Thoughtful

So, today there was a talk by a guy called Stuart Price, he is part of a design group called Thoughtful which are apparently based as Stockport College, he was talking about what agencies expect at interveiws, how to build a strong portfolio and just giving basic tips on how to contact people and hopefully find a job in the future that is right for you.

Convergent thinking- 1 straight answer.
Divergent thinking- Multiple answers.
Dancing apparently helps the way we think, certain dances have a positive impact on the way we think- Dr Peter Lovatt.
15mins of structured dance makes you better at convergent thinking, and 15mins of improvised dance can make you better at divergent thinking.

Things that are going to keep you in the interviewers mind is keeping in touch with them, even if you didn't get a job or placement, showing new work when completed, shows that you have developed and are becoming a mature designer.

The prefered method of first contact with industries/agencies is email, no just show up unannounced! and if you get no reply via email, email again in 4/5 days.
It's also good to know what the agency that you are goin g to contact does, it appeals to their vanity if you know what they do/things they've done.

You should make it as easy as possible to look at your work or get to your website, via email. Don't pile up peoples emails with massive files of your work. Just 5-7 Small JPEGS. But don't send an empty empty email, this is a potential for you to show your work. You don't have to worry about sending them your best pieces either, as these could be saved for the interview, but it could be a good idea to show your best pieces as you might get more of a chance of a reply.


Showing sketches in your portfolio can be a good idea, some people like to see how you got to your final ideas, but this could also show weakness's, if your not great at certain things, so it could be a good idea to re-sketch some pages from your sketch books to show the stronger sides.

Always be openminded and prepared to learn, don't close that gate once you've graduated, you can learn new things for the rest of your life.

With portfolios, the biggest mistakes which are often seen are spelling mistakes so make sure you and a friend proof read it before showing an agency, same with emails! Have around 10 projects in your porfolio, enough to keep the viewer entertained but not too much so they get bored. Don't show something you are not happy with or feel is as good as other work, start with a stronge piece and end with a stronger one.

Be interested more than interesting, everything you do describes who you are, your work, the way you talk about your work, the way you sit when presenting your portfolio. Also when presenting your portfolio, make sure the veiwer can see your portfolio, don't present to yourself! make it so the interveiwer doesn't have to move. Also make sure there is a brief description of each piece, keep it short and sweet.

Making connections and taking advantages of things is a good way to get yourself out there, don't think what has this got to do with design? think, what could design have to do with this? look at a variety of different things to influence you. Go to venues, galleries, soak up all creative things around you, be inspired!
Admire and respect the work you are given.

You are allowed to make mistakes! They wont effect you forever!
An interveiw should last around 30mins max, don't be offended if its only 10 minutes, you can always ask the interveiwer how much time you have so you don't run over and ramble or talk too quickly!

Always look for places to work where you've got a broader possibility to learn new things.

In portfolios, most agencies are looking for good ideas, greater ideas, simplicity, wit, good typorgraphy, good execution, personalitly, imagination.
Great ideas and having a good personality are equally important.

Overall, don't give up! It's possible to find something if you don't give up. Keep working hard and getting better. Have self belief as design is a tough industry!

Work out what you want to do, who you want to work with/for? what studios? Research, contact!

Was a great talk, with alot of good points and examples of good and bad portfolios and ways of handling things.