Our designers Ros Haverson and Steph Chalmers are both extremely skilled in brand identity, digital design and advertising. With their combined experience and industry knowledge, they are an asset to the r//evolution team.
With graduation on the horizon, we’ve put together a list of ten things we feel design graduates should know when preparing to enter the ‘real’ and exciting world of creative design...
- Get stuck in...
Steph: Don't waste time worrying about not having a job. Build up as much experience as possible while you’re looking for your first step on the ladder - consider internships, work experience and offering your services up to local businesses to help build your professional portfolio.
- Don’t give up…
Ros: We’re sorry to be negative but you may find that you never hear back from a large proportion of businesses you contact as competition can be fierce. On that basis, you're better off targeting a few specially chosen companies. Research them and send a personalised message or promo. The medium you choose is up to you but don’t be scared to pick up the phone to make yourself known to the right people. Be individual and you'll have more chance of getting yourself noticed.
- Keep the creative juices flowing...
Steph: Keep your mind busy and stimulated. When I left university and started looking for work, I set myself a whole host of mini projects and shared my work on social media for feedback. I also signed up for design networking events so that I could meet like-minded people and get feedback on my work.
- Get your portfolio right…
Ros: When it comes to displaying your portfolio remember that less is often more. Choose four to six really good pieces of work to talk through at interviews. Being able to demonstrate and discuss your thought process is just as important as displaying the finished pieces of work.
- Check, check and check again…
Ros: There’s nothing worse than creating a fantastic piece of work, printing it to a beautifully high standard and then noticing a stray typo - it’s happened to us all! Spell check everything, and ask other people to check your work too. Typos and bad grammar matter - whether they are in your CV, your portfolio or on your website.
- Preparation is key…
Ros: If you're invited for a 'chat' or an interview - take the time to prepare and research the company. Impress them with your knowledge about them and their work.
- Stand out from the crowd…
Steph: Make a great first impression and ensure that interviewers remember you by documenting one of your mini projects in a magazine or brochure that you can leave behind after the interview. Just make sure that it’s beautifully printed to a high standard!
- Don't be afraid to ask about the nitty gritty…
Steph: It can feel a little awkward, but don’t be afraid to ask the big questions. Most interviewers will give you an opportunity to ask them a question or two at the end of the interview. Here’s your opportunity to ask any questions you have about professional development, your contract, working hours and of course your starting salary.
- Remember that all experience is good experience (kind of!)
Steph: The first job interview I had after university was for an air conditioning company. The job entailed producing line drawings of air conditioning systems. I made it through the first round of interviews but I declined my second interview because I felt that the job wasn’t quite right for me. The interview was good practice though!
- Thanks for your time...
Steph: After interviews, you should follow up with an email thanking the team for their time. It’s also a good idea to let interviewers know that you’re happy for them to get in touch if they have any further questions.
One last piece of advice from Steph and Ros… Be yourself!
Yes the quality of your work is important but finding the right personality to fit into a company is essential. Try to relax, be yourself and good luck!
