Design Unplugged: Job Seeking Recap

February 19, 2009 Filed Under: Events 0 Comments

 I’ve been doing what I love for over fifteen years and I have always believed that I am always learning. It’s not a philosophical belief but an undeniable truth. Thus, when I was asked to moderate the panel at the latest Design Unplugged event I was more than happy to accept. Seriously, what a great way for me to learn from over a half-dozen leaders in Charlotte’s creative community than to do it under the guise of hosting the event? (Beats taking each of them to lunch over the course of a month.)

With a room of 70+ students, graduates, young and experienced professionals, Jim Mountjoy (LKM), Leigh Brinkley (Brinkley Design), Kara Hollinger (Kara Hollinger Design Company), Pamela Maret (Aquent), Deanna Mancuso (Newell-Rubbermaid), David Elliott (Limerick Studios), and James Sack (carbonhouse) were gracious with their time and forthcoming and honest with their experience in answering questions about preparing and presenting for a job today.

With the make-up of the panel being varied in their work and their backgrounds each had a different take on many questions but were in consensus on a few:

Concerning resumés, digital is the standard but ALWAYS, ALWAYS have copies with you for a face-to-face. A personal note trumps a cover letter any day. While it may sound counterintuitive, don’t over design. A well designed resume is one that is “scan-able,” a quick read. Leave the theatrics for your work.

Do your research. Be absolutely sure you know what you are asking for. James said, “carbonhouse is a 100% interactive shop. I get resumes all the time about print design jobs. I can’t help you.” You are asking these people to take time to learn about you. It is not beyond expectation that you take time to learn about them and their business.

With portfolios, WORK IS KING. The presentation should be well done but again, not overdone. “The frame should compliment the painting, not compete with it.” Digital portfolios - PDF, web, disc - are wonderful for initial introductions but with print design your future boss wants to see and feel at least something you have done. “There is a lot to be said in the production of a piece,” Leigh said. “Design is only half of the problem. I need to see that you can get it produced.”

Finally, take advantage of every opportunity. If you can work an internship, do it. Experience of any kind points to a desire to work in the indusrty. Of course, participation (call it networking if you wish) in the creative community whether it is AIGA, Ad Club, tweetups, etc. will put faces with the names, you become more comfortable speaking with potential colleagues and you just might hear about that job opening before it’s posted on the job boards. This really does happen.

With that in mind, there is only so much I can offer in a brief recap of such an informative event. This should emphasize the value and importance of what AIGA and the Charlotte chapter provide. I encourage you to be there at the next event.

Written by: Brady Bone: Former AIGA Charlotte President