Hello Again!
2023 Photography with New Media Graduates, Photo Credit: Darragh Kane
It's been quite a while since I last posted here, and let me tell you, a lot has unfolded in the interim.
Now, I never actually left. I've been working away behind the scenes, making leaps and bounds from where I left off. Admittedly, I did fall a bit behind on updating this website, and in all honesty, it could use a significant overhaul. But fear not; that's on the horizon. (I've been telling myself that for the last five years, after all!)
So, to begin again, let me reintroduce myself. I'm Damian Coleman, a 25-year-old recent graduate with a BA in Photography in New Media. I've just taken the leap into the vast and somewhat intimidating world without a safety net.
My family and myself at my final exhibition launch!
My journey to date spans six years of study, starting when I was in my second year at St. John's College, which has since evolved into Cork College of FET, Douglas Street Campus. I graduated from there with a Level 5 and Level 6 in Photographic Studies, and then I embarked on my next adventure at Crawford College of Art and Design, now Munster Technological University. I've just completed my final year of my BA in Photography with New Media there and eagerly await my graduation ceremony in November.
Throughout this academic journey, I've maintained a consistent pace of freelance work, seizing great opportunities along the way. Of course, the past two years brought an unprecedented global pandemic that was a bit of a bump in the road for us all, but I kept pushing forward. My focus shifted slightly from press work during this time, but rest assured, I intend to dive back into that passion as I settle into this next chapter.
GEHC Cork Lean Team, 2022
Two years ago, I ventured into the corporate world, taking up a role at GE Healthcare as a Lean Student in the Lean Department. To be completely honest, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Corporate life was uncharted territory for me, and my understanding of Lean was being honest, non existent until my second interview. I initially signed on for a six-month stint and worked closely with Rob Brosnan, who became a valuable mentor and played a significant role in my journey.
My Final Exhibition
In essence, Lean is a business management and culture philosophy aimed at optimizing productivity and output. Traditionally, it heavily relied on statistics and time studies to achieve these goals, but Rob's approach, which he explored in his master's thesis, introduced the use of photos and videos as tools in Lean. I was the eager guinea pig who made this concept a reality.
As time went by, I found my place within the company and discovered how I could contribute. I learned to work independently, branched out to different projects and departments on-site, and gained a deeper understanding of Lean's role in enhancing efficiency.
My six-month contract turned into two years, providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. During this time, I finally learned to drive, aced my driving test (somehow), and moving out from my family home.
It was undoubtedly an intriguing and eventful few years!
But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end... somewhat. Just last month, I said goodbye to my colleagues and my role at GE. I've decided to take a leap into the entrepreneurial world, registering my business and getting everything in order to work for myself. It may feel like I'm diving into the deep end, but it's an exciting plunge into the unknown.
However, these goodbyes to my GE colleagues are far from permanent. Although I left as an official GE employee, I'll be continuing to work with GE as one of my clients!
Additionally, Rob Brosnan is still a prominent figure in my journey. Despite his departure from GE last year to embark on his own venture, founding Lean Kaizen Consulting Ltd, I'll be working alongside him once again, offering visual management support on some of his projects.
And there you have it, a brief summary of five very eventful years! So, where do I go from here? I'm diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship, building up more clients, and expanding my skill set.
While Damian Coleman Photography remains my brand, my company, Damian Coleman Visual Solutions, aims to capture the essence of the diverse skills I've acquired. These include photography, videography, graphics, Lean methodologies, 3D printing, 3D modeling, website building, branding, social media management, and so much more.
I want to express my thanks to all of you for taking the time to read and join me on this incredible journey!
Cover Photo Credit: Ayla Hunt, 2023