A few people have been asking me about my current situation in life and regards to my work. This blog post is to address my thoughts, concerns and what actually has been happening in the World of Adam Branch and Branchy Design. This blog post is a form of closure, hopefully it will be therapeutic to get this out in the open.

I was briefly employed from late October to early January at a sign shop in Launceston. I saw the job in the Examiner on the Wednesday in late September and one month later, I had my interview conducted and was officially employed.

My boss told me that I was to remain a casual employee doing only three days a week, 24 hours total. I was happy with this setup as I had to travel 1 hour to and from work everyday. The boss promised more work once the year was over, starting in January next year.

I enjoyed the work! I was on my feet most of the day, helping the screen printing shop and doing signage when required. Although I was happy with my work and my hours, the job was not able to last.

When I was due to return to work, my boss said there was little to no work for me, and said to hold out till the election. I remained hopeful that an election victory that my boss would be happy with would put my sign career back on course.

Even after a Liberal landslide victory at the Tasmanian election which would in theory bring confidence back to small business owners, it was not enough. Work had died down, one of my colleagues who was full time last year is only casual 2 days a week now, and the demand has subsided to a stop.

My boss rang me to say that there was no work for me, and I had to look for something else, but if circumstances changed they would call me right away.

So the job hunt begins again.

A job hunt in an unforgiving 'experience means more than your degree' market.

I have turned quite bitter towards the industry as a whole, but I remain optimistic. I understand that experience does indeed stack up better than a piece of paper, but not having solid work experience does phase me. What qualifies for work experience? I have been freelancing for over two years now, does that mean I have two years experience in the field? I like to think so, but it's not for me to decide, it's the employer.

That's just a little rant in the world of Branchy and his Design. I have not been very active lately aside from tending to clients. Hopefully freelancing picks up a bit and can evolve even further. 

My next blog post will be about the next 6 months, my plans, my goals and my promises as a Designer and Cartoonist. I hope you stick around for them!

-Branchy

If you are reading this, then I'm sure you have seen my site redesign!

It is the same site, but with a cleaner, more cutting edge style that compliments my graphic design and cartoons rather well. For reference, here is my old home page:

I made the site in 2011 after graduating from uni, so it was starting to show it's age. In 2012 I made the grid format home page, and I still think that is an effective way to welcome guests to my site.

I added a Branchy News Portal to the front page, that I can link to the rest of my site if I want to draw attention to something (an external site, an announcement etc). It should be a good way to keep up to date!

Onto some more exciting news: I have plans to announce a new cartoon, coming soon.

I promise I won't do another Project Climb Aboard: This one is the real deal. It's one I want to draw, but most importantly, I can draw. 

Check the Blog or my Facebook page for that announcement!

-Branchy

Aside from applying for jobs, here is what I have been up too lately! (Been a long time since my last post regarding Project Climb Aboard)

1. Freelance work: I have been completing a website for a client in Scottsdale, and so far it is going very good! Some constructive feedback has been received, and the result should look outstanding! I am also conducting research for a new project I am doing with a friend of mine, which should be a rewarding venture.
2. Personal work: I have been writing the back story for my graphic novel, drawing initial characters and settings should begin soon. Hang in there!

Apart from that, I have been to Melbourne twice to Soundwave 2013 and Guns n' Roses, all within two weeks!

I will be releasing more info shortly on Project Climb Aboard, so watch out for that!

I haven't updated this blog as of late, so I will now give you the rundown of my happenings for the past month and beyond.

• In early December I launched 'Bogan's Corner', my first ever webcomic. You can find it at www.boganscorner.com. So far it has been quite successful for its first month, so hopefully it continues to grow!
• I ordered more copies of 'Once Upon a Time in the Country', so if you would like to secure your copy, please head to the purchase page, or contact me to get everything in order.
  
• During December in my studio I helped Letterworks out, that was rewarding for both of us. Always happy to help out!
• I have been applying for jobs unsuccessfully. I have heard back from a few people which is great, but nothing solid as of now.

Now a brief outline of the future:

While I am still job seeking, I want to write and illustrate another graphic novel. This one will be longer than my previous one, and I intend to make it relevant to a much broader audience. The only problem is, I don't know what to do it about!

I would love to know what you guys would want, as I am in a bit of a pickle. Either contact me or reply to this blog, all suggestions will be read and acknowledged! 

Cheers guys, welcome to 2013, hope it's a good one for everyone!

Once again I am back in Scottsdale as uni is finished, FOREVER!

I have a few bits and bobs to share about what I will be doing for the next few months.

My first priority is to look for current graphic design related jobs. My freelance experience combined with my graphic design degree should put me as a great candidate for many positions. 

In the meantime I will be doing a few freelance graphic design projects, as well as setting up my own dedicated space for graphic design.

I feel having my own space would be great for both my clients as it shows them that I am dedicated and professional, plus it will be great for the work I do, as having a dedicated space would work wonders on the projects that I do.

Stay tuned for more news as it develops!