Finding Your Feet After Graduation

We all have these big plans for when we finally finish education, the thought off finally joining the working world and receiving those thick monthly pay cheques to treat ourselves. It's something that you'll find is talked about quite a bit in the build up to your graduation, but no one really tells you just how quick that last year comes around and personally, theres very little support from your uni. Its all well and good talking about it, but if you live somewhere that is highly populated and your ideal job comes around once in a blue moon, to then face 100 other people who's trained just as much as you have for this job, to secure something becomes more than just a chore.

1. Relax, and don't rush

I graduated back in July, and living in London can be tough as an actor and newly blogger. When you're looking for work in such a tough field and the right job hasn't come along yet then don't feel the need to rush. Things happen in their own way, and just because Bella who sat opposite you in class come straight out of education into their dream job, then it doesn't mean that its too late for you. Sometimes having a few months off to yourself so that you can figure out what you really want to do in life can be a blessing, so don't chuck it into being a negative. If you worked part time at a shop, or a restaurant, or wherever to help get that extra income in whilst studying then just stay at that job, keep the hours or ask for a few more just so you can cover the basics, and then just relax and be you for a bit. At the end of the day, you've spent your whole life studying, take these months to start something that you've been prolonging, and then before you know it you'll find your ideal job. Maybe its not your dream job, but its a stepping stone and that is ok. Don't trick yourself into thinking that you've only got a few years into being in the position where you want to be, or where else is left to go!

2. Don't just go for any job

This is a little tricky financially, but if you're in a position where your basics are covered then don't just apply for any job that comes on the market, or else you'll get stuck with enjoying the money and stability and everything that you've been working towards will feel less important... But you'll always have something missing, a hint of regret. If you need a job to help you pay your rent on time etc etc, then get a job that you'll find so boring that you'll always be wanting more. This will keep your heading ticking, you'll stay focused on whats really important and you'll constantly be looking for that job, constantly working towards that bigger picture.

3. Don't get lost, invest your time wisely

Whether its a workshop here, or a training day there, or maybe theres a motivational book, buy it! Anything thats going to look good on your CV but also motivates you to keep going then thats where your money should be going. A designer bag can wait, that coat that you saw last week? Really not important. Spend that money on something thats going to really benefit you. Now I know money doesn't grow on trees and this is where you have to be smart, don't just go for any old thing but focus on something that needs more work and go from there. Start to motivate yourself, don't just rely on others to do it for you.

These steps are very basic, but they're something that I lost along the way after graduating. I applied for job, after job, after job, and sometimes I didn't even properly read the job description. I just wanted to get out of working in hospitality and find a job that will pay for everything that I am currently saving towards. It's now nearly October and I have just been offered a job somewhere so perfect, that all of this time off has been worth it. I have never given up on what I want to do career wise, and putting in that time and effort really pays off. So don't you give up either, everyone can get there, its just whether you have the patience for it.

(I do apologise for the lack of colour and photography, my camera has broke so once I have a new one then I shall be updating all my posts!)

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Graduation | THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SCREEN ACTING

Education has been a big part of my life in which I never truly thought I would see the back off. After each milestone, I was in the process of another. From School -- College -- Uni... To now. The Unknown.

My school is a little different than others, and yes you have read that correctly... School. The International School of Screen Acting is a full time drama school specialising in intense training for screen. I have had the privilege in not only being in the company of industry professionals, but also being taught by them. Expressing their own personal take on the industry and their 'What I would have done differently and what I wish I had known back then'. If you would like to know more about the school, I'v attached the link for you!

With all of that in mind, you can probably imagine how different my graduation was compared to others. Sadly, there were no gowns and graduation hats flying around in the air, and there was no shiny degree certificate waiting for me... On the plus side, there wasn't a 10,000 word dissertation to hand in either! But more importantly, it was held at BAFTA Piccadilly!

Now a little bit of information that you might want to know about this school, you have two graduations. Yes two! A graduation day to welcome other industry professionals such as agents and casting directors, and a graduation for friends and family. If finding an outfit for your graduation wasn't hard enough already, finding two was certainly 8x the stress!

I am kicking myself at the moment as I was so caught up in the moment that my photos are very limited, and the ones that I do have are very rushed and blurry. For the first graduation, I wore this cute little black unitard jumpsuit from the Sarah Ashcroft collection at In the Style. It's very sophisticated and very simple, which is the look I was going for when meeting agents and casting directors. The last thing that I wanted was to look too forceful, it has enough detail with the sleeve like wrap, but it was neutral enough for the industry professionals to picture me as other characters. A blank book! I paired this with a white cape blazer from Boohoo.

The whole day was actually very relaxed. I arrived at BAFTA in Piccadilly for 12.30 where I was greeted with a nice fresh glass of OJ and seeing my photo plastered everywhere. It's something that I don't think I will ever be able to get used to! We then entered the screening where we were able to watch our showreels for the first time ever. I was ridiculously nervous, squeezing hands with anyone that I could get hold off. The not knowing if it was going to an absolute disaster or if the hard work paid off whilst watching it with professionals was so daunting and terrifying. BUT I managed to get through the whole thing with out crying! The rosé afterwards was definitely welcomed with open hands though. We were then able to chat to everyone who attended and afterwards, I just couldn't resist a good Chinese buffet in China Town.

The friends and family screening was much more relaxed and the atmosphere of all of the proud parents was breathtaking. My parents and my boyfriends parents come up from Exeter and we spent the day in this cute little bar in The Good Hotel, Royal Victoria Docks. We went for some food at a restaurant near my flat before heading to The Picture House, Stratford for my second screening. This time I wore something a little more adventurous and daring. This Silky Plunge Shift Dress was super comfortable and effortless. I wore a long necklace with this and paired with nude shoes.

                         

I honestly couldn't thank my family and class mates enough. It was truly the best end to what has been the most incredible 2 years of my life. All there is from now is an upward incline and I am so proud and happy to announce that I am now officially a trained ACTOR!

How was your graduation? Are you excited to begin your future?

                                           Love,

Chloe Danielle-Taylor