Full name/age/job title

Tamsin O'Hanlon/33/Founder and Director of Free Range

 What is Free Range?

Europe's largest showcase of graduate art & design.

What do people think you do in your job and what is it you actually do?

I'm not sure what they think I do but the students are often surprised that I'm the founder and director though as they think I'm too young! I'm directly involved in every aspect of the project from the pr and marketing to the admin and health & safety.

What is the hardest thing about your role?

I can't really complain as I have my dream job but I guess it would be remembering names as there are thousands of students involved every year.

When did you decide what you wanted to do with your life and how did you start out achieving it?

I've always loved art but I never imagined I'd found an art show. It was whilst I was at art college that I worked in the Vibe Bar at the Old Truman Brewery. The Old Truman Brewery landlord approached me to run high profile art, music and fashion events in huge warehouses and out of that job I founded Free Range as there were very few platforms for art students to showcase themselves and their work.

Would you describe yourself as creative?

Yes. Creativity is about changing the rules. I believe that Free Range has changed the idea of what a graduate show is by taking it outside of the institution. I continually build and shape the project in order for it to grow and improve.

What one thing do you wish you had known at the start of your career that you know now?
I've learnt that through having a clear mission/ being consistent and working hard it's possible to achieve almost anything, as long as you enjoy what you do.

What is the biggest challenge young arts graduates face?

Young people are the biggest victims of this recession. They'll have to be extra imaginative at the moment.

What tip would you give a new graduate?

Think outside the box. Don't look for job opportunities in the most obvious places and find ways of standing out from the crowd.

Have you had any set backs with putting the show together? Did they hold you back in the long term?

Luckily only short term set backs that are easily solved. The key is to always remain flexible and open to change.

If you could have a career super power what would it be?

I wish I could split myself into 3 so I could be in more places at the same time

Name five organisations/websites/resources that you find useful which would be beneficial to young graduates.

www.dazeddigital.com  - the creative bible

www.fashioneast.co.uk - the best springboard for young fashion talent

www.itsnicethat.com  - focused on publicising, promoting and archiving the very best contemporary work from across the creative industry

http://insideout.topshop.com/  - a place to share all things inspiring

www.creativepool.co.uk  - the largest CV database for the creative industries in the UK

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