Our Job Profiles are designed to describe how those interviewed have reached their current position and for them to give advice to graduates seeking a similar career.
Fine art Graduate Laura Whitehead talks about self employment and opening a commercial gallery.
What have you been doing to since leaving the University of Lincoln?
After leaving University Laura tried to find a job where she could use the skills developed during her degree. Finding vacancies in the arts industry proved difficult and she took up a part time catering role in order to continue her fine art practice. From this experience she developed the idea for In Vitro gallery, a gallery in Lincoln which would help other artists in her position.
Laura felt that Lincoln had a gap that needed to be filled and that the current art scene in Lincoln was slightly old fashioned and this gallery would bring something different to the area to showcase new work.
What did you do in order to prepare for your business plan?
Business Link and the Enterprise Inc. scheme were a huge help and this advice can apply to anyone with an enterprising idea.
What are the aims of The In Vitro Gallery?
The Gallery aims to showcase work of new artists, whether these are students, recent graduates or artists just starting out. The Gallery is beginning to attract more established and international artists such as Adam Watkins.
What would be a typical day at the Gallery?
A big majority of time is focused on social networking and creating a web presence for the gallery. This is a free and really effective way of marketing and getting the gallery into the public eye. In Vitro also have a Facebook page in order to develop a network of artists interested in the gallery. As manager of the Gallery Laura is involved in all methods of promotion and marketing which also involves designing flyers and posters. As the gallery is still relatively small the curation and front of house role is also a major part of Laura’s day to day role.
How important is networking?
Networking within this industry is hugely important. Laura stated that 90% of all exhibiting artists at the gallery have been contacted through some type of networking, whether this is through gallery openings or social networking.
What would be your advice to a student graduating now?
Try and be as involved in the arts scene as much as possible, get involved on the side of your studies and try to keep your hand in.
After graduating Laura felt she needed some time out and she was not ready to start a business straight away. “I was not personally ready, experience makes you appreciate it more, but whatever you are doing, always keep your ambitions in the back of your mind.”
How can students and graduates approach the gallery?
Anyone can just come into the gallery and pop in for a chat. A lot of artists contact Laura through the website and via email, these meetings are very informal. Artists can contact Laura on iam@moofy.me.uk or call on 07866 971474.
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