3 June 2011

letters

These are my covering and speculative letters respectively.

c.v. design

Here is the newest of the new of what I have to offer. Hot off the presses and raring to go.

The styling for the c.v. is reminiscent of the piece I produced in the second year. However, I have refined it to make it easier to read and I re-designed the logo as The previous one had run its course.

Front
Back

Complexing Utopias

This was a weird one! I'm still not entirely sure what was going on in this presentation. It wasn't for lack of trying either. A graduate of the course and her Venezuelan colleague came to talk to us about what they did.

They had decided that a standard design job was just not right for them, it was soon after this I got lost. The theme of the talk was taking graphic design and spreading it over a further field, expanding its purpose and use and the people who use it. Also there was a suggestion of getting everyone (non designers included) involved with the process as that would lead to more varied ideas and suggestions. Not a bad idea. However, where I got confused was when they spoke about one of their concepts. It involved taking a complex idea and simplifying it. Sounds good so far. The next part is where my mind really began to dribble out of my ear. You take your lovely simplified idea and expand it out to more people, thereby confusing the issue again. I am assured that they knew exactly what they were talking about, I did not. Unfortunately, the fact that the presentation was nearly inaudible did not help proceedings either.

Louisa Cameron

This talk I found, surprisingly, interesting. I say surprisingly because I know I want to be a designer when I leave uni and this talk was all about jobs within the creative industry that isn't design. Some of the roles jumped out as they were involved in the process of the design but not necessarily in the designing capacity. Roles like project management and art direction. These jobs allow the person to have direct influence on what comes in and goes out of the studio, how the briefs are treated and making sure that all the boxes are ticked. Additionally, there is the client side. The people who work in this area are responsible for getting clients in and selling ideas, for someone that loves the sound of his own voice it sounds pretty good.

As helpful and insightful as this talk was I still feel that being an actual designer is still the way to go for me. I don't think I can give that one up just yet.

Olwen Mosely - Costing

Costing is essential to the success of a project, and your bank balance. This talk showed the importance of accurate and fair costing for projects.

Key points:

- Friends and family are a no-go. Someone will only end up getting hurt and disappointed, it isn't worth it.

- Costing is based on the amount of time you will spend on a project, how much over heads are and how much you need to live. Doing a job is pointless if you don't benefit from it. Never work for free!

- Never undercut other designer's prices intentionally. This will only bring the cost for other designers down and, essentially, run the industry into the ground.

- There is an element of risk to each new project, more so with new clients. Ask up front what the budget is. If it isn't enough walk away. Consider swapping services as a form of payment. Can they help you in any way?

- Bare in mind that outsourcing is always a possibility and you must budget for that within the price.

This talk contained many other points that are invaluable for any freelancer. One of the big points to this talk was, never be afraid to talk about money. you are providing a service that the client needs at the end of the day.

Andrew Fice

This was a particularly pleasant talk as Andrew Fice, a graduate of the course, showed us that you can make it as a designer as long as you are willing to put the hours in. He had a strong portfolio and recommended the importance of sketches.

Points from the talk:

- Beginning a career...Work experience is king when starting out. Get as much as possible to stand you in the best stead. Experience is important and offering your services for a couple of weeks can lead to more.Also don't just send out portfolios and hope for a reply. Chase up on it. Phone and make sure they got your work. Try to talk to the director, even if that does mean posing as a paper supply company.

- Interviews...Employers want to know that your work and ideas are good but also want to make sure you fit in with everyone and the way in which they work. Show sketches in your portfolio as they show development of ideas and a knowledge of how to get your ideas on paper (even if you cant draw).

- On the job...Be prepared to work over the odds! Expect long days and sleepless nights. If work needs to be done, it needs to be done. Be a team player and don't leave anyone else with the brunt, be willing to help.

Daivd Worthington

This was not the first time that we have been given a talk by David, in fact we were given the same talk twice. Even so they helped quite substantially. Mostly because of the reassurance he provided. The main message, "don't worry, it will all work out". It is phenomenally pleasing to hear that as jobs are so limited now.


David has an impressive resumé and has led an extremely exciting life through his design career, racking up a lot of air miles. It is nice to know that you aren't always just put down as a designer and can really make a difference and people will notice. Another key point of the talk was that things will almost always go wrong, so for these circumstances make sure you have insurance and a back up plan.