This is very much a work in progress, please keep popping back.
Tuesday 18 November 2008
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!
6. What new skills will you develop after leaving the course?...
An interesting question this one....How can I comment, at this current stage, on any future learning routes I undertake or on any potential new skills I might learn in the future. If I could foresee the future, then I would break one of my personal moral codes and buy a ticket for the National Lottery! As Del Boy used to say, "This time next year Rodney!"
One of my business aims is to attend a course to learn the technical skills required to do "vehicle wraps" and to be able to add this potentially lucrative area to my business.
I also want to be able to spend more time, actually some time, on developing (love the pun!) my Photoshop and photographic skills. I am a keen photographer and subscribe to the excellent magazine, Digital Photo. Each month they publish a DVD full of various tutorials, tips and techniques which I yearn to practice and experiment with. But, with college, work and home to consider, I do not have the time at this stage.
These are the two main areas where I aim to develop my skills in the future and they would both, either separately or individually, be of immense benefit to my business.
I am unsure if any new skills have been learnt, but my existing skills have certainly been developed. The course has forced me to evaluate and to adapt and hone many of my personal and technical skills.
Personal Skills - Time management:
Running a business and having a family life whilst studying for the degree has meant that I am constantly juggling many different balls; and it has been a challenge ensuring that I do not drop any. The methods that I use to keep track of everything have been sharpened and I am more methodical in preparing my work schedule for the coming days and weeks. I make greater use of simple tools such as "to do" lists, email/BlackBerry reminders and diary appointments. I am also more forceful when liaising with suppliers and clients about timescales and delivery dates.
I have booked to attend a Business Link seminar on "Time Management - How To Stop Others Stealing Your Time". This should prove invaluable as it will be very interesting to learn any methods I can employ to better organise my schedule and to help prevent clients wasting my time. This course is scheduled for 24th February, 2009.
Personal Skills - Creativity:
I was never the best one for using things such as "thumbnails" as a method of preparing and exploring design solutions; mainly due to the pressure from clients to get on with their projects. The degree course has helped me to see that taking the time to prepare, even very simple sketches, can have huge benefits further down the line and that they can add value to the finished designs.
Also, the course has made me aware of other potential design solutions that can be utilised on a project. These small changes to the way I think and operate will, hopefully, develop even more as time goes on and will be of benefit to me and the designs I create for my clients.
Technical Skills - Research:
I am better at researching projects prior to commencing them; the web is a superb resource, although care must be taken to ensure that correct facts/figures and outcomes are arrived at. Also, the course has given me greater confidence to be able to suggest alternative avenues for consideration both by myself, as a designer, and for my clients. This helps to achieve designs which are better thought out and, therefore, able to deliver the clients message more effectively and to a larger audience.
Technical Skills - Multi Cultural Awareness:
Prior to the course I was conscious of the need to be aware of "multi cultural" issues. However, this was only in a "general" way and not specifically aligned to the needs of graphic design or to the wider demands of my business.
As a result of my studies for the course, I have developed a wider understanding of the need to carefully consider and address the issues that various groups, whether due to ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious or political viewpoints, may have. Graphic designers need to think about the markets and clients which they are designing for and to put themselves, where possible, into the shoes of the intended target audience.
A white, heterosexual, British male designer has to think incredibly carefully about the methods he employs and the designs he creates for a Muslim, female demographic. At least two of my previous clients have been from different cultural groups to my own; one was a female Muslim who was opening a shop and required signage and a logo design whilst the other was/is a lesbian running a business providing clothing to her peer group. Both projects required me to tailor my use of wording when in discussions with these clients as some phrases, whilst entirely innocent in many settings, could be upsetting; and other factors such as my choice of images and typography had to be well reasoned.
7. Generic employability skills...
Some of the key generic employability skills, and how they contribute to my business, are:
Communication: the ability to listen, to understand and to learn; reading, comprehending and using written materials (e.g. graphs, charts and displays); sharing information and ideas can lead to productive and harmonious relations between staff and customers.
Team work: the skills needed to work well with colleagues, clients and suppliers. Being able to encourage, support and promote productive working relationships to affect positive outcomes. The willingness to "give and take" in order to complete projects.
Problem-solving: productive business outcomes.
Initiative/enterprise: seek out innovative ideas and build towards successful outcomes.
Planning and organisational: the ability to plan and support the long-term or short-term strategies required for the success of my business.
Personal management: the combination of skills, attitudes and behaviours required to get, keep, and progress on a job and to achieve the best results. It refers to people who can demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours, responsibility and adaptability and can result in employee satisfaction, individual and business wide rewards, and enhanced career prospects
Learning / Academic: skills which provide the basic foundation to get, keep, and progress on a job to achieve the best results. The phrase is used to refer to people who can communicate, think, and continue to learn all their lives and provides the means for self improvement for employees which can lead to successful opportunities expansion for the business.
Technology: leads to greater effectiveness and helps achieve successful working practices.
Creative thinking: identifying and suggesting new ideas and means in which to get the job done; thinking, both critically and logically, develops understanding and provides the means by which problems are solved.
PMA: a "positive mental attitude" - having honesty, integrity and personal and business ethics.
Responsibility: you should be accountable for any actions you have undertaken. exerting a high level of effort and perseveres towards goal attainment.
Communication: the ability to listen, to understand and to learn; reading, comprehending and using written materials (e.g. graphs, charts and displays); sharing information and ideas can lead to productive and harmonious relations between staff and customers.
Team work: the skills needed to work well with colleagues, clients and suppliers. Being able to encourage, support and promote productive working relationships to affect positive outcomes. The willingness to "give and take" in order to complete projects.
My team work can be demonstrated in at least two areas of the course so far. Firstly, in the work I have done on Personal Project 6 (the Brighouse Pride calendar) and,secondly, in the work done to date, and for future work planned, on my collaboration with Louise Doubble and Joanna Flynn for our Major Project, designing an identity for the band "Freefall".
Problem-solving: productive business outcomes.
Initiative/enterprise: seek out innovative ideas and build towards successful outcomes.
Planning and organisational: the ability to plan and support the long-term or short-term strategies required for the success of my business.
Personal management: the combination of skills, attitudes and behaviours required to get, keep, and progress on a job and to achieve the best results. It refers to people who can demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours, responsibility and adaptability and can result in employee satisfaction, individual and business wide rewards, and enhanced career prospects
Learning / Academic: skills which provide the basic foundation to get, keep, and progress on a job to achieve the best results. The phrase is used to refer to people who can communicate, think, and continue to learn all their lives and provides the means for self improvement for employees which can lead to successful opportunities expansion for the business.
Technology: leads to greater effectiveness and helps achieve successful working practices.
Creative thinking: identifying and suggesting new ideas and means in which to get the job done; thinking, both critically and logically, develops understanding and provides the means by which problems are solved.
PMA: a "positive mental attitude" - having honesty, integrity and personal and business ethics.
Adaptability: be willing to try new avenues, seek out new suppliers or markets. This is closely related to having a positive attitude towards change.
Responsibility: you should be accountable for any actions you have undertaken. exerting a high level of effort and perseveres towards goal attainment.
Leadership: to lead by example or by instruction as and when appropriate, helping to mobilizing the business towards better performance and rewards.
8. Quantitative and qualitative data...
In the course of running my business, I am faced with a bewildering series of decisions to make concerning facts, figures and numbers.
An average day will see me preparing quotations for clients, assessing quotations from suppliers, calculating profit margins on projects, calculating materials required to complete a project, assessing the suitability of one product against another, conducting banking transactions, negotiating discounts from suppliers and arranging account terms. These are just a few of the types of decisions i have to consider regarding "quantitative and qualitative data".
I never saw this as anything other than "getting on with things"!
Please see the details on my pricing structure on my PDP 5 / 6 Business Plan.
Friday 17 October 2008
Things to do...
..bring the original Action Plan (PDP5) up to date with this one (PDP6). I know - confusing!
Keep my Reflective Log current - I must add the Jeff Koons images from our NY visit - and get a grip on the final 4 modules of the course.
Keep my Reflective Log current - I must add the Jeff Koons images from our NY visit - and get a grip on the final 4 modules of the course.
Thursday 2 October 2008
The second year begins...
Last night (October 1st) heralded the start of our second (and final - big cheer!!) year of the degree course.
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