I have already covered a designer’s resume and designer’s portfolio in this short series about designers landing a job in Latin America. In this new blog entry I will cover the interview from the interviewee perspective. I’ll divide it in two parts.
Part 1: Before the interview…
Now that you’re in “landing job” mode, it’s time to plan the strategy for your interview.
The call.
So the recruiter calls you to ask you to come over for an interview. Have a positive and upbeat attitude, act like you were expecting the call and be ready to jot down the directions to the place. It’s a good idea to take the chance to ask a couple of questions, like, who the interviewer is, their position, if they want you to bring anything else, if there’s a dress code, confirm the position they’re calling you for. In general, get as much information as possible from that call.
The research.
Once you know who’s contacted you, do some research on the company, if you haven’t already done so when you sent your resume. Check out their web page and find out as much information as you can. Try to relate that info to the design position and how it impacts their operation. DO NOT show up without doing some research. Research will allow you to prepare some intelligent questions for your interview and will save the interviewer some time in having to explain the company business to you. Trust me, you’ll make a great first impression.
The logistics.
Rehearse the route you’ll take to get to the interview location, beforehand. I know this may sound like a bit much, but making sure you get to the interview on time is of the outmost importance. In fact, leave a window to arrive there early.
The portfolio.
If you have many pieces, select the ones that better illustrate your skills for the position in question. Be prepared to present each piece by saying how it came about, what the creative process was like and how the customer’s business was improved by it.
The questions.
Interviewers ask difficult, personal and professional questions in order to see how you handle yourself under pressure and if your personality and professional traits match the position. Here are some typical questions:
- Why did you become a designer?
- What did you expect to achieve as a designer then?
- What do you expect to achieve as a designer now?
- In what type of atmosphere/environment do you feel most comfortable working in and do you do best working in groups or by yourself?
- What are your skills? What can you offer that other designers can't?
- What are your flaws?
- What’s your creative process?
- How does your expertise relate to our company?
- How do you think you’ll help us increase sales?
- What are your salary expectations?
Prepare intelligend answers for these questions and think about them thoroughly beforehand... show that you know where you're heading, what you want, your own value and how can all those positive things have a positive impact in the company.
Next time, I’ll be covering the actual interview. Until then, I look forward to receiving some comments!
All the best!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Designers beware: Your portfolio.
In my last blog I presented 10 tips on designer resumes. Continuing with my series on designers getting a job in Latin America (and just about anywhere I think), this time I will be covering your portfolio. To make it in the design business, all designers must have a portfolio. A portfolio is anything that will allow you to show your past work. It can be a physical printed portfolio, or an electronic one. Either way, consider the tips in this article to get the most out of it.
I personally think that it’s best to have both a printed and an electronic portfolio. I’d even go as far as saying that you should have two electronic portfolios: An online one and a PDF one.
Think of the people who are going to be reviewing your portfolio… is it a human resources person? Is it a designer? A creative director? A marketing manager? You should be able to effectively provide samples of your work to each audience.
If they request you send your portfolio, make sure you send what they expect. This will give you an advantage over those designers that reply with “oh, but I only have a printed one”. Granted, offering to show your portfolio in person can be taken as a proactive and positive move, it’s still no excuse not to send the requested materials in the preferred media of the interviewer. Ask in advance.
Before putting together your portfolio…
Pick a theme. This may sound a bit corny and it may not apply to everybody, but the best portfolios I’ve seen have had a “theme” to group and present information. A theme will force you to think creatively of a way to show your work inside a frame or topic. I once saw a graphic designer’s portfolio who’s theme was the seven deadly sins. He made it so that his work was divided into each sin, depending on the subject matter of the projects. The portfolio itself was very interesting and I could tell that he had put a lot of thought and effort into it. It also showed how far his creativity could go. That guy landed the job.
Pick your work. Plan it carefully. Organize it in a way that will be coherent to most people. Test this with people who can give you an honest opinion. Figure out how you want to present information. For a graphic designer, for example, it could be something like: branding, illustration, advertisement, typography. You could also sub-divide into academic and real projects.
Pick your media. And design accordingly to make the different versions of your portfolio, consistent. Choose being neat over being flashy.
Plan your page. Think of how each project page will look, what information it will contain. Remember that you may not be present when the interviewer sees your portfolio, so ask yourself, how are you going to convey your message? How will the viewer get what each project was about?
If you go for a printed portfolio…
Make it portable. Find or make a folder that will make it easy to carry around. It could even not be a folder! Be creative and do something unique, but avoid being cumbersome.
Make it neat and polished. Show that you care about the details. Make sure your portfolio is always in a perfect state."
Make it leavable. That’s right, if there’s something you can leave behind as a reminder of your work, that is a big plus. A good self promotion piece that will remind the interviewer of that cool designer that had that fabulous portfolio.
If you go for electronic, online or animated…
Make it simple and stylish. Avoid unnecessary animations and distractions. Cut to the chase and present information in a clear and organized way. Divide by categories, as I explained earlier in this article.
Make it work. Make sure that all the clickable objects work and that they take the viewer where they’re supposed to go. Test it on different platforms and test its compliance with IP standards (Idiot Proof standards, that is, meaning that anybody should be able to use it without a need for a manual).
Make it quiet. Unless you’re applying for a position as multimedia designer, I’d advise against adding music to your portfolio. It’s distracting and since you don’t know your viewer’s taste in music, this could actually play against you. Furthermore, avoid having different music for different sections. If you do choose to use music, make sure there are controls to shut it off and control volume.
If you go for electronic, PDF…
Make it complete. Be certain that the file does include all the pages you intended. This may sound obvious, but I have received a single page with no information on it. What this says is that you didn’t make the effort to check your file before sending it.
Make it printable. When I receive portfolios in PDF I like to print them out. Sometimes I receive PDFs with printing restrictions which I find annoying, because I have several printed portfolios to review. If I can’t print one, I most likely will forget about it.
Make it yours. Name your file with your name and add the word “portfolio”. This will make it easier for the recruiter to find your information. Be consistent with your resume. i.e. carolina_ayerbe_resume.pdf and carolina_ayerbe_portfolio.pdf.
Last but not least, have some fun! Show your creativity and your personality, your portfolio is your best referral. Show how passionate you are about your projects and about the way you present them, this will come through and will show how professional you are. Being neat and organized doesn’t clash with being a bit wacky and adventurous!
If you’re a young, fresh-out-of-college designer, being so doesn’t excuse you for not having a great portfolio. Include your best academic projects. If you’re a freshman, start now, collect all the info you can about all the projects you do and start putting together your portfolio!
If you're already an experienced designer and have a lot of pieces, consider your audience and present the projects that apply to the position you want to fill.
I hope these tips help some designers.
Do let me know what you think and if this article helped at all.
All comments will be most appreciated!
All the best!
More resources:
Top 10 Portfolio Faux Pas
10 Portfolio Commandments
How to Present Your Creative Portfolio
I personally think that it’s best to have both a printed and an electronic portfolio. I’d even go as far as saying that you should have two electronic portfolios: An online one and a PDF one.
Think of the people who are going to be reviewing your portfolio… is it a human resources person? Is it a designer? A creative director? A marketing manager? You should be able to effectively provide samples of your work to each audience.
If they request you send your portfolio, make sure you send what they expect. This will give you an advantage over those designers that reply with “oh, but I only have a printed one”. Granted, offering to show your portfolio in person can be taken as a proactive and positive move, it’s still no excuse not to send the requested materials in the preferred media of the interviewer. Ask in advance.
Before putting together your portfolio…
Pick a theme. This may sound a bit corny and it may not apply to everybody, but the best portfolios I’ve seen have had a “theme” to group and present information. A theme will force you to think creatively of a way to show your work inside a frame or topic. I once saw a graphic designer’s portfolio who’s theme was the seven deadly sins. He made it so that his work was divided into each sin, depending on the subject matter of the projects. The portfolio itself was very interesting and I could tell that he had put a lot of thought and effort into it. It also showed how far his creativity could go. That guy landed the job.
Pick your work. Plan it carefully. Organize it in a way that will be coherent to most people. Test this with people who can give you an honest opinion. Figure out how you want to present information. For a graphic designer, for example, it could be something like: branding, illustration, advertisement, typography. You could also sub-divide into academic and real projects.
Pick your media. And design accordingly to make the different versions of your portfolio, consistent. Choose being neat over being flashy.
Plan your page. Think of how each project page will look, what information it will contain. Remember that you may not be present when the interviewer sees your portfolio, so ask yourself, how are you going to convey your message? How will the viewer get what each project was about?
If you go for a printed portfolio…
Make it portable. Find or make a folder that will make it easy to carry around. It could even not be a folder! Be creative and do something unique, but avoid being cumbersome.
Make it neat and polished. Show that you care about the details. Make sure your portfolio is always in a perfect state."
Make it leavable. That’s right, if there’s something you can leave behind as a reminder of your work, that is a big plus. A good self promotion piece that will remind the interviewer of that cool designer that had that fabulous portfolio.
If you go for electronic, online or animated…
Make it simple and stylish. Avoid unnecessary animations and distractions. Cut to the chase and present information in a clear and organized way. Divide by categories, as I explained earlier in this article.
Make it work. Make sure that all the clickable objects work and that they take the viewer where they’re supposed to go. Test it on different platforms and test its compliance with IP standards (Idiot Proof standards, that is, meaning that anybody should be able to use it without a need for a manual).
Make it quiet. Unless you’re applying for a position as multimedia designer, I’d advise against adding music to your portfolio. It’s distracting and since you don’t know your viewer’s taste in music, this could actually play against you. Furthermore, avoid having different music for different sections. If you do choose to use music, make sure there are controls to shut it off and control volume.
If you go for electronic, PDF…
Make it complete. Be certain that the file does include all the pages you intended. This may sound obvious, but I have received a single page with no information on it. What this says is that you didn’t make the effort to check your file before sending it.
Make it printable. When I receive portfolios in PDF I like to print them out. Sometimes I receive PDFs with printing restrictions which I find annoying, because I have several printed portfolios to review. If I can’t print one, I most likely will forget about it.
Make it yours. Name your file with your name and add the word “portfolio”. This will make it easier for the recruiter to find your information. Be consistent with your resume. i.e. carolina_ayerbe_resume.pdf and carolina_ayerbe_portfolio.pdf.
Last but not least, have some fun! Show your creativity and your personality, your portfolio is your best referral. Show how passionate you are about your projects and about the way you present them, this will come through and will show how professional you are. Being neat and organized doesn’t clash with being a bit wacky and adventurous!
If you’re a young, fresh-out-of-college designer, being so doesn’t excuse you for not having a great portfolio. Include your best academic projects. If you’re a freshman, start now, collect all the info you can about all the projects you do and start putting together your portfolio!
If you're already an experienced designer and have a lot of pieces, consider your audience and present the projects that apply to the position you want to fill.
I hope these tips help some designers.
Do let me know what you think and if this article helped at all.
All comments will be most appreciated!
All the best!
More resources:
Top 10 Portfolio Faux Pas
10 Portfolio Commandments
How to Present Your Creative Portfolio
Monday, January 15, 2007
Designers beware: 10 tips on designer resumes.
Looking for a job? Yes, a very daunting and stressful experience, especially if you’re a fresh-out-of-college designer applying for your first job.
I’ve had the opportunity to interview many designers for in-house positions and I’ve found that most designers would benefit from some guidance on how to promote themselves. This is particularly relevant to designers in South America and Colombia where design is a relatively new profession.
The times, they are a’ changing, and designers need to rise to the level of most professionals. Design is a business. It’s not just about the perfect decoration in the pretty resume. It has to convey a message of professionalism, a message that you can actually do the job. Even if you’re a designer with experience, here are ten tips for designers writing their resume:
Tip 1: Do some research.
Even if you think you know everything there is to know about designing a document, find out about effective ways to present a resume. There are tons of websites with information about it like Rita Sue Siegel Resources and even this here article may help you. Now, being a designer, you are expected to show your creative side in your resume (At least I expect that). Nevertheless, this is a document for you to show that you’re a professional and therefore, all the right information must be included, even if it means sacrificing that beautiful symbol you want displayed in the whole page.
Tip 2: Customize your resume to match the position.
Designers work in different areas of design. I’ve seen this especially with graphic designers. So when the position calls for an illustrator, make your resume reflect that in the jobs or projects you want to show. If the position calls for a web designer, then include all web work you’ve done with links. If you think something else will add to your value proposition, include it. However, don’t try to squeeze all your work experience in just one page if some of it has no relevance to the position.
Tip 3: A one page resume.
Yes, all the necessary information can fit in one page, as weird as it sounds. You have to think that the person receiving your resume is receiving a lot more and she probably is printing them out. Make her job easier by including all pertinent information in a single page, you will earn some extra points for that.
Now, you’re a designer, play with typography, space, color… it’s also very important to make sure the information is presented in an organized, clear, easy to read way and have some fun! Make your personality and style show through. Don’t forget to double, better yet, make that “triple” check your document for typos and grammar errors. Nothing says “unprofessional” like a sloppy resume. Here's an example of a one page resume. Granted, this was a fresh-out-of-college designer and didn't have a lot of information to include, but you get the idea.
Tip 4: Your name and contact information are the most important thing.
Follow what you learned in school and make your name and contact information stand out by placing them where they will be easier to read for the recruiter: most likely the right top corner of the page, or top centered. Do include all your contact information, telephone numbers where you can be reached for sure.
If your email is something like “big_stud@hotmail.com” it’s better to get a new one, just your name and last name, something that identifies who you are. I personally think that it’s not necessary to include your photo, though I’ve seen some pretty cool ways to add a picture of yourself as an illustration or an unusual treatment in Photoshop. If you’re applying for a job as an illustrator, this could be a good highlight for your resume.
Tip 5: Your profile.
Include a brief paragraph expressing what your profile as a designer is, or what your major areas of expertise are and what short term goals you have. This helps the recruiter see quickly if your profile matches what they’re looking for.
Tip 6: Now for the work information.
Include your work experience, listing jobs in reverse chronological order. For each job include:
a. The time period you had that job, including year and month.
b. The responsibilities of the position.
c. The achievements of the position, and how they translated into either an increase in sales or the reduction of costs for the firm. Include some numeric information, when possible.
If you’ve worked as a web designer, or have links to your work on the internet, make sure they work properly and contain all current information.
Tip 7: Academic information.
Include the qualifications you have and filter them to be pertinent to the position you’re applying to. List them in reverse chronological order too. Be sure to include the year in which you graduated and the title you received.
Tip 8: Is it the right file?
When sending your resume file through email, take into consideration:
a. Check that your file is complete. Yes, I have received resumes of one page, where it only lists the jobs, with no name or contact info, because they forgot to include the previous pages.
b. Name your file with your name. i.e. carolina_ayerbe_CV.pdf; make the work of the recruiter easier, and make your resume easy to find among all the files she’s downloaded that are called “CV.doc”, “resume.pdf”, “current_resume.doc” and every other combination that doesn’t provide any information as to what the file contains.
c. Include your name, title and the position you’re applying to in the subject line of the email. It makes it easier to find you in the long list of emails the recruiter received every day.
d. Open some doors by writing a short, warm and assertive email message to go with your attachment. Don’t just send the attachment alone; some people might take this gesture to be rude. Say hello, at least. Don’t underestimate the value of a well crafted message selling the benefits the company will get by hiring you. If necessary, go back to the Tip 1 and do some research on how to write a proper cover letter.
Tip 9: Don’t lie.
Most recruiters can see through a liar. Show your work in a dignified way, talk about your accomplishments, but don’t try to sell things as more than they really are. I once received a CV from this designer that presented himself as a “brand creator”. Hmm, interesting, I thought.
When I interviewed him I asked him how he went about creating a brand; it became obvious the guy had no idea what he was talking about. We both wasted our time. Be honest about what you’ve achieved. It’s much more effective.
Tip 10: Combine your resume with your portfolio.
I really like it when the resume includes some examples of the work the designer has done. All contact, work and academic information should be in the first page.
From the second page on, it’s a good idea to include three or four examples of your best work. This will be the entrée for the recruiter to ask for a complete portfolio. Don’t send twelve pages, though. Still keep it short, two or three pages maximum.
I hope these tips help out a few designers out there.
I look forward to receiving some comments!
All the best, Carolina Ayerbe.
I’ve had the opportunity to interview many designers for in-house positions and I’ve found that most designers would benefit from some guidance on how to promote themselves. This is particularly relevant to designers in South America and Colombia where design is a relatively new profession.
The times, they are a’ changing, and designers need to rise to the level of most professionals. Design is a business. It’s not just about the perfect decoration in the pretty resume. It has to convey a message of professionalism, a message that you can actually do the job. Even if you’re a designer with experience, here are ten tips for designers writing their resume:
Tip 1: Do some research.
Even if you think you know everything there is to know about designing a document, find out about effective ways to present a resume. There are tons of websites with information about it like Rita Sue Siegel Resources and even this here article may help you. Now, being a designer, you are expected to show your creative side in your resume (At least I expect that). Nevertheless, this is a document for you to show that you’re a professional and therefore, all the right information must be included, even if it means sacrificing that beautiful symbol you want displayed in the whole page.
Tip 2: Customize your resume to match the position.
Designers work in different areas of design. I’ve seen this especially with graphic designers. So when the position calls for an illustrator, make your resume reflect that in the jobs or projects you want to show. If the position calls for a web designer, then include all web work you’ve done with links. If you think something else will add to your value proposition, include it. However, don’t try to squeeze all your work experience in just one page if some of it has no relevance to the position.
Tip 3: A one page resume.
Yes, all the necessary information can fit in one page, as weird as it sounds. You have to think that the person receiving your resume is receiving a lot more and she probably is printing them out. Make her job easier by including all pertinent information in a single page, you will earn some extra points for that.Now, you’re a designer, play with typography, space, color… it’s also very important to make sure the information is presented in an organized, clear, easy to read way and have some fun! Make your personality and style show through. Don’t forget to double, better yet, make that “triple” check your document for typos and grammar errors. Nothing says “unprofessional” like a sloppy resume. Here's an example of a one page resume. Granted, this was a fresh-out-of-college designer and didn't have a lot of information to include, but you get the idea.
Tip 4: Your name and contact information are the most important thing.
Follow what you learned in school and make your name and contact information stand out by placing them where they will be easier to read for the recruiter: most likely the right top corner of the page, or top centered. Do include all your contact information, telephone numbers where you can be reached for sure.
If your email is something like “big_stud@hotmail.com” it’s better to get a new one, just your name and last name, something that identifies who you are. I personally think that it’s not necessary to include your photo, though I’ve seen some pretty cool ways to add a picture of yourself as an illustration or an unusual treatment in Photoshop. If you’re applying for a job as an illustrator, this could be a good highlight for your resume.
Tip 5: Your profile.
Include a brief paragraph expressing what your profile as a designer is, or what your major areas of expertise are and what short term goals you have. This helps the recruiter see quickly if your profile matches what they’re looking for.
Tip 6: Now for the work information.
Include your work experience, listing jobs in reverse chronological order. For each job include:
a. The time period you had that job, including year and month.
b. The responsibilities of the position.
c. The achievements of the position, and how they translated into either an increase in sales or the reduction of costs for the firm. Include some numeric information, when possible.
If you’ve worked as a web designer, or have links to your work on the internet, make sure they work properly and contain all current information.
Tip 7: Academic information.
Include the qualifications you have and filter them to be pertinent to the position you’re applying to. List them in reverse chronological order too. Be sure to include the year in which you graduated and the title you received.
Tip 8: Is it the right file?
When sending your resume file through email, take into consideration:
a. Check that your file is complete. Yes, I have received resumes of one page, where it only lists the jobs, with no name or contact info, because they forgot to include the previous pages.
b. Name your file with your name. i.e. carolina_ayerbe_CV.pdf; make the work of the recruiter easier, and make your resume easy to find among all the files she’s downloaded that are called “CV.doc”, “resume.pdf”, “current_resume.doc” and every other combination that doesn’t provide any information as to what the file contains.
c. Include your name, title and the position you’re applying to in the subject line of the email. It makes it easier to find you in the long list of emails the recruiter received every day.
d. Open some doors by writing a short, warm and assertive email message to go with your attachment. Don’t just send the attachment alone; some people might take this gesture to be rude. Say hello, at least. Don’t underestimate the value of a well crafted message selling the benefits the company will get by hiring you. If necessary, go back to the Tip 1 and do some research on how to write a proper cover letter.
Tip 9: Don’t lie.
Most recruiters can see through a liar. Show your work in a dignified way, talk about your accomplishments, but don’t try to sell things as more than they really are. I once received a CV from this designer that presented himself as a “brand creator”. Hmm, interesting, I thought.
When I interviewed him I asked him how he went about creating a brand; it became obvious the guy had no idea what he was talking about. We both wasted our time. Be honest about what you’ve achieved. It’s much more effective.
Tip 10: Combine your resume with your portfolio.
I really like it when the resume includes some examples of the work the designer has done. All contact, work and academic information should be in the first page.
From the second page on, it’s a good idea to include three or four examples of your best work. This will be the entrée for the recruiter to ask for a complete portfolio. Don’t send twelve pages, though. Still keep it short, two or three pages maximum.
I hope these tips help out a few designers out there.
I look forward to receiving some comments!
All the best, Carolina Ayerbe.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Three books you must read before you're 30.
I turned 30 this year (Why, God, why????) and I thought I'd share a little pearl of wisdom about three books that changed my perception of life in the past few years.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen R. Covey):
Maybe it's not your case, but sometimes people go through life just going with the flow, never stopping and taking time to go deeper and try to find purpose in what they do. I was kind of like that until a friend of mine suggested this book because I was interested in a better time managemente application. The book states that being "effective" is doing what you want, with the best results possible, while you optimize your resources. In order to achieve a high level of "effectiveness" in all areas of your life, you need to go through all the seven habits, which in turn go from dependence, to independence, to interdependence. The habits can be applied to most about anything from corporate culture, to love life. It shows a way of being in control of your life and assuming responsibility for it.
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus (John Gray):
Ever wanted your partner to come with a manual? Well this book is as close to a manual as I've found. It explores the basic differences between men and women, how they process information, how the use language, what they need and what they expect from each other. It's a book for couples, though I found that many of the things they suggest apply to general relationships between men and women, even at work or in your family. This book opened my eyes and made me realize that I had been doing it all wrong for years. It wasn't my fault, I didn't know better. We all bring baggage from our parents and our past relationships, you know? It's a good idea to try to understand it better to break away from it.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad (Robert T. Kiyosaki):
Are you one of those people for whom finances is like advanced chinese? I am. As a designer I was more interested in other things, never really worried about finances, assumed that I'd always have somebody to take care of that for me. Well, nothing like being in control of your own destiny, including money. I found that this book is a first glance at the world of finances, very easy to understand, with very straightforward suggestions. It also changes paradigms most of us have related to money, and teaches a good approach towards wealth.
Well, needless to say, these guys have created whole industries out of these and other books, however I read them and took what applied to my life, became a better version of myself, though I still have a long way to go. If you find that none of these really speak to you, at least they will force you to think a bit outside of the box, have a broader vision and maybe start looking for other materials by different authors, that will take you to making the changes in your life that will lead you to happiness.
All the best!
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen R. Covey):
Maybe it's not your case, but sometimes people go through life just going with the flow, never stopping and taking time to go deeper and try to find purpose in what they do. I was kind of like that until a friend of mine suggested this book because I was interested in a better time managemente application. The book states that being "effective" is doing what you want, with the best results possible, while you optimize your resources. In order to achieve a high level of "effectiveness" in all areas of your life, you need to go through all the seven habits, which in turn go from dependence, to independence, to interdependence. The habits can be applied to most about anything from corporate culture, to love life. It shows a way of being in control of your life and assuming responsibility for it.Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus (John Gray):
Ever wanted your partner to come with a manual? Well this book is as close to a manual as I've found. It explores the basic differences between men and women, how they process information, how the use language, what they need and what they expect from each other. It's a book for couples, though I found that many of the things they suggest apply to general relationships between men and women, even at work or in your family. This book opened my eyes and made me realize that I had been doing it all wrong for years. It wasn't my fault, I didn't know better. We all bring baggage from our parents and our past relationships, you know? It's a good idea to try to understand it better to break away from it.Rich Dad, Poor Dad (Robert T. Kiyosaki):
Are you one of those people for whom finances is like advanced chinese? I am. As a designer I was more interested in other things, never really worried about finances, assumed that I'd always have somebody to take care of that for me. Well, nothing like being in control of your own destiny, including money. I found that this book is a first glance at the world of finances, very easy to understand, with very straightforward suggestions. It also changes paradigms most of us have related to money, and teaches a good approach towards wealth.Well, needless to say, these guys have created whole industries out of these and other books, however I read them and took what applied to my life, became a better version of myself, though I still have a long way to go. If you find that none of these really speak to you, at least they will force you to think a bit outside of the box, have a broader vision and maybe start looking for other materials by different authors, that will take you to making the changes in your life that will lead you to happiness.
All the best!
Designers beware of… filing systems.
When your design operation starts to go well and there are more and more customers with new projects, you will see two things:
1. You need to keep a record of your work, most of the time, digital files, digital images and all other recording materials and 2. You'll need an easy way to identify and find such materials.
As I've mentioned in previous blogs, it is very important to keep track of your projects in a database or some sort of tracking system. Such system should hold information about the location of the actual digital files of each project, and the files should be stored in an orderly fashion in said location.
Here's my method:
I organize the files by customer, so first I decide the biggest criteria to divide them, for example, country and create a folder for each country I work with. Inside each country folder I create folders for each of the customers. Then, inside each customer's folder, I create new folders according to new criteria, for instance, types of projects, sizes, media… Here's an example:
It's crucial to be consistent with your filing system and train your staff on how to file correctly. This will save you precious time when trying to locate files for an especific project (or an angry customer on the phone who claims you messed up a whole nutritional table) and it's also very valuable once you start implementing an automatic backup system.
I guess it goes without saying that backing up your files is imperative not only to have access to them, but to ensure their protection against plagiarism. There are multiple digital storage devices out there, even companies who'll do it for you following a specific method.
Now, you should come up with a way to name your digital files as well. For instance: CUSTOMER_TYPE OF JOB_TOPIC_SIZE_VERSION
"Strawberry_package.ai" just won't cut it in the long run. I also found that saving the previous versions in separate files is useful due to the fact that sometimes customers can't make up their minds about an idea. Though sometimes this uses a lot of hard drive space, you can delete them once the customer has final approved one.
In order to help yourself (or your staff) remember to file all related materials both physical and digital, I suggest you start using checklists that describe your process thorougly. These cognitive devices help people track the different steps they need to take to finish a project and store it effectively. I am a rather forgetful person, and these checklists helped me be on top of things handling a large volume of projects.
It's useful to file the checklists with the materials of the project. For instance, you can have a checklist to use when receiving materials from the customer, to check that everything you need to start working is included, and one that describes the internal design process.
Checklists call for thorough thinking, though, you don't want to have so many checklists that all your day goes by filling them out, just enough to ensure that everything is under control. Also, if your operation is bigger, like part of an in-house design team, there might be checklists for different parts of the projects, or checklists to communicate with other departments, so analyze your process before implementing too many controls.
If the department is just starting out, start small, using a checklist to control a small portion of the process. Avoid going electronic at first. I found that an electronic checklist will only work if it has been previously tested with pen and paper.
It all has to do with being in control of your operation and being aware of what's happening with each of the projects and their related materials, but keep it simple.
In short:
- Store digital files in identifyable folders.
- Store physical materials in identifyable devices also.
- Be smart about naming your digital files.
- Create checklists to add control points to certain steps of your process.
All the best!
1. You need to keep a record of your work, most of the time, digital files, digital images and all other recording materials and 2. You'll need an easy way to identify and find such materials.
As I've mentioned in previous blogs, it is very important to keep track of your projects in a database or some sort of tracking system. Such system should hold information about the location of the actual digital files of each project, and the files should be stored in an orderly fashion in said location.
Here's my method:
I organize the files by customer, so first I decide the biggest criteria to divide them, for example, country and create a folder for each country I work with. Inside each country folder I create folders for each of the customers. Then, inside each customer's folder, I create new folders according to new criteria, for instance, types of projects, sizes, media… Here's an example:
It's crucial to be consistent with your filing system and train your staff on how to file correctly. This will save you precious time when trying to locate files for an especific project (or an angry customer on the phone who claims you messed up a whole nutritional table) and it's also very valuable once you start implementing an automatic backup system.
I guess it goes without saying that backing up your files is imperative not only to have access to them, but to ensure their protection against plagiarism. There are multiple digital storage devices out there, even companies who'll do it for you following a specific method.
Now, you should come up with a way to name your digital files as well. For instance: CUSTOMER_TYPE OF JOB_TOPIC_SIZE_VERSION
"Strawberry_package.ai" just won't cut it in the long run. I also found that saving the previous versions in separate files is useful due to the fact that sometimes customers can't make up their minds about an idea. Though sometimes this uses a lot of hard drive space, you can delete them once the customer has final approved one.
In order to help yourself (or your staff) remember to file all related materials both physical and digital, I suggest you start using checklists that describe your process thorougly. These cognitive devices help people track the different steps they need to take to finish a project and store it effectively. I am a rather forgetful person, and these checklists helped me be on top of things handling a large volume of projects.
It's useful to file the checklists with the materials of the project. For instance, you can have a checklist to use when receiving materials from the customer, to check that everything you need to start working is included, and one that describes the internal design process.
Checklists call for thorough thinking, though, you don't want to have so many checklists that all your day goes by filling them out, just enough to ensure that everything is under control. Also, if your operation is bigger, like part of an in-house design team, there might be checklists for different parts of the projects, or checklists to communicate with other departments, so analyze your process before implementing too many controls.
If the department is just starting out, start small, using a checklist to control a small portion of the process. Avoid going electronic at first. I found that an electronic checklist will only work if it has been previously tested with pen and paper.
It all has to do with being in control of your operation and being aware of what's happening with each of the projects and their related materials, but keep it simple.
In short:
- Store digital files in identifyable folders.
- Store physical materials in identifyable devices also.
- Be smart about naming your digital files.
- Create checklists to add control points to certain steps of your process.
All the best!
Designers beware of… leadership.
When I first started as a designer I never imagined that I could have such an impact on the people I worked with or that worked for me, and I discovered that to me, leading a team of designers is actually even more rewarding than designing itself.
I found that the most important thing is to reach a point where we trust each other, as people and as co-workers, a point where a culture of accountability is created. For me, it is important that we understand and respect each other as people, because inevitably, this dynamic will reflect on our work relationship.
It's true that business matters and personal matters should be kept separate, but isn't it so much better (and productive) when you like the people you work with? Even dealing with stressful issues becomes easier when the team has a great dynamic.
So here are a few things I discovered:
Even if you're the leader, the design manager, remember that leading is not about barking orders to your staff. Get close to them, be one of them, try to understand where they're coming from, their skills and their flaws, so that you can assign tasks accordingly.
Be a partner, someone they can rely on and share your knowledge with generosity. Create an environment where creative expression and fun is embraced but also be clear on when it is the time to get serious and meet deadlines. Manage them the way you'd like to be managed.
Let your staff own some projects, be in charge of tasks and even lead other staff members some time. Do this slowly and once you've gotten to know their abilities and if they're interested in doing so. Most designers feel really good that they're being trusted with new responsibilities and will step up to the plate.
Also, this will allow you to delegate more tasks and slowly empower your people, which will resonate in a better, more productive working environment. However, be aware that while you listen to their opinions and allow them to have a voice, you need to lead with your choices and ultimately, you're the one that decides.
Try not to solve all their problems, but rather guide them so that they can solve them themselves. Also, encourage them to come up with alternative solutions before talking to you, so that you can discuss them together.
Don't be afraid to be wrong, let it be an opportunity for everybody to learn. Be sure to provide constant feedback, positive and negative, create spaces for it, seek it inside the office and outside. A leisure activity is ok every now and then.
Finally, it's important to communicate the direction of the company to your staff. Once they know how their work plays in the larger scheme, you'll find that most are more committed and that they show care for the company and its growth.
Establish achievable goals, performance indicators and be disciplined about collecting the data necessary to see if they have complied. Better yet, place them in charge of collecting the information.
I've had a very gratifying (though short) experience leading people, and I've been very fortunate to have had great leaders to look up to as well. My staff went on to ventures they never thought they could handle and some became leaders themselves. I just love how I had such a positive impact in their lives and I look forward to keep on growing as a design leader.
All the best!
I found that the most important thing is to reach a point where we trust each other, as people and as co-workers, a point where a culture of accountability is created. For me, it is important that we understand and respect each other as people, because inevitably, this dynamic will reflect on our work relationship.
It's true that business matters and personal matters should be kept separate, but isn't it so much better (and productive) when you like the people you work with? Even dealing with stressful issues becomes easier when the team has a great dynamic.
So here are a few things I discovered:
Even if you're the leader, the design manager, remember that leading is not about barking orders to your staff. Get close to them, be one of them, try to understand where they're coming from, their skills and their flaws, so that you can assign tasks accordingly.
Be a partner, someone they can rely on and share your knowledge with generosity. Create an environment where creative expression and fun is embraced but also be clear on when it is the time to get serious and meet deadlines. Manage them the way you'd like to be managed.
Let your staff own some projects, be in charge of tasks and even lead other staff members some time. Do this slowly and once you've gotten to know their abilities and if they're interested in doing so. Most designers feel really good that they're being trusted with new responsibilities and will step up to the plate.
Also, this will allow you to delegate more tasks and slowly empower your people, which will resonate in a better, more productive working environment. However, be aware that while you listen to their opinions and allow them to have a voice, you need to lead with your choices and ultimately, you're the one that decides.
Try not to solve all their problems, but rather guide them so that they can solve them themselves. Also, encourage them to come up with alternative solutions before talking to you, so that you can discuss them together.
Don't be afraid to be wrong, let it be an opportunity for everybody to learn. Be sure to provide constant feedback, positive and negative, create spaces for it, seek it inside the office and outside. A leisure activity is ok every now and then.
Finally, it's important to communicate the direction of the company to your staff. Once they know how their work plays in the larger scheme, you'll find that most are more committed and that they show care for the company and its growth.
Establish achievable goals, performance indicators and be disciplined about collecting the data necessary to see if they have complied. Better yet, place them in charge of collecting the information.
I've had a very gratifying (though short) experience leading people, and I've been very fortunate to have had great leaders to look up to as well. My staff went on to ventures they never thought they could handle and some became leaders themselves. I just love how I had such a positive impact in their lives and I look forward to keep on growing as a design leader.
All the best!
Designers beware of… technology and supplies.
When running a design office or a design department, you need to assess the kind of equipment you'll be needing and the supplies you'll be using on a daily basis.
If you're starting out, you need to decide the extent of your operation, research the types of activities you'll be performing, so that you can assign a budget for your equipment. Try to figure out how long it'll be before you have to update your hardware and software and take this into consideration when managing your current budget and the budget of the upcoming years.
Also, beware that technology changes too fast in these times. Subscribe to a technology magazine or newsletters and be constantly aware of new developments that can make your work easier of more efficient, or new things that you can offer to your clients. A great one for we designers is Macworld (www.macworld.com). Joining a few technology forums in Ecademy or other platforms is also a great way of being up to date and asking people around for the latest and greatest.
Less expensive items like general office supplies also need to be accounted for. Measure their use and unless you have an unlimited budget for this, try to recycle and get the best of them. You don't always know when you're going to run out of printer cartridges or glossy paper.
All the best!
If you're starting out, you need to decide the extent of your operation, research the types of activities you'll be performing, so that you can assign a budget for your equipment. Try to figure out how long it'll be before you have to update your hardware and software and take this into consideration when managing your current budget and the budget of the upcoming years.
Also, beware that technology changes too fast in these times. Subscribe to a technology magazine or newsletters and be constantly aware of new developments that can make your work easier of more efficient, or new things that you can offer to your clients. A great one for we designers is Macworld (www.macworld.com). Joining a few technology forums in Ecademy or other platforms is also a great way of being up to date and asking people around for the latest and greatest.Less expensive items like general office supplies also need to be accounted for. Measure their use and unless you have an unlimited budget for this, try to recycle and get the best of them. You don't always know when you're going to run out of printer cartridges or glossy paper.
All the best!
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