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Archive for June, 2009

reading 9,10,11

The chapter on finding a job is very helpful for me. There is great advice on how to prepare a portfolio for your interviews and excellent tips on how to present yourself to make the greatest impact. Many things mentioned in this chapter is common sense, but never-the-less many people neglect to follow them. Along with this, there is useful information about the different type of studios to work for and the pros and cons that come with each. There is plenty of useful advice to avoid mistakes and hardships that come from looking for a job.

Chapter 3 does a good job of explaining what it is like to be a freelance designer and explains the benefits and the downsides of doing this type of work. There is a lot more freedom as a freelancer, but you have a heavy burden to find work, build cliental, and handle a vast amount of design and business affairs on your own. The flexibility is greatest benefit as a freelancer and you can choose to do jobs you want to.

Chapter 4 spoke about setting up a studio of your own and gave a lot advise on going about raising money to do so. There is advise on creating a business plan to finance the startup and get things rolling. One major recommendation the author has is to create a partnership when stating a studio with at least one other person that is like minded and goal oriented. Having a partner will take a lot of stress off you and dividing up responsibilities make things work more smoothly and efficiently. The main downside is that friction can develop between partners and can destroy the business from within.

2009: 06/13
CATEGORY: Uncategorized
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reading #8

The forward written by Sagmeister talks about why he enjoys being a graphic designer and provides a brief history of the experience he has had. His advice to being a designer without losing your sole is to stop and think and reflect on what you are doing. By doing this you can internally evaluate whether you are satisfied with what your doing. This is good advice for anyone in any profession and especially for a student just about to graduate.

The introduction simply laid out what the book was going to cover and what it will not in the following chapters. Beyond this, the introduction discusses the problems newcomers to the graphic design field will face and explains that it is a guide book that can help students.

Chapter one listed philosophical and practical attributes needed to be a graphic designer. The list includes cultural awareness,communication, and integrity. As a designer you must have a cultural awareness of the world around you. Because communication is the most important part of your career, understanding symbols, puns, cues, and other cultural references for the audience you are targeting is vital to your success. Also communication skills is crucial for you in your business dealings, being able to discuss your ideas but more importantly, you being a good listener and learning from others. Integrity is a philosophical problem that likely will arise in this career. You may find yourself doing something you don’t agree with simply because you need the work. Money and conscience will need to be weighed and each person will have to search their own heart to decide.

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