Sep 27

Written by: christy
9/27/2010 4:08 PM 

I had a student from Marymount University in Arlington Virginia reach out to me with some questions for her senior portfolio class... Here is what she asked... and my answers.

 1. How long have you been working in the field?

I graduated from Berry College in 1998 and began working in graphic design that following year.  I have been working in my field for 12 years.

 

 2. How did you end up at your current position?

I began my business 15 months ago after working as the Art Director of a prestigious PR firm here in Tallahassee, FL for 3.5 yrs. I was fired/asked to resign for economic reasons partially I think, but also, my heart wasn't in the job there anymore, I had just had a baby and I wanted to be home with her, so even though I was there every day on time and stayed late when I had to, my performance wasn't all it could have been.  I had a newborn baby at home and didn't want to get back into an 8-5 job.  So I decided to start my own business so that my hours could be more flexible to both my children's schedules.

 

 3. What is your daily routine comprised of? How many hours? . (Creative, managing, actual hands-on layout)

The hours vary from day to day.  They can get pretty extensive when have a multiple deadlines. I work anywhere from 5-12 hours a day, but not all at once... my work time is scattered throughout the day.

 

I don't work on the weekends if I can help it, but that does tend to be the time that I have to catch up on all my accounting and bills for the business.

 

When I get a new project, depending on how quickly I can get inspired with a great idea I can spend anywhere from 30min-2 hours brainstorming and mindmapping out ideas for the actual design concept.

 

 4. What do you consider your unique strength as a creative designer? 

I have a good eye for space and am detail oriented.  I am determined to do my best to come up with an innovative design that works for each individual client.  I also am not satisfied until my client is. I am extremely motivated. 

I am experienced in pre-press and have worked with enough printers over the years that I know how to prepare and send files correctly to them.  

 

 5. What has been your biggest challenge as a designer or on the job?

When I first began designing I would get attached to my design or project and when the client wanted to change something I took it personally, but as a designer it is our job to educate the client in a professional way and also listen to their ideas (sometimes it can make the design better) ultimately I have learned if they don't listen to my opinion and they still want it laid out in a way that I don't agree with... most of the time I suck it up and do it how they ask.  Sometimes if it really will mess up the project I will discuss the issue further with the client, most of the time the client will value my opinion and we can come to a compromise.

 

I think part of getting a good client that values your design and your ideas is something that you learn over time and you can tell before anything is designed for the client.  If you ask the right questions then you can decide beforehand if you are willing to work with that person... and not only are they the right client for you but are you the right designer for them!!

 

 6. What has been your most rewarding experience?

 In business: Starting my own business and getting clients based on my own merit.

 7. What do you look for in an entry-level portfolio? 

 Creativity. Attention to detail. Skill level of work... 

 

 8. What qualities do you look for in an entry-level person?

Good working knowledge of the programs being used (Photoshop/Illustrator/In Design), Open to learning and listening, Creativity and the ability to be a self-starter.

                                   

 9. What technology/software do you consider essential?

Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop/In-Design. HTML/CSS

 

 10. Where do you get your inspirations?  

Other artists, nature, life, clients that are excited about their project and can give me good detail on where they want to go.  If they are really excited about it then I usually pick up on that too.

 

 11. How did you keep up with the field?

 I read design magazines and blogs. I have taken refresher courses in various programs over the past years. Talking to other designers about trends and what we like and don't like... listening to more experienced designers when they come to speak at various events.

 

 12. What are some current trends in design?

 Current trends in design.  I follow them, but don't live by them.  

I have read a lot about the trend to bring back whitespace, clean and uncluttered design... its funny, I have always been doing this -- I hate clutter.

I think that people are going to be using brighter more vibrant colors in their design, but once again it all comes back to the project... 

I think vintage/retro looks are something that people are designing more of... 

Also, using illustration in their design as well as textures and more personalized design to try to cut back on plagiarism.

 

Websites seem to be leaning more toward looking like print design -- so I guess I am ahead of the curve on that, since print design is my expertise.

I really enjoyed answering these questions, so if you have any that you would like to ask then please send my way and I will do my best to answer them for you.

Copyright ©2010 christy