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Staying in the Know

April 30, 2011
30 Apr 2011

Artists are known to be eclectic about life. As designers it is important for us to not only be informed about our own fields, but also about what our potential clients are interested in. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to go play golf every weekend or become a Shakespeare scholar, but you should be well-rounded. It is important to show genuine interest in a company or client and what they do when applying for jobs. Reading up on on their mission statement is essential, but to go the extra mile do some research to better understand their company. This will probably require you to read a article or two, and look at something besides their website. Recently, when applying for an internship I was asked about my resources for keeping up with my craft. Instead of easily mentioning my top five design related sites, I decided to give more than they asked for. I replied with a long lists of sites, which interested me. This way my resources ranged from politics to music to typography and more of course. It showed that I could bring more to the table than just knowing the latest logo or color palette trends.

Now, if you are thinking, “Am I too crazy about design?” don’t worry. As a student I use to be completely boggled down with design magazines, conversations, and conferences. It seemed like the right thing to do, and for the most part it was. Well, until I started talking to those who were not designers and didn’t understand my hatred for Papyrus or craziness for knowing the proper names for colors. It’s Marigold, not Orange! Then, I decided that I need to pick-up a newspaper or turn on CNN. At some point even other designers and employers will want to know you beyond design. I am the type of designer I am, because of who I am, and not the other way around.

So, when you think you might be loosing control and drowning in a pool of pantone colors haves someone throw you a donut. Remember the more thing you have to pull inspiration from the better designer you will be and the more you will stand out among this over crowded club!

So, what is my list you ask?

CNN
BBC News
The Onion
Associated Press
NPR
News One
BET
MTV
VH1
theGrio
WonkaBeats
Black Art Director
Global Grind
Smashing Magazine
designworkplan
Fly
Mashable
Design Observer
KissMyBlackAds
A List Apart
Design By Grid
Design Milk
Design Addict
Dexigner
kiss my black ads
The Font Feed
Villatype
Sleevage

You always know someone by their bookmarks right? Check out what Woordle says about what I store in my delicious account:

Wordle: Kristie G

7 Comments/0 Tweets/in Career, Design, Graphic Design, Uncategorized

One Stage Down, Another Starting

December 1, 2010
01 Dec 2010

On December 15th, 2010 The Art Institute of Washington held it’s quarterly portfolio show. Myself along with many other students enjoyed the feeling of holding a college degree or certification. AIW is not like most schools where as long as you pass your classes you graduate! Instead the students prepare a portfolio of work and build a booth to display their work. During the graduation day potential employers, family, and friends are invited to see our hard work pay off. As a Graphic Design major I am partial to the torture professors put us through in that particular department. In the end all the tears, sweat, late nights, creative strain, preparation leaves us here.

Where is here exactly? Well, for most this is a place where you are excited to have a degree, but crossing your fingers too soon find a job. For Winter graduates the job search can be easily put on stall, because of the approaching season. Graduating ten days before Christmas is a great gift for parents, but a pressure cooker situation for young professionals. Where do you look? Who do you call? Where do you go?

Looking for a job in the design field can easily start on the internet. Most employers post on many websites to find potential employees. Remember, the early bird gets the worm. Waiting until the day after graduation is not where to start off their future career. Start looking for jobs as soon you are sure you are graduating! AIW has a great Career Services Department, which helps students and alumni find work.

As a former independent student I remind fellow peers to never be too good for any job. Starting off with a good paying job, which is not in your field is not worst thing. If you have money in your pocket and bills are being paid you should be happy. BUT, keep searching for jobs related to your field. You can always turn in your notice!

Below are a list of websites, which will greatly help in your job search:

Coroflot
Behance
Authenic Jobs
AIGA Design Jobs
Krop
design:related
Freelance Switch
Smashing Magazine
Simply Hired
Craigslist

Along with receiving a degree you start to realize that real life has began. Ideas such as savings, retirement, loans, professional organizations, monthly budgets, investing, and health insurance should all be swirling somewhere in your mind. Your are never too young to start thinking and building toward these things.

Let me know about your job search experiences!

5 Comments/0 Tweets/in Career, Design, Graphic Design, Job Search, Jobs

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