...and handed in to Patrick tonight.
I have just returned from presenting Patrick with half a rain forest's worth of papers and notes.
My PDP 5 / PDP 6 "Action Plan (2008-2009)" is now finito!!!!
Have fun, Patrick!
Thursday 15 January 2009
Wednesday 14 January 2009
Evaluation of interviews...
Firstly, I am very grateful to the three interviewees, Patrick, Joanna and Sarah, I hope the questions were not too dull, difficult or demanding. Your assistance is very much appreciated,
Thank You.
I have been studying the responses and looking for any trends or similarities amongst my three guinea pigs. Here are some of my thoughts and deliberations (doesn't that sound grand!)
The answers were all very different and have made interesting reading.
My thoughts:
Interestingly, both Patrick and Joanna found the demands placed upon them by deadline and/or budgetary constraints proved to be positive, rather than negative, by focussing their energies and helping them to be more creative. Sarah, on the other hand, found that having to meet tight deadlines meant she was not always able to deliver designs to the standard she expects of herself. I wonder if this is because Sarah is employed by an organisation and works within strict "office hours", whilst Patrick and Joanna are independent designers who are able to put in the extra hours that Sarah cannot.
How each of them started in the industry was of interest to me. They all come from different educational backgrounds. Patrick has been in the industry much longer than the others, over 20 years and is the only one to indicate that he knew from an early age that he wanted to be a graphic designer. Joanna and Sarah have both had a varied career history and to paraphrase Sarah "fell into the job".
All three appear to enjoy the challenge of being creative and of trying to design to the best of their ability. Furthermore, they all actively strive to enhance and progress their skills by attending regular training courses; visiting exhibitions; viewing creative and visual media websites; by reading design magazines, books and journals; and by critical self assessment of their own work.
I was not at all surprised to see that each of them, when answering the question about software, mentioned the industry leading Adobe Creative Suite! The fact that only Jo uses Dreamweaver was not hugely unexpected as she is the only web designer of the three!
The choices of favoured fonts was also interesting as there was complete diversity among the answers - a fact that possible reflects the sheer number of fonts available to todays designers. Jo's fonts were obviously tailored to her area of expertise, the designing of websites, whilst Patrick and Sarah chose Gill Sans and Myriad Pro - two fonts which are among my own favourites.
The designers and artists who have influenced them was also compelling, with Patrick citing strong, British designers amongst his choices and Jo favouring my work!! Thanks Jo.
In all, I found their interviews to be illuminating and very thought provoking for me, and I will be sure to follow up on some of their answers as I seek to broaden my own design knowledge.
Thanks again.
Tuesday 18 November 2008
1. Continuation of my Reflective Log...
Ongoing...please visit my "Reflective Log"
This is very much a work in progress, please keep popping back.
2. Interview of a design professional...
I am keen to interview Michael Murphy, The InDesigner, and have emailed him to this effect (October 17th 2008).
However, I have not yet had a response. I fear that the demands on his time, both professional and personal, will combine to make this a non-starter.
Happy New Year, everyone!
It’s been quite some time since my last podcast, or even my last post on the blog. Many of you have expressed very touching congratulations for our new baby from all over the world. My wife and I are very grateful for all of the warm wishes. We can’t wait to teach Brenna geography by showing her all the places on the map where people took the time to welcome her into the world.
Some people have also asked about when the next podcast episode will be, and expressed concern that everything was OK on my end. I can assure everyone of two things: there will be more podcast episodes, and everything is just fine. There are actually two new “babies” that have consumed all of my time and attention at the moment. The first—little Brenna—you already know about. The second “baby” is still in the works: a book I’m writing for Adobe Press called Adobe InDesign CS4 Styles: How to Create Better, Faster Text and Layouts, which will be available in late April.
I’m thrilled to be writing a book on one of my favorite InDesign subjects, but it is a lot of work, especially when adjusting to life as a new parent. As a result, podcast time has been impossible to come by. However, I am completely committed to the podcast. It’s what got me the book deal and many other opportunities since I started it. It’s also put me in touch with a community of fellow designers who I’m determined to keep helping with information, instruction and insight for the foreseeable future.
But, for now, the podcast is on hold until the book is 100% done. I’m in the home stretch now, so I will not keep you waiting any longer than necessary. I appreciate everyone’s patience in the meantime. There will also be more from me in 2009: presentations at two InDesign Conferences, a special event in Washington, DC, and more classes through EEI Communications, including a new GREP for Adobe InDesign class.I hope you’ll all be coming along with me for the ride like you have all along.
Thanks again for your support.
Michael
Knew at 6th form I wanted to do something in Art & Design. But I wanted to do something useful, a real job, not just teach (how ironic) as you would if you studied fine art.
5. What previous jobs have you had?
6. What level of education do you have?
Degree in Graphics from Leicester Poly, 1986.
7. What specific technical and personal skills do you believe a Graphic Designer should possess?
Interest and enthusiasm for the world. The ability to really look and see. Not to be too precious about their work and see it as a process you undertake with the target audience. Ability to persuade the client that a new approach might be more effective.
Technical, always ask questions. Is this the best way to do it?
8. What percentage (roughly) of your time is spent on the following areas of a project?
a. Research.
b. Preparing alternative options for a client to consider.
c. Design.
d. Learning new, or developing existing techniques.
9. How would you describe your own style? Ecclectic. Classical. Humorous
10. What type of Graphic Design do you do most often?
11. Do you have much variety in your role?
12. What stresses are involved in your role?
13. Do the demands (deadlines, budget constraints etc) on you as a Graphic Designer stifle your natural talent?
No they are a stimulus. I find it hard to be creative if I don't have a challenge.
14. Where do you think the design industry is heading and what do you think will make a successful Graphic Designer of the future?
More user control. We will create the architecture, the style if you like. The user (certainly on the web etc.) will be able to choose the design environment. Cascading stylesheets are the beginning of this. We will be like designers of wallpaper ranges or paint ranges. The users will think they will be in charge, but they won't be. Bit like going to the hairdressers you think you are getting what you want but you get one of the styles the hairdressers think are fashionable at the moment.
15. What design software do you use most often?
Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign
16. Where do you find your inspiration and what is your creative process like?
Everywhere and tortured and full of self doubt.
17. How do you stay on top of current design trends?
THgh magazines, students, websites, t.v.
18. Which designer/artist's work do you most admire?
Abram Games, Clever British humorous design - Alan Fletcher, Herb Lubalin, Saul Bass.
19. Do you have projects in your portfolio that you are most proud of and why?
20. What aspect of design do you give the highest priority to? Solving the problem.
21. Which font(s) you use most frequently in your design projects?
22. Which design related book(s) do you highly recommend to read?
Typography book by Robert Bringhurst, can't remember the name.*
23. Which design magazines do you regularly read?
I don't and I hate myself for it. Design Week is very useful oh and 'The Drum' online magazine.
24. Which design websites do you visit most often?
1. What company do you work for and what is your role within the company?
Refreshing Web Design and I am the owner
2. How long have you worked in your current role?
Since August 2008 full time, although I set the company up in August 2007
3. How many hours do you work per week? 40 - 50
4. How did you first get into Graphic Design?
By attending the Calderdale College HNC Course
5. What previous jobs have you had?
Graphic Designer at Siddall Colour
Temporary Receptionist at William Henry Smith School
Marketing Manager at Northern Commercials
Body Shop at Home Consultant
Weight Watchers Leader
Sales Co-ordinator at Rosehill Polymers
Customer Services Adviser at Yorkshire Building Society
Bank Clerk at Lloyds Bank
6. What level of education do you have?
10 GCSE’s, A Level Art, HNC Graphic Design, HND Graphic Design
7. What specific technical and personal skills do you believe a Graphic Designer should possess?
Attention to detail, creative, commitment to deadlines
8. What percentage (roughly) of your time is spent on the following areas of a project?
Research.
Is this question is just for me?? – Too long! … about 25%
Preparing alternative options for a client to consider.
Normally follows on from the research stage… about 20%
Design.
I’ve normally got a fair idea of the design after the previous two stages, so this for me normally involves working ideas up and tweaking… about 40%
Learning new, or developing existing techniques.
So far I’ve spent most of my business life developing web building techniques and skills. Not so much with my graphic design skills, they’ve been developed in previous jobs or at college
9. How would you describe your own style? Clean and uncluttered
10. What type of Graphic Design do you do most often?
Advert layouts and email banners
11. Do you have much variety in your role?
Huge amount of variety within the web design role and a huge variety as a self employed person
12. What stresses are involved in your role?
Cashflow and keeping the money coming in. Being faced with a blank sheet of paper!
13. Do the demands (deadlines, budget constraints etc) on you as a Graphic Designer stifle your natural talent? No I think they help actually
14. Where do you think the design industry is heading and what do you think will make a successful Graphic Designer of the future?
I believe the industry is moving away from the curved, shadowed elements and leaning towards a more grungy, handwritten style. Also I think we will see more intricate computer drawn floral effect curves (almost Art Nouveau)
15. What design software do you use most often?
Dreamweaver, InDesign and Photoshop
16. Where do you find your inspiration and what is your creative process like?
Google Images, iStock, Fotolia and websites on the internet. I search online for images etc and they spark off ideas
17. How do you stay on top of current design trends?
Reading up on the internet and looking at popular websites for how they’re designed
18. Which designer/artist’s work do you most admire?
I like your work actually!!! (I think your logos are excellent)
Anthony Gormley (sculpture)
Renoir (Impressionists)
19. Do you have projects in your portfolio that you are most proud of and why?
I’m extremely proud of my website and corporate identity. I think it’s very modern and inviting!
I’m also happy with the Elegant Bride website I designed and built as the customer was very pleased with it and it looks simple and clear
20. What aspect of design do you give the highest priority to?
The jobs with the shortest deadlines!
21. Which font(s) you use most frequently in your design projects?
Arial & Verdana as most are websites!
22. Which design related book(s) do you highly recommend to read?
Any of the Dummies books (I swear by them)
Jim Krause books… Type idea index etc
23. Which design magazines do you regularly read?
None unfortunately, not sure which ones are good for web design
24. Which design websites do you visit most often?
Web Credible
Zen Garden
Interview 3: 13th January 2009
1. What company do you work for and what is your role within the company?
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service - Media and Publications Assistant
2. How long have you worked in your current role? 4 years
3. How many hours do you work per week? 37 i think! ask Sarah.
4. How did you first get into Graphic Design?
I was very lucky in that I totally fell into this job. I stared work for the fire service as a clerk but soon started working on the brigade internet site which then lead me to doing small print jobs, posters etc. People liked what i did for them so they then sent me on various courses including Photoshop and Freehand.
5. What previous jobs have you had?
I only left school with about 10 GCSE's. I have taken lots of courses in the use of graphic design software and I'm looking into a Foundation Degree in Graphic Design in the future.
7. What specific technical and personal skills do you believe a Graphic Designer should possess?
8. What percentage (roughly) of your time is spent on the following areas of a project?
Research. 15%
Preparing alternative options for a client to consider. 20%
Design. 60%
Learning new, or developing existing techniques.
Generally page layout for magazines, newsletters and brochures.
11. Do you have much variety in your role?
The majority of my time is taken up producing Burning Issues our internal staff magazine (bi monthly) and also other brochures required by departments across the brigade. I also produce campaign materials for recruitment and Community Fire Safety events throughout the year.
12. What stresses are involved in your role?
I work to tight deadlines constantly with other jobs being dropped on me at regular intervals. This can be quite stressful at times.
13. Do the demands (deadlines, budget constraints etc) on you as a Graphic Designer stifle your natural talent?
Yes - sometimes you don't have the time you would like to put into a job and end up with something you're not quite happy with but dont' have the time to rectify it.
14. Where do you think the design industry is heading and what do you think will make a successful Graphic Designer of the future?
15. What design software do you use most often?
I use CS3 design suite, mainly using InDesign and with Photoshop and Illustrator to support that.
16. Where do you find your inspiration and what is your creative process like?
This is the first Graphic Design job that I have had - I have created the brand guidelines for West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service from scratch - I am quite limited with actual design in this job as I have to stick within the guidelines.
17. How do you stay on top of current design trends?
18. Which designer/artist’s work do you most admire?
19. Do you have projects in your portfolio that you are most proud of and why?
As this was one of the first major projects that produced I was really proud of the design of the Red Hot Dates Calendar 2007.
20. What aspect of design do you give the highest priority to?
21. Which font(s) you use most frequently in your design projects?
At the moment I'm using Myriad Pro quite a bit.
22. Which design related book(s) do you highly recommend to read?
23. Which design magazines do you regularly read?
24. Which design websites do you visit most often?
However, hope still remains!
Meanwhile, I will try to contact Steve Hobson, Choice Creative, a local graphic designer that I have previously done some work for. Steve might be willing.
January 2009 - I have been unable to contact Steve Hobson and have had no response from Michael Murphy, The InDesigner. The following update posted on Michael's website offers a clue as to how busy he currently is.
An Update on the Podcast
January 9th, 2009 | by Michael Murphy
An Update on the Podcast
January 9th, 2009 | by Michael Murphy
Happy New Year, everyone!
It’s been quite some time since my last podcast, or even my last post on the blog. Many of you have expressed very touching congratulations for our new baby from all over the world. My wife and I are very grateful for all of the warm wishes. We can’t wait to teach Brenna geography by showing her all the places on the map where people took the time to welcome her into the world.
Some people have also asked about when the next podcast episode will be, and expressed concern that everything was OK on my end. I can assure everyone of two things: there will be more podcast episodes, and everything is just fine. There are actually two new “babies” that have consumed all of my time and attention at the moment. The first—little Brenna—you already know about. The second “baby” is still in the works: a book I’m writing for Adobe Press called Adobe InDesign CS4 Styles: How to Create Better, Faster Text and Layouts, which will be available in late April.
I’m thrilled to be writing a book on one of my favorite InDesign subjects, but it is a lot of work, especially when adjusting to life as a new parent. As a result, podcast time has been impossible to come by. However, I am completely committed to the podcast. It’s what got me the book deal and many other opportunities since I started it. It’s also put me in touch with a community of fellow designers who I’m determined to keep helping with information, instruction and insight for the foreseeable future.
But, for now, the podcast is on hold until the book is 100% done. I’m in the home stretch now, so I will not keep you waiting any longer than necessary. I appreciate everyone’s patience in the meantime. There will also be more from me in 2009: presentations at two InDesign Conferences, a special event in Washington, DC, and more classes through EEI Communications, including a new GREP for Adobe InDesign class.I hope you’ll all be coming along with me for the ride like you have all along.
Thanks again for your support.
Michael
However, I have persuaded 3 people to be "interviewed" via email; I asked them to answer at least 12 questions from a series of 24 that I had compiled. They can choose which 12 questions they answer and, if they wish to, they can answer the full 24.
Interview 1: 12th January 2009
Patrick Dolan, Tutor, Calderdale College
Here goes not sure if I've done 12?
1. What company do you work for and what is your role within the company?
2. How long have you worked in your current role?
3. How many hours do you work per week?
4. How did you first get into Graphic Design?
1. What company do you work for and what is your role within the company?
2. How long have you worked in your current role?
3. How many hours do you work per week?
4. How did you first get into Graphic Design?
Knew at 6th form I wanted to do something in Art & Design. But I wanted to do something useful, a real job, not just teach (how ironic) as you would if you studied fine art.
5. What previous jobs have you had?
6. What level of education do you have?
Degree in Graphics from Leicester Poly, 1986.
7. What specific technical and personal skills do you believe a Graphic Designer should possess?
Interest and enthusiasm for the world. The ability to really look and see. Not to be too precious about their work and see it as a process you undertake with the target audience. Ability to persuade the client that a new approach might be more effective.
Technical, always ask questions. Is this the best way to do it?
8. What percentage (roughly) of your time is spent on the following areas of a project?
a. Research.
b. Preparing alternative options for a client to consider.
c. Design.
d. Learning new, or developing existing techniques.
9. How would you describe your own style? Ecclectic. Classical. Humorous
10. What type of Graphic Design do you do most often?
11. Do you have much variety in your role?
12. What stresses are involved in your role?
13. Do the demands (deadlines, budget constraints etc) on you as a Graphic Designer stifle your natural talent?
No they are a stimulus. I find it hard to be creative if I don't have a challenge.
14. Where do you think the design industry is heading and what do you think will make a successful Graphic Designer of the future?
More user control. We will create the architecture, the style if you like. The user (certainly on the web etc.) will be able to choose the design environment. Cascading stylesheets are the beginning of this. We will be like designers of wallpaper ranges or paint ranges. The users will think they will be in charge, but they won't be. Bit like going to the hairdressers you think you are getting what you want but you get one of the styles the hairdressers think are fashionable at the moment.
15. What design software do you use most often?
Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign
16. Where do you find your inspiration and what is your creative process like?
Everywhere and tortured and full of self doubt.
17. How do you stay on top of current design trends?
THgh magazines, students, websites, t.v.
18. Which designer/artist's work do you most admire?
Abram Games, Clever British humorous design - Alan Fletcher, Herb Lubalin, Saul Bass.
19. Do you have projects in your portfolio that you are most proud of and why?
20. What aspect of design do you give the highest priority to? Solving the problem.
21. Which font(s) you use most frequently in your design projects?
22. Which design related book(s) do you highly recommend to read?
Typography book by Robert Bringhurst, can't remember the name.*
*(The Elements of Typographic Style, 1992)
23. Which design magazines do you regularly read?
I don't and I hate myself for it. Design Week is very useful oh and 'The Drum' online magazine.
24. Which design websites do you visit most often?
Interview 2: 12th January 2009
Joanna Flynn, Designer, Age 34
1. What company do you work for and what is your role within the company?
Refreshing Web Design and I am the owner
2. How long have you worked in your current role?
Since August 2008 full time, although I set the company up in August 2007
3. How many hours do you work per week? 40 - 50
4. How did you first get into Graphic Design?
By attending the Calderdale College HNC Course
5. What previous jobs have you had?
Graphic Designer at Siddall Colour
Temporary Receptionist at William Henry Smith School
Marketing Manager at Northern Commercials
Body Shop at Home Consultant
Weight Watchers Leader
Sales Co-ordinator at Rosehill Polymers
Customer Services Adviser at Yorkshire Building Society
Bank Clerk at Lloyds Bank
6. What level of education do you have?
10 GCSE’s, A Level Art, HNC Graphic Design, HND Graphic Design
7. What specific technical and personal skills do you believe a Graphic Designer should possess?
Attention to detail, creative, commitment to deadlines
8. What percentage (roughly) of your time is spent on the following areas of a project?
Research.
Is this question is just for me?? – Too long! … about 25%
Preparing alternative options for a client to consider.
Normally follows on from the research stage… about 20%
Design.
I’ve normally got a fair idea of the design after the previous two stages, so this for me normally involves working ideas up and tweaking… about 40%
Learning new, or developing existing techniques.
So far I’ve spent most of my business life developing web building techniques and skills. Not so much with my graphic design skills, they’ve been developed in previous jobs or at college
9. How would you describe your own style? Clean and uncluttered
10. What type of Graphic Design do you do most often?
Advert layouts and email banners
11. Do you have much variety in your role?
Huge amount of variety within the web design role and a huge variety as a self employed person
12. What stresses are involved in your role?
Cashflow and keeping the money coming in. Being faced with a blank sheet of paper!
13. Do the demands (deadlines, budget constraints etc) on you as a Graphic Designer stifle your natural talent? No I think they help actually
14. Where do you think the design industry is heading and what do you think will make a successful Graphic Designer of the future?
I believe the industry is moving away from the curved, shadowed elements and leaning towards a more grungy, handwritten style. Also I think we will see more intricate computer drawn floral effect curves (almost Art Nouveau)
15. What design software do you use most often?
Dreamweaver, InDesign and Photoshop
16. Where do you find your inspiration and what is your creative process like?
Google Images, iStock, Fotolia and websites on the internet. I search online for images etc and they spark off ideas
17. How do you stay on top of current design trends?
Reading up on the internet and looking at popular websites for how they’re designed
18. Which designer/artist’s work do you most admire?
I like your work actually!!! (I think your logos are excellent)
Anthony Gormley (sculpture)
Renoir (Impressionists)
19. Do you have projects in your portfolio that you are most proud of and why?
I’m extremely proud of my website and corporate identity. I think it’s very modern and inviting!
I’m also happy with the Elegant Bride website I designed and built as the customer was very pleased with it and it looks simple and clear
20. What aspect of design do you give the highest priority to?
The jobs with the shortest deadlines!
21. Which font(s) you use most frequently in your design projects?
Arial & Verdana as most are websites!
22. Which design related book(s) do you highly recommend to read?
Any of the Dummies books (I swear by them)
Jim Krause books… Type idea index etc
23. Which design magazines do you regularly read?
None unfortunately, not sure which ones are good for web design
24. Which design websites do you visit most often?
Web Credible
Zen Garden
Interview 3: 13th January 2009
Name: Sarah Greig, Age: 27
1. What company do you work for and what is your role within the company?
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service - Media and Publications Assistant
2. How long have you worked in your current role? 4 years
3. How many hours do you work per week? 37 i think! ask Sarah.
4. How did you first get into Graphic Design?
I was very lucky in that I totally fell into this job. I stared work for the fire service as a clerk but soon started working on the brigade internet site which then lead me to doing small print jobs, posters etc. People liked what i did for them so they then sent me on various courses including Photoshop and Freehand.
5. What previous jobs have you had?
After leaving school I trained as a legal secretary.
6. What level of education do you have?
6. What level of education do you have?
I only left school with about 10 GCSE's. I have taken lots of courses in the use of graphic design software and I'm looking into a Foundation Degree in Graphic Design in the future.
7. What specific technical and personal skills do you believe a Graphic Designer should possess?
8. What percentage (roughly) of your time is spent on the following areas of a project?
Research. 15%
Preparing alternative options for a client to consider. 20%
Design. 60%
Learning new, or developing existing techniques.
5% I have very little time for this at work unless I am sent on an external course!
9. How would you describe your own style?
10. What type of Graphic Design do you do most often?
9. How would you describe your own style?
10. What type of Graphic Design do you do most often?
Generally page layout for magazines, newsletters and brochures.
11. Do you have much variety in your role?
The majority of my time is taken up producing Burning Issues our internal staff magazine (bi monthly) and also other brochures required by departments across the brigade. I also produce campaign materials for recruitment and Community Fire Safety events throughout the year.
12. What stresses are involved in your role?
I work to tight deadlines constantly with other jobs being dropped on me at regular intervals. This can be quite stressful at times.
13. Do the demands (deadlines, budget constraints etc) on you as a Graphic Designer stifle your natural talent?
Yes - sometimes you don't have the time you would like to put into a job and end up with something you're not quite happy with but dont' have the time to rectify it.
14. Where do you think the design industry is heading and what do you think will make a successful Graphic Designer of the future?
15. What design software do you use most often?
I use CS3 design suite, mainly using InDesign and with Photoshop and Illustrator to support that.
16. Where do you find your inspiration and what is your creative process like?
This is the first Graphic Design job that I have had - I have created the brand guidelines for West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service from scratch - I am quite limited with actual design in this job as I have to stick within the guidelines.
17. How do you stay on top of current design trends?
18. Which designer/artist’s work do you most admire?
19. Do you have projects in your portfolio that you are most proud of and why?
As this was one of the first major projects that produced I was really proud of the design of the Red Hot Dates Calendar 2007.
20. What aspect of design do you give the highest priority to?
21. Which font(s) you use most frequently in your design projects?
At the moment I'm using Myriad Pro quite a bit.
22. Which design related book(s) do you highly recommend to read?
23. Which design magazines do you regularly read?
24. Which design websites do you visit most often?
3. Reflective evaluation of guest speakers...
Geoff Collins, a chap from Yorkshire Television - one of their graphic designers - is due at college this Thursday (October 20th 2008) to talk about his work at the television station.
Regrettably, due to a pressing work schedule, I will not be able to attend.
However, I am taking the liberty of adding a link to Joanna Flynn's blog, where she has evaluated Geoff's visit to college.
I will check with Jo that this is OK with her...I am sure it will be!
Jo said it was Hunkey Dorey - good girl!
5. Review and revise Action Plan from PDP 5...
see my original PDP 5 Action Plan
Any further updates will be posted on the PDP 6 Action Plan pages of my blog...the page you are currently viewing!
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