Creative Report: Establishing a Rapport with Xvavier

The first step of opening up a rapport with Xvavier came with following eachother on Instagram. Whilst seemingly maybe insignificant, this simple act has allowed us to see into eachothers lives and I can follow on his creative processes on a more personal level.

I did consider messaging him on Instagram as opposed to an email considering I already had this following, but thought that email may be more professional and I wasnt limited by character or word count.

In order to reach out I thought that I should mention one piece of his work I really liked. In my earlier research I discovered he had done bradning for the Rum Kitchen so I mentioned that in my initial email - this shows I had researched him and was familiar with his work, which would make him more likely to respond.

My email:

Hi Xvavier!

My name is Charlotte and I am a level 5 Graphic Design student at Leeds Arts University. As part of my Personal and Professional Practice module this year, I need to conduct an interview with a studio or designer that I admire. I came across your work when my friend Niall Ashmore showed me your Instagram page and have followed you since, your Rum Kitchen project is one of my favourites in particular. Is there any possibility you would be interested in me interviewing you for this module? Preferably the interview would be conducted in person, I am visiting Niall in London on the 11th of May if you are free at all. If you are interested but busy at this point, the interview could also easily be conducted via email to suit you.

Thank you for your time and hope to hear from you soon either way.

Charlotte Price

@charlotte.e.p


From here we decided to meet at the Rum Kitchen on Carnaby Street at 1:15pm on Friday May 11th.

However on the morning I received this email:

Hi Charlotte,

I'm so sorry but something has come up with a client which means I am unable to make today. Could we rearrange or alternatively do it over the phone or by email?

Apologies again

This was disappointing but I had to compose a professional and considered response which would show my understanding of the situation.

Hi Xvavier,

That’s disappointing to hear, but can’t be helped. I can’t rearrange as it would mean coming down from Leeds again and I have limited money as a student, could we do by email instead? Questions below. Hope all is well.

I then listed the questions. However after a few days, he had not responded so I chased him up.

Hi Xvavier, 

My deadline for this module is Monday 21st, and I still have to make some sort of outcome (ie a book or presentation) from your response. It would be so helpful if you could get back to me with a response in the next few days?

Thanks,

Charlotte 

After this email he replied within 10 minutes, showing he had already responded to the questions but had not yet sent, again proving to me how busy he was. The responses were great and we talked on a more personal level in a jokey manner after I had read the responses.
I am hoping to continue this rapport with Xvavier as I really admire his work and work ethic, especially after his responses to the interview I respect him more.