Well, I’ve officially taken over as Creative Director at floating-point. It’s been excellent and the team is amazing.
I’m being given some very challenging projects with limitless options and we’re working on a number of mobile applications at the moment as well. Really nice to have a crew with so many capabilities in-house.
So, check us out now that our rebrand has been released: http://www.floating-point.com.
Cheers!
First off, I cheated a bit this year because I couldn’t find the proper HTML version of the above site. So, I used the files I had on-hand to give you a rough idea of the layout.
So, it’s that time of year when you’re getting ready to head off for placements at studios, agencies and some in-house positions. You’re bloody nervous and I know it because I’ve been there many times.
Getting someone’s attention takes something really interesting and different. You don’t have a big budget and are, for the first time, your own creative director, so here’s some tips to keep in mind:
1) Plan your attack
Every good design has to start somewhere but before that you need to know where you’d like to be. So, think about the studios you find compelling because even if you don’t get a job you might plant the seed for a future opportunity.
2) Conceptualize
You’ve got your list of places and you’ve studied their work and who’s important to appeal to. Start thinking. Put your pencil to paper and figure out what qualities you want to share. It’s important to rely on your strengths but show you’re willing to work on weaknesses.Remember, NEVER apologize for a mistake or something you missed. Play it off as part of the design. But, PLEASE check your spelling. That’s always a big draw back.
Once you’ve got your concept look into domain names that suit the idea. I went through dozens of ideas before coming up with Strike It Up and domain availability is a part of that equation.
3) Execute and DIY
You have a small budget but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull off your idea by being creative. My matchbook business cards are hand-folded and stapled by me. Mind you, the printing is superior quality — you can’t skimp on everything. So, the napkin I came up with my idea on became the launching point for everything.
4) Get that portfolio looking awesome
I don’t mount my portfolio anymore because everyone wants to touch and examine the finished products. You have to mount your portfolio and precision is something people like myself look for. I remember paste-up, so accuracy by-hand dictates accuracy in your electronic files.
Keep the number of pieces to a minimum and make sure they’re pieces you’re passionate about and can speak to. Your process, ideas and concepts are what really matter. You’re a student and no one expects you to be perfect but your ideas are what’s going to sell you.
Real-world piece you’ve done? It has to be stellar. Don’t put something in your book that isn’t top-notch simply because it’s a “real-world” piece. Think 5 minimum to 10 maximum. This way it’s a decent reflection of variety.
5) Get your stuff out there
Social media is great and something that you can all take advantage of. Network online using Twitter and Facebook, join LinkedIn and, REMEMBER, people will look at your profile so lose the party pics or skimpy bikini shots. These don’t go over well and can really damage your credibility and viability.
Make sure you don’t just e-mail your material. Send that sucker via mail. I love paper and I’m going to want to keep the really awesome pieces I get. Pick up the phone a week after you fire your stuff off and follow-up. Eagerness is important and a willingness to get yourself out there says a lot about you. Timid, hiding in the shadows doesn’t really cut it if you ask me.
6) GO TO NETWORKING EVENTS!!!
I like answering questions and I love talking about this business. Meeting a person goes a lot further than an e-mail or phone call. You don’t need to rock a suit but tidy up and don’t be shy.
Be who you are and be honest. I tried to hide my tattoos and things but that’s part of who I am. If you make a choice make sure it’s one you can live with, be proud of and stand up for. There are times you need to back down (i.e. room full of lawyers= wear a suit and shave).
7) Don’t be afraid
We’ve all gone through this process. You have a lot of competition but if you get yourself dedicated to finding work you will find it. But, you’re going to get rejected along the way. That’s just a part of job hunting, so aim high and keep at it.
8) Ask for opinions and listen
Experience is important and listening to those that have been in the business, at any capacity, know more than you. Listen to their thoughts and try to gain something from what they have to say.
But, don’t let anyone speak down to or abuse you. A real professional is going to be honest and critique your work in a way to help you, not make you feel like an idiot. So, take everything that’s said with a grain of salt and consider the source.
9) Be ready to make mistakes
It’s going to happen. Trust me, it WILL happen. But, you’re becoming a junior, so it’s expected. Do your best to be diligent, ask questions and see if someone senior to you can take a look at what you’re doing before it gets sent out. The trick is to give you enough room to learn and grow but provide enough guidance to help you gain valuable experience.
10) Work at your craft
There’s always something new to learn and as a junior you’re going to be expected to do just about everything. Teach yourself HTML/CSS, illustration, photography, writing and good ol’ fashioned print design and production. Keep your skills sharp; read, listen and do whatever it takes to continue growing.
Long one this year. Wow. I’ll include a link to one of my previous posts, which has different tips but probably the same ideas. Good luck and love what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to take on a part-time job or a position you don’t really want if it means getting closer to your goal.
Pardon the sloppiness but I haven’t had time to program my actual tumblr page. This post has several variations on my website, including my first that had me racing around to three different job interviews while finishing the last of my projects and placement.
The art of self-promo
Cheers!
A few months in the making but the Closson Chase media kit is off the press and on its way to Seriously Cool Chardonnay 2011, in New York City.
This was a very exciting project to be a part of. Like all things Closson Chase undertakes, this project represents an honest desire for excellent quality and showcasing what the vineyard is all about — elegance, simplicity and superb taste.
The other exciting part of this project is the USB flash drives that were created. Nothing says class like a brushed alloy card engraved with your identity and details. Every component of this project was custom. The kitfolder itself was a custom dieline and utilizes a decidedly different horizontal format.
I’ve added the complete material to my portfolio section, which you can find here, and I hope you take a chance to look the material over. Or, visit Closson Chase to see what they’re saying about one of the most exciting wine events in North America.
Good luck to all of the participants because we all know how seriously awesome our local wines are.
This post has been a long-time in the making. Off the Hook Women’s Accessories, brainchild of Brandy Brown, was one of the first new clients I took on as I got Strike It Up Design back in action.
It was a simple branding/business launch and Brandy certainly knew what she was looking for. Invites, posters, thank you cards, flyers, business cards, a roll-up banner and website were all part of the final product.
But, like everything, there was a beginning and in this case it was the identity. Simple, urban and modern — instructions I followed closely. I took a classic typeface and made minor modifications to it. The ‘links’ that are now created imply the very products Off the Hook carries, which is a variety of jewelry, purses and other women’s accessories. The contrasting purple of the letter-forms also helps it jump off the page.
So, we booked a photographer, recruited some models and had a blast. The project turned out as I’d envisioned it and was delivered in less time than most can imagine. I am glad to report that, due to her success, Brandy is hosting a grand opening of her new showroom to accommodate her expansion.
So, I was listening to a piece on CBC Radio about the death of print and how electronic books are becoming more popular than the publishing industry ever thought possible. The whole idea perplexes me because it’s like comparing your PSP to your PS3 game system.
eBooks are a clever invention — no doubt about that — but they are most useful in certain instances. For example, I’m traveling to several different destinations for business and barely have enough room for my clothes and toiletries, let alone a stack of books, iPad, Kindel, et cetera, obviously, come in super handy. You can carry as many books with you as you like.
BUT, at home, on the couch, just relaxing… out comes the printed book. Why strain your eyes in the comfort of your own home? And, you can share that book with whomever you wish. eBooks have digital protection, so, unless you’re handing over your device, it’s a no go.
Yes, middle-aged to older members of the community have been programmed to appreciate the printed word — cherish it even and treat it with respect. But, anyone that’s ever edited copy or tried digesting large volumes of type on ANY screen, at any size, will tell you it’s tough to keep track of where you’re at. I agree the readers do help keep the text to an easily digested size, format and word count but give me the printed book any day of the week.
I’ve got my stacks of books in the basement and I frequently re-read those books. I plan to continue and I know many of you out there will do the same. I also have a number of eBooks for when I’m waiting or traveling. As a traditionally-trained graphic designer, print comes first. Electronic is a nice compliment to the actual finished product but never a replacement.
Cheers!
