Graduating from Bath Spa University in 2019, Archie delivered a virtual talk about how he has found life post university.
Applying for different awards and competitions around the country, Archie was successful enough to be shortlisted for Source Graduate, Photograd and winner of the South West Graduate prize. Archie spoke about how important it is for you to be apart of exhibitions and competitions to get your work shown in the industry. Even with the smaller exhibitions I have been apart of during my time at university has given me knowledge to be able to help put up bigger exhibitions in the future. For example, having his Archie’s work, ‘Stemming The Tide,’ shown at the South West Graduate Prize show in 2019, has really helped increase his network.
However, you will not always win competitions or get what you apply for and this should not be taken personally. Archie explained that ‘For every 10 things you apply for, you will only get 1 response.’ The photographic world is so competitive, rejection can be tough but you have to move on and keep trying. Archie’s example of this was sending in a project to The Guardian, however he was rejected. It is good when you are informed of why you were not accepted as you can learn from this, but it is also polite for companies to do this. However after many emails, C41 magazine accepted Archie’s work and agreed to work with him. So again, even though you will receive no’s, there will be yes’s too!
Social media has played a big role in Archie’s early career as most of the clients Archie has worked for post uni, has come from Instagram direct messages. Archie recently assisted a photographer who was working on a campaign for fashion company Gucci, creating content for their new watch. This job came about via Instagram. What is important when sending messages via social media is to keep it casual but show your engagement with their work. Being yourself and carrying yourself well are key factors, making sure you portray a kind persona but also showing that you are persistent and know what you are talking about.
‘Stemming The Tide’ - Knife Crime
