Setting up as a freelancer
This may seem scarey at first but its not as scarey as you think. The best thing to do to start is to cold call. Phone as many potential clients and employers as you can and tell them why they should employ you. After this call keep calling every few months to check if any vacancees have come up. Keep in touch through emails, phone calls and letters.
Job Bags
Always back everything up, keep things on memory sticks, back up emails, keep organised. Always keep a hand written diary of things you need so its not just all saved onto the computer.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Working in Agency
Working in Agency
Working in Agency is a good way to get started. They are good because they tell you about up coming events, they have newsletters and its easy to find work. Its also good because they will recommend you to clients and you can build up a reputation through them. They also have websites which have blogs, other peoples portfolios, information about interships, meassge boards and forums. This is all a good start. An example of this is:
http://www.allgraphicdesign.com/jobs.html
The importance of communication
Communication is most important in freelance work, especially when working through agency. Its important that you keep contacting them checking for work to see if any has come up, so you don’t get forgotten and so you seem keen. This is also important when contacting potential employers.
Timekeeping, dedication, professionalism
Timekeeping is something that employers and clients will look at when hiring you. So you must always be efficient and on time and keep it up throughout the work, this will give the company a good reputation.
Dedecation is also important, you have to be dedicated to a project for it to work and to be effective. The more dedecated you are the more clients you will reciveve, therefore the more money you will make for you or your company.
Professionalism. You need to look professional at all times making your clients feel safe in your hands and so they feel that you know what you are talking about. If you keep to a professional standard throughout then the client will use you again because you will make them look good.
Account teams
Constant communications with your account team is vital to a successful buisness. You should always be aware of what is happening with finance in accounts and keep on track with it so you are aware of things like budgeting and using your money effectively.
Briefs
Is extremely important that you read briefs properly, ask any questions at the time and make sure all the information is correct. If it’s a verbal brief you should always take notes even if its on a napkin or on the table cloth. You should always keep to the brief, never get distracted.
Internal culture
Always be honist and be yourself but keep a professional attitude. You should keep a friendly and humourous attitude, this is so you build a friendship with your clients.
Working in Agency is a good way to get started. They are good because they tell you about up coming events, they have newsletters and its easy to find work. Its also good because they will recommend you to clients and you can build up a reputation through them. They also have websites which have blogs, other peoples portfolios, information about interships, meassge boards and forums. This is all a good start. An example of this is:
http://www.allgraphicdesign.com/jobs.html
The importance of communication
Communication is most important in freelance work, especially when working through agency. Its important that you keep contacting them checking for work to see if any has come up, so you don’t get forgotten and so you seem keen. This is also important when contacting potential employers.
Timekeeping, dedication, professionalism
Timekeeping is something that employers and clients will look at when hiring you. So you must always be efficient and on time and keep it up throughout the work, this will give the company a good reputation.
Dedecation is also important, you have to be dedicated to a project for it to work and to be effective. The more dedecated you are the more clients you will reciveve, therefore the more money you will make for you or your company.
Professionalism. You need to look professional at all times making your clients feel safe in your hands and so they feel that you know what you are talking about. If you keep to a professional standard throughout then the client will use you again because you will make them look good.
Account teams
Constant communications with your account team is vital to a successful buisness. You should always be aware of what is happening with finance in accounts and keep on track with it so you are aware of things like budgeting and using your money effectively.
Briefs
Is extremely important that you read briefs properly, ask any questions at the time and make sure all the information is correct. If it’s a verbal brief you should always take notes even if its on a napkin or on the table cloth. You should always keep to the brief, never get distracted.
Internal culture
Always be honist and be yourself but keep a professional attitude. You should keep a friendly and humourous attitude, this is so you build a friendship with your clients.
General work skills ( c)
Speed skills
Speed is very important when working for clients, when working to deadlines speed is time and time is money! The more work you do the more money you make.
A good way to keep your Speed Skills at a good pace is to remain organised at all times and always make sure you know what you re doing, study the brief thoroughly.
Marketing
‘Marketing controls a design because marketing is about strategy and planning, and design is about intuition. Clients are happy to pay for strategy but less keen to pay for institution.’ This quote was taken from the book graphic design: A users manual. Marketing is important to all buisness’ because it helps to improve customer awareness and advertise the company which makes money and improves client database.
Copywriting
Definition: Copywriting is the use of words to promote a person, business, opinion or idea. Although the word copy may be applied to any content intended for printing (as in the body of a newspaper article or book), the term copywriter is generally limited to promotional situations, regardless of the medium (as advertisements for print, television, radio or other media). The word copywriting is regularly used as a noun or gerund. The author of newspaper or magazine copy, for example, is generally called a reporter or writer.
Peter has taught us that copwriting is the text that is used along side an image. As a copywriter your job would be to add text to a document.
Art Direction
Definition: Art directors in publishing typically work with the publications editors. Together, they work on a concept for sections and pages of a publication. Individually, the art director is mostly responsible for the visual look and feel of the publication, and the editor has ultimate responsibility for the publication's verbal and textual content.
‘Some of the most important figures in graphic Design and advertising have called themselves art directors- Gerge Lois, Alexey Brodvitch….’ This quote was found in the book ‘Graphic Design- a users manual’
This book explains that a good art director always knows what the final direction of the project will be and what they want to achieve for the final outcome. They will also allow the people working with them to contribute to this journey.
Typography and Grids
Typography- the arrangement of font/of text. Looking at readability and legibility and the way the type is arranged. Typography is important in graphic design because the arrangement of text can create different messages. If the typography isn’t good then the words will be hard to read and so the message will be unclear. In Graphic Design Typography is also used as imagery and to make the text look interesting. Sometimes Graphic Design is all about the font and the font takes over the images.
Grids
‘Grids were like the weather, they would always be there-how else would you organise text and images on a page?’ this quote was taken from the book ‘Graphic Design a users manual’ this quote I feel is no longer true, in today’s graphical world people break the rules of typography everyday. Today Graphic Designers often explore the page, using empty/ white space and testing the limits. I think this has changed for the better and that Graphic Designers should push their designs to the limit and explore new ways of presenting typography.
Speed is very important when working for clients, when working to deadlines speed is time and time is money! The more work you do the more money you make.
A good way to keep your Speed Skills at a good pace is to remain organised at all times and always make sure you know what you re doing, study the brief thoroughly.
Marketing
‘Marketing controls a design because marketing is about strategy and planning, and design is about intuition. Clients are happy to pay for strategy but less keen to pay for institution.’ This quote was taken from the book graphic design: A users manual. Marketing is important to all buisness’ because it helps to improve customer awareness and advertise the company which makes money and improves client database.
Copywriting
Definition: Copywriting is the use of words to promote a person, business, opinion or idea. Although the word copy may be applied to any content intended for printing (as in the body of a newspaper article or book), the term copywriter is generally limited to promotional situations, regardless of the medium (as advertisements for print, television, radio or other media). The word copywriting is regularly used as a noun or gerund. The author of newspaper or magazine copy, for example, is generally called a reporter or writer.
Peter has taught us that copwriting is the text that is used along side an image. As a copywriter your job would be to add text to a document.
Art Direction
Definition: Art directors in publishing typically work with the publications editors. Together, they work on a concept for sections and pages of a publication. Individually, the art director is mostly responsible for the visual look and feel of the publication, and the editor has ultimate responsibility for the publication's verbal and textual content.
‘Some of the most important figures in graphic Design and advertising have called themselves art directors- Gerge Lois, Alexey Brodvitch….’ This quote was found in the book ‘Graphic Design- a users manual’
This book explains that a good art director always knows what the final direction of the project will be and what they want to achieve for the final outcome. They will also allow the people working with them to contribute to this journey.
Typography and Grids
Typography- the arrangement of font/of text. Looking at readability and legibility and the way the type is arranged. Typography is important in graphic design because the arrangement of text can create different messages. If the typography isn’t good then the words will be hard to read and so the message will be unclear. In Graphic Design Typography is also used as imagery and to make the text look interesting. Sometimes Graphic Design is all about the font and the font takes over the images.
Grids
‘Grids were like the weather, they would always be there-how else would you organise text and images on a page?’ this quote was taken from the book ‘Graphic Design a users manual’ this quote I feel is no longer true, in today’s graphical world people break the rules of typography everyday. Today Graphic Designers often explore the page, using empty/ white space and testing the limits. I think this has changed for the better and that Graphic Designers should push their designs to the limit and explore new ways of presenting typography.
General work skills ( b )
Colour
The CMYK colour model is used in the printing process. RGB is made up of red, green and blue. It is used on the computer monitor and is mainly used for website design. RGB can only be viewed with natural or produced light not on a printed page. This is why RGB should only be used for internet and screen use. RGB is back lit and can be used for tv.
CMYK is best for for printing. When two colours are mixed equally they produce the colours of the CMYK model, known as subtractive primaries. Green and blue creates cyan ( c ), Red and blue creates magenta ( m) and red and green creates yellow ( y). black is shown as K. CMYK produces white light.
Paper
http://desktoppub.about.com/od/printingfinishing/p/printingmethods.htm this is a good website for looking at printing tips
this is a website for the different types of paper you can use. http://desktoppub.about.com/od/papergrade/a/papergrade.htm
Paper is an important quality when it comes to graphic design. The type of paper you use can greatly effect your work. The texture is greatly effected by the paper and this effects how your look works and your final outcome.
There are many different types of paper you can use from matte to glossy, different sizes, different weight. All of which need to be taken into account when printing your work.
The CMYK colour model is used in the printing process. RGB is made up of red, green and blue. It is used on the computer monitor and is mainly used for website design. RGB can only be viewed with natural or produced light not on a printed page. This is why RGB should only be used for internet and screen use. RGB is back lit and can be used for tv.
CMYK is best for for printing. When two colours are mixed equally they produce the colours of the CMYK model, known as subtractive primaries. Green and blue creates cyan ( c ), Red and blue creates magenta ( m) and red and green creates yellow ( y). black is shown as K. CMYK produces white light.
Paper
http://desktoppub.about.com/od/printingfinishing/p/printingmethods.htm this is a good website for looking at printing tips
this is a website for the different types of paper you can use. http://desktoppub.about.com/od/papergrade/a/papergrade.htm
Paper is an important quality when it comes to graphic design. The type of paper you use can greatly effect your work. The texture is greatly effected by the paper and this effects how your look works and your final outcome.
There are many different types of paper you can use from matte to glossy, different sizes, different weight. All of which need to be taken into account when printing your work.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
General working Skills A
Scheduling and Planning
Scheduling and Planning is extremely important when in work. This is because they will help with your organisation and time keeping. This is especially good when you are working on more than one project at a time because it will help you to see goals, attainments and deadlines clearly. Pete gave us an example of is working schedule and although it is very simple it is very effective and i shall use this for future projects. This is not just good for Graphic Designers it is good for any individual that has deadlines and goals to keep to. This is also helpful if you are asked to do a project because you can look at your schedule and easily see when the best time is to get it done. This two aspects are very important because you must always reach deadlines. employers will have important deadlines for things. For example if you are asked to design a layout for a magazine and you are late handing it in it may not be able to go into the magazine it was designed for because it will have missed the date for it to be published, this would mean that this client would not use you again and would most properly tell others not to use you as well.
Budgeting and Quoting.
Peter has taught us that you must always get a quote before you start the job. This is very important because otherwise you may end up doing a lot of extra work for nothing. Clients can be fussy, make sure you Quote them per job, tell them that if they want extras it will cost extra and tell them how much. Make sure your quote covers all your costs.Get research, look at how much other people charge for the same job. Always give them a brief and then when you Quote the price make sure you state: 'This is based on the brief so far.' This is so important because it means that if the brief is altered then they are aware the price may change. Always look at extra costs, look at how much absolutely everything will be, phone people and get quotes before you quote the price to your client.
If you quote a price via email you should write at the top, 'below is my estimate of costs......based on the brief so far' The word estimate being very important. This makes the client aware that this is a true estimate and it will change if alterations are made to the brief. Also write what the brief will achieve and what the client will get out of this. At the end of the email you should write, 'I will follow up this estimate with a call in a few days...Thank you for your time' This means you then can call the client in a few days and find out if they are going to go ahead with the work, this saves you time so you don't have to wait around for a phone call you may never receive.
Why is estimate of cost so important?
It will help the client to know what to expect otherwise they will not pay you the correct amount. It will save any confusion and also any confrontation.
After your follow up conversation if your client decides to go ahead with the job you must then create a branded proposal document using PDF. (a use full tip from Peter is to create a master template for this in in design so you can edit and change it and use it again and again for your clients, this will save time which will save money.
Consider a deposit, this is not always necessary but if you feel it is important this could be a good way to secure the job and also make sure the client knows they cannot mess you around. It also makes you look more professional and of standard.
Once this is completed you should send:Dimensions
Single PageTrim size: 200 265mm
Type area: 184 249mm
Bleed: 206 271mm (3mm bleed on all edges)
Double-page spreadTrim: 265 400mm
Type area: 249 384mm
Bleed: 271 406mm (3mm bleed on all edges)
Digital file creationFiles must be submitted as single or double-page
spreads.
All files should be in cmyk format and have all fonts
and hi-resolution matter such as images and logos
imbedded.
All images contained in the file must be 300dpi when
100% in size.
Ink density
Text section:
uncoated stock the maximum ucr density should
not exceed 300%.
Outside back cover:
is printed on a gloss stock, the ucr density can be set
at a maximum of 320%.
Bleed allowanceBleed advertisements should include a 3mm
allowance on all edges.
Colour proofingAll advertisements with the exception of the
outside back cover should be proofed using the icc
profile that is tailored for our uncoated stock.
Eurostandard profile colourproofs will only be
accepted for the obc.
The icc profile for our paper can be downloaded
from the advertising section of the Monocle website:
Tauro_ExtGamut300.icc
For detailed guidelines on file preparation and
specifications please go to the ppa website:
www.ppa.co.uk and to the pass4press instructions
Digital file deliveryDigital files can be sent to the publisher either by
cd-rom/dvd or via our delivery site:
Address: http://access.tagworldwide.com/Monocle
Username: monocle
Password: adverts
Enter username and password as requested and
click on Monocle adverts icon to take you to the
upload option.
Files should be named by advertiser and issue date.
A confirmation email should be sent to the following
production contact when files have been sent via ftp.
Delivery address:Kiera O’Brien
Advertising Department
Monocle
20 Boston Place
Marylebone
London
nw1 6er
Tel: 44 20 7725 4351
ko@monocle.com
DisclaimerMonocle Magazine takes no responsibility for any
advertising material that is submitted for print
which is not in accordance with our specifications.
Proofs and Press passes
Proofs and Press passes should be printed to check what the work will look like after print, This is because work always looks different in print than it does on screen and different printers print work differently, things such as paper quality and ink can also effect the work.
Commissioning suppliers
This is a good idea as a graphic Designer as this will give you a permanent contact, it will enable you to use a resource that you are familiar with and enable you to have strong contact and respect from your supplier. If you continuously use the same supplier you will develop a strong working relationship which will help each of you grow your client base and meet targets. They will also be keen to help you and they will make sure they complete your work on time and of a strong standard because they will want you to continue using them.
When showing work always start in greyscale and give the client a colour palet. Then combine it together to show them what it would look like.When printing you should use CMYK format and 300dpi. This is to create maximum quality. For web design you should use RGB and 72dpi this is so that it downloads quickly.
Print Specification:
below is an example of a print specification that i found on http://www.monocle.com/upload/General/printspecs.pdf
This shows all the key eliments that should be shown in a print specification.
The key elements that should be taken into concideration are:
Scheduling and Planning is extremely important when in work. This is because they will help with your organisation and time keeping. This is especially good when you are working on more than one project at a time because it will help you to see goals, attainments and deadlines clearly. Pete gave us an example of is working schedule and although it is very simple it is very effective and i shall use this for future projects. This is not just good for Graphic Designers it is good for any individual that has deadlines and goals to keep to. This is also helpful if you are asked to do a project because you can look at your schedule and easily see when the best time is to get it done. This two aspects are very important because you must always reach deadlines. employers will have important deadlines for things. For example if you are asked to design a layout for a magazine and you are late handing it in it may not be able to go into the magazine it was designed for because it will have missed the date for it to be published, this would mean that this client would not use you again and would most properly tell others not to use you as well.
Budgeting and Quoting.
Peter has taught us that you must always get a quote before you start the job. This is very important because otherwise you may end up doing a lot of extra work for nothing. Clients can be fussy, make sure you Quote them per job, tell them that if they want extras it will cost extra and tell them how much. Make sure your quote covers all your costs.Get research, look at how much other people charge for the same job. Always give them a brief and then when you Quote the price make sure you state: 'This is based on the brief so far.' This is so important because it means that if the brief is altered then they are aware the price may change. Always look at extra costs, look at how much absolutely everything will be, phone people and get quotes before you quote the price to your client.
If you quote a price via email you should write at the top, 'below is my estimate of costs......based on the brief so far' The word estimate being very important. This makes the client aware that this is a true estimate and it will change if alterations are made to the brief. Also write what the brief will achieve and what the client will get out of this. At the end of the email you should write, 'I will follow up this estimate with a call in a few days...Thank you for your time' This means you then can call the client in a few days and find out if they are going to go ahead with the work, this saves you time so you don't have to wait around for a phone call you may never receive.
Why is estimate of cost so important?
It will help the client to know what to expect otherwise they will not pay you the correct amount. It will save any confusion and also any confrontation.
After your follow up conversation if your client decides to go ahead with the job you must then create a branded proposal document using PDF. (a use full tip from Peter is to create a master template for this in in design so you can edit and change it and use it again and again for your clients, this will save time which will save money.
Consider a deposit, this is not always necessary but if you feel it is important this could be a good way to secure the job and also make sure the client knows they cannot mess you around. It also makes you look more professional and of standard.
Once this is completed you should send:Dimensions
Single PageTrim size: 200 265mm
Type area: 184 249mm
Bleed: 206 271mm (3mm bleed on all edges)
Double-page spreadTrim: 265 400mm
Type area: 249 384mm
Bleed: 271 406mm (3mm bleed on all edges)
Digital file creationFiles must be submitted as single or double-page
spreads.
All files should be in cmyk format and have all fonts
and hi-resolution matter such as images and logos
imbedded.
All images contained in the file must be 300dpi when
100% in size.
Ink density
Text section:
uncoated stock the maximum ucr density should
not exceed 300%.
Outside back cover:
is printed on a gloss stock, the ucr density can be set
at a maximum of 320%.
Bleed allowanceBleed advertisements should include a 3mm
allowance on all edges.
Colour proofingAll advertisements with the exception of the
outside back cover should be proofed using the icc
profile that is tailored for our uncoated stock.
Eurostandard profile colourproofs will only be
accepted for the obc.
The icc profile for our paper can be downloaded
from the advertising section of the Monocle website:
Tauro_ExtGamut300.icc
For detailed guidelines on file preparation and
specifications please go to the ppa website:
www.ppa.co.uk and to the pass4press instructions
Digital file deliveryDigital files can be sent to the publisher either by
cd-rom/dvd or via our delivery site:
Address: http://access.tagworldwide.com/Monocle
Username: monocle
Password: adverts
Enter username and password as requested and
click on Monocle adverts icon to take you to the
upload option.
Files should be named by advertiser and issue date.
A confirmation email should be sent to the following
production contact when files have been sent via ftp.
Delivery address:Kiera O’Brien
Advertising Department
Monocle
20 Boston Place
Marylebone
London
nw1 6er
Tel: 44 20 7725 4351
ko@monocle.com
DisclaimerMonocle Magazine takes no responsibility for any
advertising material that is submitted for print
which is not in accordance with our specifications.
Proofs and Press passes
Proofs and Press passes should be printed to check what the work will look like after print, This is because work always looks different in print than it does on screen and different printers print work differently, things such as paper quality and ink can also effect the work.
Commissioning suppliers
This is a good idea as a graphic Designer as this will give you a permanent contact, it will enable you to use a resource that you are familiar with and enable you to have strong contact and respect from your supplier. If you continuously use the same supplier you will develop a strong working relationship which will help each of you grow your client base and meet targets. They will also be keen to help you and they will make sure they complete your work on time and of a strong standard because they will want you to continue using them.
- estimate of costs
- Production Scedule in a 150ppi PDF Document - This will make you look professional and give you and your client a clear point of reference.
When showing work always start in greyscale and give the client a colour palet. Then combine it together to show them what it would look like.When printing you should use CMYK format and 300dpi. This is to create maximum quality. For web design you should use RGB and 72dpi this is so that it downloads quickly.
Print Specification:
below is an example of a print specification that i found on http://www.monocle.com/upload/General/printspecs.pdf
This shows all the key eliments that should be shown in a print specification.
The key elements that should be taken into concideration are:
- Crop Marks
- The bleed
- Size
- Margins
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Professional Practice
The brief has requested for us to set up this blog in order to detail all changes in the development of my practical from GDA Practice one to GDA practice two. Throughout this project we have been taught a number of different techniques to help us to get a good job when we finish our BA we have been taught a lot of skills by Peter Micklewright and also from looking at different resources such as books and the internet. These are the skills i have learnt that will help me to get a job:
End of year show
This show is going to enable me to show off the work which i have done this year, it will help me to understand scheduling and planning things effectively as i will have to help schedule and plan this show, i will have to look at ways in which we can advertise, and plan how each of students in our class can help to make it a success. This will also help me with Budgeting and Quotations as when we plan this we will have a specific budget that we will need to stick to, we will also need to think of effective ways to raise money and budget the show so we use the money effectively so it is kept within the budget and we don't run out. We need to contact supplier's and other business's to bring them to our show. For this show we will need to be organised and prepared and also make sure that each student is putting in the same effort and maximum effort. The end of year show is important in helping us get a job because it will provide us with contacts within the industry, it will make us familiar with suppliers, it will give us a good experience of planning and running an event, it will help us to keep to a deadline as all the work that we create needs to be completed within a certain time limit and before the show. It will also give us an insight into how important it is to get leaflets and letters out on time and also to give contacts enough time so they can keep the time free to attend our show. We will need to make sure all our work reaches the supplier with plenty of time so that if anything does go wrong with the printing etc there will be enough time to fix it. We will need to think of everything from booking the venue to van hire and printers and entertainment.
Creating my CV
In previous lectures Peter Micklewright taught us that your CV is what gives the employer their 'First impression' of you therefore its got to be good. Your CV is your personal profile, it is the first stage to getting noticed by the employer. They will receive so many CVs so you need to make sure yours is noticed. A good CV should only be one page long, if it is longer than one page it would be a good idea to accompany the cv with a front cover page outlining the main parts of the cv and all the important bits, it should simply include a brief introduction of yourself and a brief insight to employment history and qualifications. It would be very good if you had a blog address, a website and a business card to accompany it. It should also be printed in a nice,legible font, it should be spaced nice and evenly and should give a brief insight making the employers want to know more. It should simply be printed on plain white paper and must contain at least an email and a phone number so they have two ways of contacting you, an address would also be beneficial.
Always attach a cover letter to your CV this states what you are looking for and makes your CV more personal to the company. Its a good idea to design your own letterhead, that was you can use this on your cover letter and on e-mails you send. You could also attach some examples of your work to your application. Only a few though. No more than six.
It is also a good idea to write your web address on your CV so that Clients and employers can look at your work on there and it also makes you look more professional.
Creating your portfolio
Online:
'Designers without websites are like hikers without boots' (this quotation is from the book Adrian Shaughnessy's Graphic Design: A users manual) this book suggests that having your own website is very important when job hunting it states that 'it is now obligatory for freelance designers, studios and designers looking for employment to have their own online portfolios.' This is something that i dint realise was so important but after reading this i am considering creating my own website. The book also explains that your website should be brief it should not be too 'self-regarding.' Peter also taught us that this is an easy way to show our work as it means we don't have to transport all our work around too much and we can put the website address on a cv and even on a business card.
Regular portfolio:
'The process of impressing employers or clients with our design skills begins with the design of our portfolios. When we show them we are not only judged on the content, but also on the way we have designed them. A badly designed portfolio sends out a message: bad designer.' This is also a quote taken from the book Adrian Shaughnessy's Graphic Design: A users manual. This is a very true comment. The book states that there are two important aspects to portfolios these are the online portfolios and also the prints. This is because the online work needs to be backed up with some decent, good quality prints and it also shows a variety of different work. This is partically effective for prints such as sceen prints.
Always remember to show your work in context.
Make sure you show how and where it would be used, this could be using photoshop and simply warping it onto an image. For example for my Shah Perdue project i designed a bag, although i thought it looked amazing it looked even better when i showed it in context. I simply found an image on the Internet and warped my design onto a bag in a photograph, this looked amazing.
Targeting employers or clients
Finding suitable employers or clients is very important, also the way in which to target them is too. You must appear to be reliable, efficient, smart and respectable. You should contact them through a letter but then follow the letter up with a phone call. Peter has taught me that when targeting an employer you must be persistent and you must do your research. Research into the company, find out what they like, what they need, what they desire. Look at previous projects they have done and the outcomes. Look on their website, look at what is missing from the company and come up with solutions to their problems. Research the history of the company and also research into the client, look at previous Graphic Designers that have worked for them and what they did for them.
Following up, staying in touch, schmoozing
Following up of clients and employers is very important, Peter has taught us that all clients and business's will receive so many applications that it is important to make sure yours sticks out. When you apply for a job you should continuously track your application and don't allow target employers or clients to forget about you .This will also show the employer that you are keen and motivated and that you also are keen to work for the company. This will make you stand out from other applicants and also if something happens whereby the employer does employ someone else there may become another vacancy in the future so its a good idea to keep checking.
Interviews and Portfolio Presentation.
Pete has taught me that the most important thing is organisation. Always turn up 15 minuites early so you have time to breathe and time to relax. Especially if you have rushed around to get there. This will give you time to pull yourself together and calm your nerves but it will also show the employer that you have good time keeping skills, which is vital in this area of working. It will also allow you to see the person that was interviewed prior to you, this will give you an idea of the competition you face. You should of course look smart, but still look yourself. Make sure you have a few different ways to show your portfolio, if you want to show it as a presentation make sure that the employer has the correct facilities before hand and also the correct computer programmes. Make sure your Portfolio is backed up, take a CD and a memory card. You could even create a CD and leave it with the employer so if he wants to look back he can, this will show you are motivated and organised, it will also show the employer you are happy to go the extra mile and do something extra. Also make sure you take some of your work with you so the employer can see your true work, this is because on a computer it wont look as effective as the real thing. This will also show the employer textures and materials you have used and show your works true potential.
At the interview always let the employer know why they should hire you, tell them what you are going to do for the company that's different from anyone else and show them that they need you to work for their company, your work is what will make them hit all their targets.
When you present your work also remember the way that you present yourself is just as important and the way you show your work is too. You should be proud when you show them your work and make the employer see that you are a hard worker and you are happy with the work that you have achieved. This is because if you are not happy with the work you have created you cannot expect someone else to.
End of year show
This show is going to enable me to show off the work which i have done this year, it will help me to understand scheduling and planning things effectively as i will have to help schedule and plan this show, i will have to look at ways in which we can advertise, and plan how each of students in our class can help to make it a success. This will also help me with Budgeting and Quotations as when we plan this we will have a specific budget that we will need to stick to, we will also need to think of effective ways to raise money and budget the show so we use the money effectively so it is kept within the budget and we don't run out. We need to contact supplier's and other business's to bring them to our show. For this show we will need to be organised and prepared and also make sure that each student is putting in the same effort and maximum effort. The end of year show is important in helping us get a job because it will provide us with contacts within the industry, it will make us familiar with suppliers, it will give us a good experience of planning and running an event, it will help us to keep to a deadline as all the work that we create needs to be completed within a certain time limit and before the show. It will also give us an insight into how important it is to get leaflets and letters out on time and also to give contacts enough time so they can keep the time free to attend our show. We will need to make sure all our work reaches the supplier with plenty of time so that if anything does go wrong with the printing etc there will be enough time to fix it. We will need to think of everything from booking the venue to van hire and printers and entertainment.
Creating my CV
In previous lectures Peter Micklewright taught us that your CV is what gives the employer their 'First impression' of you therefore its got to be good. Your CV is your personal profile, it is the first stage to getting noticed by the employer. They will receive so many CVs so you need to make sure yours is noticed. A good CV should only be one page long, if it is longer than one page it would be a good idea to accompany the cv with a front cover page outlining the main parts of the cv and all the important bits, it should simply include a brief introduction of yourself and a brief insight to employment history and qualifications. It would be very good if you had a blog address, a website and a business card to accompany it. It should also be printed in a nice,legible font, it should be spaced nice and evenly and should give a brief insight making the employers want to know more. It should simply be printed on plain white paper and must contain at least an email and a phone number so they have two ways of contacting you, an address would also be beneficial.
Always attach a cover letter to your CV this states what you are looking for and makes your CV more personal to the company. Its a good idea to design your own letterhead, that was you can use this on your cover letter and on e-mails you send. You could also attach some examples of your work to your application. Only a few though. No more than six.
It is also a good idea to write your web address on your CV so that Clients and employers can look at your work on there and it also makes you look more professional.
Creating your portfolio
Online:
'Designers without websites are like hikers without boots' (this quotation is from the book Adrian Shaughnessy's Graphic Design: A users manual) this book suggests that having your own website is very important when job hunting it states that 'it is now obligatory for freelance designers, studios and designers looking for employment to have their own online portfolios.' This is something that i dint realise was so important but after reading this i am considering creating my own website. The book also explains that your website should be brief it should not be too 'self-regarding.' Peter also taught us that this is an easy way to show our work as it means we don't have to transport all our work around too much and we can put the website address on a cv and even on a business card.
Regular portfolio:
'The process of impressing employers or clients with our design skills begins with the design of our portfolios. When we show them we are not only judged on the content, but also on the way we have designed them. A badly designed portfolio sends out a message: bad designer.' This is also a quote taken from the book Adrian Shaughnessy's Graphic Design: A users manual. This is a very true comment. The book states that there are two important aspects to portfolios these are the online portfolios and also the prints. This is because the online work needs to be backed up with some decent, good quality prints and it also shows a variety of different work. This is partically effective for prints such as sceen prints.
Always remember to show your work in context.
Make sure you show how and where it would be used, this could be using photoshop and simply warping it onto an image. For example for my Shah Perdue project i designed a bag, although i thought it looked amazing it looked even better when i showed it in context. I simply found an image on the Internet and warped my design onto a bag in a photograph, this looked amazing.
Targeting employers or clients
Finding suitable employers or clients is very important, also the way in which to target them is too. You must appear to be reliable, efficient, smart and respectable. You should contact them through a letter but then follow the letter up with a phone call. Peter has taught me that when targeting an employer you must be persistent and you must do your research. Research into the company, find out what they like, what they need, what they desire. Look at previous projects they have done and the outcomes. Look on their website, look at what is missing from the company and come up with solutions to their problems. Research the history of the company and also research into the client, look at previous Graphic Designers that have worked for them and what they did for them.
Following up, staying in touch, schmoozing
Following up of clients and employers is very important, Peter has taught us that all clients and business's will receive so many applications that it is important to make sure yours sticks out. When you apply for a job you should continuously track your application and don't allow target employers or clients to forget about you .This will also show the employer that you are keen and motivated and that you also are keen to work for the company. This will make you stand out from other applicants and also if something happens whereby the employer does employ someone else there may become another vacancy in the future so its a good idea to keep checking.
Interviews and Portfolio Presentation.
Pete has taught me that the most important thing is organisation. Always turn up 15 minuites early so you have time to breathe and time to relax. Especially if you have rushed around to get there. This will give you time to pull yourself together and calm your nerves but it will also show the employer that you have good time keeping skills, which is vital in this area of working. It will also allow you to see the person that was interviewed prior to you, this will give you an idea of the competition you face. You should of course look smart, but still look yourself. Make sure you have a few different ways to show your portfolio, if you want to show it as a presentation make sure that the employer has the correct facilities before hand and also the correct computer programmes. Make sure your Portfolio is backed up, take a CD and a memory card. You could even create a CD and leave it with the employer so if he wants to look back he can, this will show you are motivated and organised, it will also show the employer you are happy to go the extra mile and do something extra. Also make sure you take some of your work with you so the employer can see your true work, this is because on a computer it wont look as effective as the real thing. This will also show the employer textures and materials you have used and show your works true potential.
At the interview always let the employer know why they should hire you, tell them what you are going to do for the company that's different from anyone else and show them that they need you to work for their company, your work is what will make them hit all their targets.
When you present your work also remember the way that you present yourself is just as important and the way you show your work is too. You should be proud when you show them your work and make the employer see that you are a hard worker and you are happy with the work that you have achieved. This is because if you are not happy with the work you have created you cannot expect someone else to.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
final box
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