Inspiration

Inspiration

   08:02       Dav31d

---

I subscribed sometime ago to David Airey's email list he is one of my favourite designers in the brand identity field so I always like reading articles and discussion forums that he takes part in personally. I received an email about finding design work in another country, and I suppose it got me thinking about what it would be like to go & find design work in another country so I went on to read the article it can be found http://www.davidairey.com/design-work-new-country/ .

After reading the article I felt so moved & inspired about what I had just read and really got me motivated, so I decided to privately email Iancu Barbărasă, people had already made comments in the comments section, but I preferred to send a more private and personal message. To my delight he responded in fact, almost instantly.

I can't share everything that we spoke about as it might take up a bit of time (and would be several pages to add if I'm honest) but we were messaging for quite a while & I was just letting him know about my current situation as a graduate graphic designer, and asking questions about his process of finding work. I couldn't have been more happier receiving regular responses from Iancu who is also a brand identity designer so that made me even more excited to email him and get responses. I have been taking a number steps to find design work either at an agency, a studio or anywhere else I can get experience, but I needed a fresh approach and reading Iancu's story inspired me to take that further action that is/was needed to just feel more in control of things.

I had sent him my CV and asked for feedback regarding where I can improve on certain things and from there I knew what steps I could to take to improve my approach. I have had help with university lecturers, friends and family but I really didn't want to miss an opportunity of getting advice from someone who has worked (and is currently working) in the industry and field I wish to eventually specialize in, I felt that kind of moment is invaluable and as it doesn't happen frequently (at least for me) I wanted to take a chance, even if I didn't get anywhere with the email but sometimes taking a chance actually means getting somewhere, I guess it depends on who you come across. I have added Iancu on LinkedIn and will try to continue to stay in contact with him, but I genuinely couldn't be more grateful for the advice he offered and the help that I received from him I was very appreciative of his input.

Read More

Portfolio Feedback

Portfolio Feedback

   13:17       Dav31d

---

I find this rather strange, I wrote a post recently about not receiving feedback from an interview about my CV or portfolio that I had with  Anthem Worldwide back in September. I checked my emails literally the next day after I made that post and what do you know..? I receive an email from Rutger (the man who actually interview me on that day) giving me some pointers about my portfolio. I thought I would share what he has written, simply because I personally feel it's very useful when planning for the next interview, not everyone gives you feedback so I was very appreciative of his  time.

Anyway below we have the feedback that was sent to me: 

Hey David,

I owe you some feedback on your portfolio.

I believe you have a great presence and you seem like a really great guy.

This is important when you apply so that’s great.

When I saw your book I think you should put a little more work into presenting it.

It did not look as finished as it could and I think you can make some good steps there.

It is  very simple, the more effort you spend on your book the better the opportunity you receive.

Scan your work and put it in ‘one’ tidy book.

The design of your book is as important if not more important (as this is where you show the world who you really are!) the the work you show.

Also you gave yourself high marks in Photoshop but the photoshop work you presented was not of a top standard.

This is totally fine as you are at the beginning of your career but you should be clear about this whilst applying to jobs so that you do not set yourself up for any misperceptions.

In short I would love to encourage you to design your book with great care.

Once you have done this I would be very happy to look at it again.

Best of luck!!

RUTGER THIELLIER

Creative Director

Again I said to Rutger that, I was very grateful for the response he gave me (though it was two months overdue) I was more than happy to receive it in the first place. From what I've experienced not everyone will dedicate their time in expressing why they didn't pick you, or where they felt you fell short during the interview process. So this gave me an insight into what steps I can take to ensure that when I go to my next interview I don't fall over the same hurdle and I'm a bit more prepared.

Read More