...
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cloud-Cuckoo/185016708262631
One down...
I've been quiet for the last week on here as it's been hand in week at college for our first module. Iv really enjoyed "Drawing for making" but I can't wait to get my teeth stuck into some fabric! We're moving on to print and embroidery techniques next which I'm so excited about.
So having finished up my 3D drawings, here are a few for you to see. Thanks for following so far, comments are appreciated.
Christina XOXO
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