Want to know what the previous winners of our Global Talent Search (GTS) really think about their experience? We recently interviewed the previous winners of the GTS to share their experiences with you. We’re incredibly excited to relaunch the GTS this year, and we thought our readers would love a sneak peek into the competition process (and what it’s like to win!) directly from the winners.
Lots of beautiful products featuring artwork by the talented Rebecca Jones
Today we’re chatting with Rebecca Jones, winter of the Global Talent Search Special Studio Award in 2014.
Some of Rebecca’s clients include: American Greetings, Oopsy Daisy, Target, Nosy Crow Land of Nod, Demdaco, Mattel, Flow Magazine, and lots more!
Read on to find out all about Rebecca’s experience entering & winning the Global Talent Search and what she thinks about being represented by Lilla & the Studio Ladies!
Make Art That Sells: Hi, Rebecca! Thanks for chatting with us today. We’d love to start out by asking you why you decided to enter the Global Talent Search?
Rebecca Jones: I had been following Lilla and her artists for a while, and I’d done a couple of the MATS courses. I thought it would be a dream come true to have Lilla Rogers as my agent. I knew I had to enter and give it a go, even though I thought I had no chance of winning!
So you really thought you had no chance of winning?
Not at all! I was online friends with lots of people who entered the GTS, who I had met through the MATS courses. I knew the quality of the talent that was entering was enormous and I really thought it would be a long shot for me to get through.
What did you find useful about the Global Talent Search assignments? What did you learn?
The assignments were great, and pretty challenging. I do love assignments that restrict you in some way, or push you out of your comfort zone to produce work that you wouldn’t of unless you had too. I find that is when I produce some of my best pieces.
Did the Global Talent Search help you prepare for your career in any way? If so, how?
It was so helpful to have professional assignments, with real deadlines, for me they are the most important things – getting work done on time, and working within the parameters of a brief.
Gorgeous products decorated with Rebecca’s artwork!
What advice would you give to people who are considering entering this year’s competition?
Just do it! There is nothing to lose, at worst you create more work for your portfolio, and at best you might actually win!
Did you find any of the MATS courses helpful in preparing you for the competition or for your career as an artist after winning GTS?
I did both MATS A and B, and they really have helped me in my career. I learnt great tips, and learnt to play first, and try not to think about the finished piece too early on. The ‘mini’ has been invaluable to me.
How did you feel when you won?
I was elated! And also pretty nervous, I doubted that maybe I wasn’t good enough at first, but a few Skype chats with Lilla made me feel so much better, who has always been so warm and encouraging.
Has winning the GTS been beneficial for your career?
Most definitely. Having an agent has given me great exposure that would have been difficult to achieve on my own.
How do you like being represented by Lilla Rogers Studio?
I love it! Being part of such a talented group of artists is amazing!
Lovely notebooks illustrated by Rebecca!
We are so delighted for Rebecca & everything that she has achieved, and we’re so excited for this year’s GTS winner! Who will it be? Will it be you?
See more of Rebecca’s fabulous artwork on her website and on her Instagram. You can also read more details about her here.
Join us for the 2018 Global Talent Search! Sign up here!
Registration for this year’s GTS is OPEN! Everyone who registers will receive at least one brand-new professional assignment brief created just for this year’s competition by Lilla Rogers. Sign up for the competition now!
xo
The MATS Team
