This introductory lesson was to initially dress how business skills are crucial in being successful as a graphic designer whether this being for an agency or as a freelance designer. It was stressed how important it is to tailor your outputs and self portrayals directly to what industry will need.
summed up key characteristics were; -independence -self thinking -analysis ability.
These features demonstrate an individual who is highly desirable due to to team working abilities, as well as being strong as a solo designer. Fundamentally it is was seen that an applicant with a well rounded character who would fit in with the existing team and work hard, was seen as much more desirable than someone who was just only good at designing. The character and the mind set of the designer plays a key part in being successful in industry.
Because of this, we all became aware of how important placements are in showing characteristics as well as design skill/ talent. Our lecturer was able to provide a series of advice in order for the placement process to be as smooth as possible, and advised promoting ourselves personally as opposed to just applying for a placement from the outset. It seems that the way in to a creative job lies in who you know and not what you know- and to achieve that you need to know the right people from the outset which only happens through interactions without direct intentions firstly.
Some guidance for looking for a placement included;
-look for design houses that interest you
-big companies such as the bc often take placement recruits early in the year as these show a keen attitude and the business are busy enough to recruit a lot of skilled people quickly. e.g September to November jobs are given for beginners that won’t start until June.
-if you would prefer smaller agency work, IPA provides a good source of agencies to filter through.
-Digitally the site ‘LOT’ works as an online market place for talent
-as well as searches of ‘free’/ ‘index’.
It was suggested that a good head start in placement opportunities lay in applying and showing an interest from an early date. We were advices to follow the previous advice and compose a list of placement options, and the people within those corporations who communication would be required with.
-write a physical letter to the director/ head of company, which talks about them and maybe their brand. A typed letter is given more recognition and isn’t lost in the stream of emails this individual will receive on a daily basis.
-the conversations from here should be in relation to ‘you’ and ‘them’… not necessarily fishing for a job/ opportunity yet as this will seem pushy.
-the key is to display your personality, and to sell yourself through that first.
-your strengths and weaknesses say a lot about your character and whether or not you would fit in to the business/ brand. This is often their main priority as they want staff who work cooperatively together to produce the best works.
-the more conversations and people you engage with, the more knowledgeable about the field you will be and this can only be of benefit for further applications.
-in order to have the best chance with your favourite company, its important to work through your placement list from least favourite to most favourite, as by your last interactions they will be the most knowledgeable and you will be confident to portray yourself in a good light due to the previous experiences you’ve had with other companies.
-competitions can also be a way to a job/ placement. They shoot you to the top of the pile and prove your abilities, it opens so many doors as your work is recognised and credit is on you.
Placements can either be provided by the university or separately when the course is suspended for a year to complete the placement year.
