Post-Graduate Showcase & bridging the gap into industry.

The GCA’s New Creative Talent project has built up a series of resources to both support GCA members looking to recruit new creative talent, and to offer a route into the industry for those looking to join. This project is led by industry creative leader Geoff Sanderson, from Celebration Nation, and below he shares details of some of the graduates he’s working with:

The post festive weeks can be a no-man’s-land, so I’m hoping this is a good time to bring a little colour and something for free!
Geoff Sanderson

Calling Cards

Under the umbrella of the GCA’s New Creative Talent initiative I’d like to share the ‘calling cards’ of a group of recent graduates I selected to mentor and who have expressed both an interest in working in the greetings industry and are available for work.

Each was asked to design a simple 1 page ‘calling card’ to share with you. This calling card is like a business card or flyer giving a quick overview of their style, recent work, interests and contact details.

It has been a joy to work with this group on a few projects I have set already; all have great talent, potential and come highly recommended. Please feel free to check out their work, contact directly or if you prefer connect via me – geoffsanderson@mac.com .

Bridging the Gap

Thinking about our New Creative Talent initiative going forwards:

In many ways post-graduates are in their own no-man’s-land, between a lifetime of education and a desire to be in the real world; whether setting up their own business to be self-sufficient, becoming freelance or finding a job to start their careers. Many work in retail and hospitality to pay the rent which in turn can create practical demands that start to change their focus and priorities, and some maybe even fall through the net.

We all know it’s a tough world out there but to my mind, education and the graduate themselves can only do some of the job in bridging this gap. If our industry can provide the bridge i.e. an experience or opportunity, no matter how big or small it can help pave the way for encouraging more relevant talent into our category as well as developing your own needs. The more time taken to explain or direct the difference between innovation and commerciality, what sells and what doesn’t, is the thing that separates raw talent from valuable people and ideas.

We appreciate and know that many members are involved in building these bridges already, and if possible it’d be great to hear of your experiences and stories from 2023 so we can create a true picture of this sector, promote you and your good work better and help refine a New Creative Talent programme for 2024.

All feedback welcome please contact geoffsanderson@mac.com or hello@gca.cards