I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Shade of Noir.
I have learnt a lot from the team and also discovered a lot about myself which has helped me in my understanding about where I see myself in the future.
Before starting Shades my goal was to work in a place where I would be able to grow as a person, learn more and practise writing in a space where I am giving the room to be myself, to work with my abilities and improve my skills in meeting consistent deadlines.
I won’t lie, my body and lifestyle needed a lot of adjusting to this new way of working.
Previously, I have always been involved in work that keeps me moving around and my practice involves a lot of standing and moving all day, but I am generally an active person so having to switch from tangible things to a more online ‘virtual’ style, having to consider my work from a more performative standpoint.
I thought I would be able to get used to things more quickly but I was lost at first and it felt like a different world. I wasn’t used to depending on other people and had to learn how to communicate as I had been so used to working on my own, depending on my own strength to gage my workload, it felt important to me, at this moment, that I also gain strength in this style of collaborative working.
I did feel a bit silly having to ask questions all the time on where to place things across the different software we use but this is only because I had somehow managed to avoid using my computer for over 5 years of studying. Admittedly, I have always been drawn towards working with my hands, and as much as it felt annoying to me to have to ask questions all the time, this wasn’t a problem for the team which was what I loved the most. It is better to ask as many questions, silly or not just to make sure you get things right instead of completely messing it all up.
Although I felt lost, I never felt odd, and everyone welcomed me with open arms and explained further whatever I didn’t understand.
Over time, I understood more and things became easier. I got to know everyone more, becoming better able to relax and enjoyed being part of the team. Having that level of support from people you’re able to communicate with who hold similar interests is invaluable, as well as being able to speak freely and get the support you need to get the work done.
I have really enjoyed my time at Shades and appreciate the work the team does for UAL and students throughout HE.
I am proud to be a Shade graduate.
Thank you to everyone at SoN and also GEMS for always being there.
Salute
Favour Jonathan
