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'BIG' was an inspired thought of ace illustrator
Kathy Jenkins in AOL
( Association of Illustrators
) who thought a
'Birmingham Illustrators Group' should be formed.
[This site's webmaster remembers well the group's early initiation ceremony of only allowing new entrants so long as they attended with a parrot on their left
shoulder and hopping. - Ed.] Beginnings
The group was put together in 1987 ( Birmingham UK ) and we did our first shows at things like luncheon clubs for Midlands
Advertising and Marketing Agencies. Most of us were illustrators at this time and worked with London publishers and agencies. A few of us had signed up with Artist Agents after college but many of us were
still going the rounds for freelance stuff with portfolio under arm.
Meetings ... from homes at first to pub meetings when the Group got too 'big'.
When BIG was
massive ('like for your annual large table
plus biscuits WITH your cafe latte, comfy sits 'n carpet - no tiles style meetin' - Ed
) we'd just go and hire the best at the main Midland Art Centre, Birmingham, UK. Surgeries We started to work out with new members the top ways for their work to be matched to vital earnings – result > mass overload. Now individual
surgeries are booked usually at the end of a working week each month to allow more time and concentration on specific questions. Everyone finds it useful to talk with an experienced creative 'in the field'
(or the pub! - Ed). This careers
advice throughout the year slots into our original mission ("the first directive captain?" "yeah!") and now we just pre-book each one to save being swamped.
These meets can as easily be used to discuss marketing, presentation and things that are usefully
shared between artists. Talks
The last BIG one you missed! It was at the Bond (Ice Factory) for the Chartered Society of Designers. We ask that groups, colleges and schools email us initially as BIG does not operate a full staffed
office. We usually have someone available and there is no doubt that our 'behind the scenes' chat format (incl. pics) is still the most popular and ever 'eye-opening' to students about to apply for
commissions or seek creative jobs. Topics are freshly linked to audiences but you might
get some ideas for your personal needs from last years list:
Young Image Makers 'Guide to the ImageWorld'. Architectural Presentation. Clients, their budgets, and their markets. Briefs and no briefs. ( lol "We're talking details of the work" :) ) I'll know what I want when I see it. Quality of product and service counts but there's more. It's a political, compromising obstacle course out there.
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