No show, so what next?

Posted 17.06.2020

The annual New Blades modelmaking exhibition and recruitment fair showcases the final year projects from student modelmakers across UK and Irish universities. With the 2020 show cancelled, we hear from one of our modelmakers, Alex Stewart, a recent graduate himself, with advice for this year’s graduates who are missing it.

New Blades is one of the highlights of the calendar year for modelmakers and I really feel for everyone who can’t participate this year. As a student, it represents a level of work which is to be aspired to for our final year pieces, and as an exhibitor, it can be rather daunting. Everyone you talk to at the event could be a prospective employer, so the day can feel a bit like an eight-hour gruelling interview.

Graduation is an odd time as a student, because it brings to a close three really important years of your life. Yet with hindsight, it’s not an ending but rather the kindling for your future. A lot of people find it a difficult and uneasy time due to uncertainty around their next steps.

No show, but plenty to offer

Missing the show this year – which I know must be incredibly gutting and add to the sense of unease – is not going to stop you.

Every single student who has done a work placement will have invaluable experience to prepare them for interviews and finding their first job. I certainly had a much better understanding of the modelmaking industry and how to talk about my projects thanks to my work experience at Make.

I was lucky to meet Make’s modelshop lead, Paul Miles, during my second year of university and secured a placement with the practice. I spent the next summer holiday working at Make as well as another two months of work experience required for my course.

I exhibited two of the models I made for Make at New Blades in 2018: The Barn and Grosvenor Waterside.

Grosvenor Waterside

The University of Nottingham's Barn

I also exhibited my final major project for my course, which was a half-scale cabinet. One of the great things about your skills as a modelmaker is the different types of work they equip you for – everything from architecture to sculpting, product design, metalwork and carpentry.

Half-scale cabinet

I gained a strong sense of responsibility from creating a complex and detailed model for a real client. I got a lot of guidance from the Make modelshop team, and I learnt a lot about project management from both managing my own projects and talking to others in the team. By the time I went to New Blades I felt confident in the work I had produced.

So what now?

New Blades was a fantastic experience, and I hope the next show will happen and be better than ever, whether it’s a digital or physical event. Using the skills I learnt through my degree and work experience, I found that I was much less nervous and intimidated at the prospect of speaking to people. And you can take the skills you have picked up and apply them to your next step.

You can create your own digital portfolio online, to celebrate your work and expertise and to share with potential employers. You can reach out to people in the industry with confidence in everything you’ve accomplished so far.

It’s a really tough time to be a graduate, but don’t let that dampen your ambitions. Reach out to the people you would have wanted to meet at New Blades, and see if you can find opportunities to let your creativity and skills shine.

This post forms part of our #futuremodelmakers campaign to celebrate the work of the 2020 modelmaking graduates.