Cartoon workshops for all

I recently bumped in to a past colleague at a networking event. A talented illustrator who I used to work with at a marketing agency, and is now exploring new ground running cartooning workshops for old and young; with equally popular results. Recent events for school children as well as Mensa have gone down a storm, so here is a quick Q&A with Peter Bellingham, the man behind the pencil.

When did you first start drawing?

Comics were my first inspiration. My parents bought me one every week, starting with Whizzer & Chips, then Look-In before I finally became hooked on the Marvel superhero comics. I'm pretty sure The Incredible Hulk was the first thing I ever drew.
When I was ten I drew a picture of my headmaster's favourite singer, Debbie Harry from Blondie; she was my favourite too. He stuck it on his office wall and it was then that I realised I might be quite good at this drawing lark.

When did your talent turn into a career?

When I started secondary school I would draw pictures of popstars for my friends to pin on their walls. At 50p a time, it was the first time I earnt any money from drawing and funded my addiction to Curly Wurlys.
After college, I began working as a designer at a large newspaper group in the North West. When the Editor in Chief said he'd sacked the cartoonist because he was too expensive, I volunteered to fill in and my cartooning alter-ego Scooter McKenzie was born. Ten years later and I was still doing it; I was obviously very cheap.

Why did you start the cartooning workshops?

I was at a craft fair, selling greetings cards. I would draw a cartoon on a card, put a sticker on it saying 'fresh today' and when it sold, I'd start another. Forgive the pun but it drew people to my stall, all of them wanting to chat or ask questions. One person asked if I could teach this skill to children and, not wanting to turn down any sort of work, I said I probably could. The next thing I knew, I had two workshops at Abingdon Museum as part of their Arts Festival. I've also talked to Abingdon Art Society and was the 'entertainment' for a large gathering of members of Mensa.

What's next?

More workshops and seminars. In the coming months I'm teaching people how to draw American cartoon characters at a 4th of July event, I'm demonstrating cartoon skills at the Fun in the Park event in Abingdon on September 13th and giving a workshop for Henley Rowing and River Museum's Family Day in October.
There may also be a book in the pipeline at some point in the future, sharing all my cartooning tips and secrets.

What type of projects do you work on for clients?

Illustration of all kinds, most of it for advertising or marketing use. I draw a lot of personalised company Christmas cards for businesses and I'm mostly hired by marketing or design companies to add illustrations to their printed material or web based projects. I've also just joined the largest cartoon distribution group on the internet and am excited at the prospect of supplying cartoons to publications all over the world.

How can we find out more?

You can visit the following websites:
For contact information and an extensive gallery:
http://www.peterbellinghamillustration.co.uk/
For more up to date news and images:
http://www.scootermckenzie.blogspot.com/
To buy merchandise:
http://www.aarght.com/art-gallery/peter-bellingham.aspx
or email me: peterbellingham@postmaster.co.uk

93% of your first impression is down to body language....sit up straight!

A few weeks ago I attended a talk at The Late Breakfast on presentation skills, hosted by Hilary Lewis of Creative Training and Alison May of Colour Me Beautiful.

Wait, wait, I know we've all been forced to go on corporate 'how to give a good presentation' type courses, where you sit yawning at the back knowing full well that you should make eye contact, keep it short, la la...but this was fun! I smiled, I laughed, I made the odd faux pas, but I enjoyed every moment.

So, of course, now it's here on the blog. I'll keep it short!

Hilary stood up in the most amazing skirt with brightly coloured children flying kites dancing around the hem. Check in the box for first impressions by my measures. I loved that skirt.

Alison was wearing all black - didn't someone tell me recently that this was a big no-no? Reminded people of death and all that?!

We learn good presentation skills through intelligent play, so after telling us that people form an opinion within the first 5 seconds of meeting you, Hilary had us on our feet shaking hands with someone we didn't know. I slightly misunderstood this task, ran up to a stranger, shook her hand and ran off again. Nil points for first impression made by Warrilow PR on this occasion. Note to self, listen more carefully.

We then went on to create still scenes in small groups of four or five -a great presentation, an awful presentation, a disaster and an awards ceremony. I was the only lady in our group of four. My suggestion that two of the men 'hug' for the awards sketch was laughed off nervously, and a handshake quickly decided on oops.

It was really interesting to see how the same poses, with different facial expressions could completely alter the impression given off.

After we re-took our seats we had to do a very quick sketch of the person next to us. Now, I'm no artist but this does look just like the person I drew, I swear! It picks out the details that her first impression give - which is a good test of what stands out about you. I had a great scarf on that day which made it in; must wear that more often.

Alison reappeared for her part of the presentation having had a complete outfit change. The black number was a plot, damn I can't go back to black after all. And she did look amazingly different in navy trousers, a salmon pink blazer and a geometric necklace. Her skin looked all rosey, her hair style was noticable and her petit frame shown off to it's full potential - in a professional way!

Alison talked about what different colours say about you and I kept thinking about my bland predominantly black wardrobe. I definitely need to book myself in for a consultation. I've never been a navy type of person but apparently it's the stylish version of black, I need to investigate - it's also considered peaceful, trustworthy and respectable. I can't believe I have nothing navy in my wardrobe, surely this is me!

Wearing red makes you memorable. I have nothing red either! I have some serious shopping ahead of me.

Hilary and Alison are both really inspiring speakers and great at what they do. Make sure to visit their websites if you want guidance on making a good first impression.

I am off to put 90% of my clothes on Ebay and start shopping for navy and red; I hope I don't look to nautical?!

Building a better business

I attended a really good networking event yesterday hosted by The Late Breakfast which included workshops from various people including Merrill Jacobs and Steve Gunn on smarter web success and Appletree on marketing planning.

Merrill, Steve, and Emma from Appletree will be guest blogging for me, so watch this post, more to come soon!

Oh, and after the 'don't wear black, it reminds people of death' incident, I went in a super snazzy yellow, white (with a hint of black) ensemble. Nadine, the image consultant was there and although didn't comment, I got vibes of approval.

SpecialEffect - a charity transforming lives

This weeks blog comes courtesy of Nick Streeter of SpecialEffect. Here Nick introduces the charity and the amazing work that it does.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
US anthropologist & popularizer of anthropology (1901 - 1978).

This fantastic quotes sums up what a small Oxfordshire charity launched with £70 in January 2007 is doing in transforming the lives of children and young people with disabilities. One year later SpecialEffect has a small team of dedicated volunteers, supporters and above all our voluntary Director Mick and Patron Matt Hampson that have won two national awards and have been doing some amazing ground breaking things allowing people like young Helen who has a severe disability to play a computer game with her eyes alone. The smiles in this short music video say it all! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3UT79TLwBU

SpecialEffect is a charity dedicated to helping ALL young people with disabilities to enjoy computer games and to help people with severe disabilities like our inspirational Patron Matt Hampson to have freedom via technology. Matt was training for the England Under 21 when he was paralysed from the neck down, and who helped inspire the formation of the charity when SpecialEffect Director Mick Donegan starting helping Matt to access technology. Matt is dedciated to raising funds and awareness about disability. You can read Matt's story at

http://www.specialeffect.org.uk/pages/matt.htm

SpecialEffect's core projects are; Stargaze, inspired by Matt, which seeks to help people who experience severe injuries like Matt and; Game For Helen, which seeks to create the world's first fully accessible computer games suite at the Helen and Douglas House Hospice, which will include an eye control computer and adapted computer games and devices. In time, SpecialEffect hopes to help children with disabilities in other hospices and hospitals and to continue running its award winning computer games road shows for disabled groups of young people.

To find out more visit

www.specialeffect.org.uk

25 Things About Me

So, I’m approaching the big 3-0. Not with fear or despair. Not with regret or remorse. But with a feeling that the last 30 years have gone pretty damn quick. When did I become an adult and not a tiny little sparrow as my gran called me.

Writing my 25 things about me is just as much to reflect on who I am at the age of 29 and most of the days that equal being 30, as it is to give an insight to others. So here goes, deep breath.

1. The most influential book I read as a child was Sally’s Secret by Shirley Hughes, and as an adult The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon.

2. I sometimes put plastic or glass in the bin when I’m in a hurry and then have to go and put them in the recycling when it won’t stop niggling me.

3. I sometimes dream in vivid detail about the end of the world. Apparently it’s something to do with a struggle between my conscious and subconscious.

4. I need to be needed. Whether it’s in a crisis, like when my mother in law had a stroke when we were on our honeymoon, or giving advice on weddings, fancy dress, cooking or babies to friends, or at work on PR. I need people to need me; to have a role.

5. Saying I love you is one of the most important and most difficult things to say to the people you care about the most.

6. I love to cook. I love to experiment and create new recipes. I’m not good at making cakes.

7. I have wine and Lindt chocolate and The Apprentice is on in half an hour. I am happy.

8. The smell of the back of my sons’ neck, and apple blossom are the best smells in the world.

9. After I’ve hoovered the house, I empty the bag to see how much dirt I’ve collected.

10. Leaving a job, getting married, going travelling, falling pregnant and setting up a business in one year is possible. Moving house in one year is not possible.

11. I know exactly where my passport, birth certificate, driving license, marriage certificate, national insurance card and spare car keys are.

12. I’ve always been scared and dismissive of clairvoyants but very recently I’ve had an urge to go and see one.

13. I love planning surprises.

14. I sometimes day dream that I save a life or prevent a tragedy.

15. Christmas is a really important time of year for me. I take charge of the buffet trolley and if any of our family traditions including stockings, champagne by the fire, sprout ball (a festive baseball like game) or the crackers were left out, I don’t think I’d ever get over it.

16. I read the newspapers, but sometimes wish I was doing something else instead.

17. I use the name Brian as a term of endearment.

18. My business wouldn’t have succeeded if it wasn’t for some very special people I’ve met along the way – colleagues that have become mentors, mentors that have become friends, Facebook faces who have come to be very important to me, family who have climbed a learning curve with me.

19. One day I want a tea shop.

20. When my baby son passes me his dummy to share it, my heart melts.

21. As Thomas Edison said ‘there’s a way to do it better, find it’.

22. I am sure that my husbands’ grandmother has been following me around since she passed away in July 2008.

23. Salt and vinegar chip sticks are the best crisps ever invented.

24. Doing a live interview for Central News was one of my proudest work moments.

25. Its gone dark and I’ve left the washing on the line. Crap baskets as my husband would say.


p.s. This was written yesterday evening, I'm not drinking wine or eating chocolate at 9.30 in the morning; it is only a Tuesday after all.

Don’t wear black it reminds people of death

Last week I attended a local networking breakfast which included a talk from a really lovely lady called Nadine from Praxis Image Consultants on self branding.

I knew the talk was going to be happening so I paid particular attention that morning, opting for pink lip gloss rather than Vaseline, and a smart black puffy top and skirt with big black and white bow combo, rather than the usual trouser suit.

I may have got it a little bit wrong….devastating. Nadine’s talk was really interesting, informal, encouraging plenty of banter from the audience, and provided a real reality check on what impressions you give to people when meeting them in environments such as a networking meeting.

I see myself as an approachable, friendly type, but apparently wearing black is a big no no. Not only does it remind people of death, it drains the colour from your face, and makes your mouth appear smaller and shrivelled; hiding that welcoming smile that you may be proudly displaying. 0 out of 10 for me then. At least I wasn’t alone; and giggled (a little childishly I admit) along with the other two ladies unfortunate enough to be wearing black also.

Before I move on, did you know that Chanel initially started the popularity for black and white? Not many people knew that the reason behind their styling was that they wanted to make the upper classes look like their servants! I did feel even more self conscious when carrying a tray of tea and coffee over to a just met networker, that I may be mistaken for a waitress.

So, Nadine got us all thinking about the first impressions we make – an opinion is formed in milliseconds; and after that we look for evidence to back up our conclusions; not dispel them. So our appearance is vitally important.

Body language is equally important; apparently relaxing and letting your shoulders drop before entering a room is a really good way to start. Walk in ready to make eye contact with people; careful though, no crazy stares.

In addition to this tone of voice needs to be considered. Women have a tendency to jump up an octave especially when passionate or excited about a topic of conversation. This makes men shut down. It reminds them of their nagging wife and they instantly switch off. Beware ladies – no black, and definitely no squeaky tones.

Your reputation is really important in business. Many small businesses thrive on word of mouth recommendations. When you attend a networking event, believe in yourself. If someone says they’ve heard about you when you introduce yourself, assume what they’ve heard is good and continue the conversation on a positive note. If you drank to much champagne at a clients launch party last week and had to be folded into a taxi resembling an origami frog, then you may well not be so confident, but hopefully that’s not the case. Is it?!

On the same note of reputation, creating a positive, strong and lasting impression is what will set you apart from the competition. If you meet two web designers at a meeting and one is smartly dressed (with that all important flash of colour), greets you with smiling eye contact, a firm handshake and proceeds to ask you about yourself then you’ll remember that one. Rather than the one that’s standing in the corner fiddling with his Blackberry looking uncomfortable.

Networking isn’t for everyone, but for those who relish the opportunity of meeting other business people across a wide range of industries and professions, Nadine’s tips can make it a really productive and enjoyable experience.

We also spent some time looking at our strengths and weaknesses to identify how we can really put our best foot forward and make that all important good impression. One gentleman who I’ve been bumping into at networking events for some time now always has 101 things to do, is off to a meeting next, or to spend some time with one of the charities he supports, he’s always on the go. But, he never, ever appears rushed or flustered. He’s always calm, smart and collected. He always has time, never disappears early or checks his watch. He must have a nanny, a cleaner and a PA stashed away somewhere, surely.

On the day following the revelations about what wearing black can do to you, I wore yellow. I may have looked like a bumble bee, but at least you could tell when I was smiling. And any excuse to go clothes shopping is always trés welcome.

For more information about self branding and personal image contact Nadine at Praxis Image Consultants. Guaranteed to brighten up your day, and your wardrobe.

Ethical Business Club brings together people with common objectives.

I recently attended an Ethical Business Club Networking Event in Oxford, where I met some really interesting people who I though might be of interest to you also.

The Ethical Business Club promotes green, enterprising organisations, and helps businesses along the path of being climate aware, reducing your carbon footprint and considering sustainability.

Jill Holmes of Climate Xchange told me about their low energy light bulb library over a lovely meal of what the menu said was beef with provencal sauce but I’m sure was a spicy pork burger! Anyway, it was both delicious and organic too.

The meal was followed by a very informative talk from Mike McKinley on fair-trade, including how the initiative ensures a fair price for suppliers, and also generates donations towards education and other community projects. Visit http://www.traidcraft.co.uk/ and http://www.tradeoutofpoverty.org/. Mike – I loved the giraffe tie.

We also had a presentation from the Green Economics Institute which was jam packed with information on greening the economy and green jobs. I was trying to pay attention despite the fact that a waiter and waitress appeared to be having a passionate moment behind the bar. The amount of detail was a little overwhelming to summarise, visit http://www.greeneconomics.org.uk/ for more.

The event was extremely interesting, the food was good, and the attendance of The Lord Mayor of Oxford Susanna Pressel in all of her official jewellery was very welcome. The gorgeous Vaults and Garden in Oxford was also a beautiful venue.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the group, or if you want to attend a future event visit http://www.the-ethical-business-club.co.uk/. My only faux pas of the evening – invite said cocktail dresses, I did cocktail dress, I was alone, although I feel I stood out, which is never a bad thing!