Login  | |
|
|
HOW's Design Question of the Week
|
|
|
HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/14/2008 12:16:59 PM
|
|
|
ecarmenp
Posts: 13
Joined: 1/12/2006
Status: offline
|
Hey guys and gals--
I manage HOW’s email newsletter, and we’re starting a new feature: “Design Question of the Week.” We want to hear your feedback about different design subjects.
For the debut question, we’re doing a blast from the past: "What was the best and/or worst part of your first design job? What made it memorable?" So, respond below to share your story and then read what others have to say, too.
(And if you haven’t signed up for the HOW newsletter yet, check out a sample copy and then enter your email to start receiving updates of what’s going on around HOW!)
_____________________________
{archive for past design questions of the week}
Carmen Pease
HOW Associate Editor
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/14/2008 12:39:48 PM
|
|
|
SAW
Posts: 3452
Joined: 1/16/2006
From: Ten-Uh-See!
Status: offline
|
What was the best and/or worst part of your first design job?
The worst part would definitely have to be..working for a previously self-employed individual. He had no supervisory skills and was not very professional as a boss.
What made it memorable?
Getting valuable experience working with printers, sales people and learning HTML for the first time.
_____________________________
Portfolio I Blog I Twitter
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/14/2008 1:02:12 PM
|
|
|
Mary
Posts: 2852
Joined: 1/17/2006
Status: offline
|
My first design job was working for the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, which houses the Alabama 4-H program. I was a huge fan of 4-H growing up, and considered it a big part of making me an independent and creative adult. That program nurtured leadership in me and I was pleased to be able to work closely with those involved in 4-H on a state and county level.
The worst part of the job was that it was a temporary position that was dissolved after 18 months. All good things must come to an end, I suppose.
_____________________________
--
[blog] Diversion Mary
[site] Diversion Design
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/14/2008 2:22:15 PM
|
|
|
Stephy404
Posts: 1231
Joined: 1/17/2006
From: Maryland
Status: offline
|
What was the best part of your first design job?
I walked into the design department of the government agency where I was working as a secretary, and asked for a design internship. I brought along my portfolio and a very non-design related resume, and they hired me on the spot. I got to work under 3 designers, 1 painter, and 1 phenominal medical illustrator. I asked lots of questions, and they gave me great feedback. The Medical Illustrator gave me my first opportunity to design government websites, and he even taught me a bit of animation. The best part was, I was also in college, and they hired me under their College Internship program, so it allowed me to have a flexible schedule. I worked only 2 or 3 days a week, and came in after my morning classes. It was also a paid internship, and I was provided with an updated MAC, with all the latest Adobe design products at that time - and a Waicom tablet!
What was the worst part of your first design job?
My direct supervisor at this government agency mentioned above, was ex-miliary and very stern. He was often very rude to me. He would call me into his office, and ask me to do an iimproptu interview of the design work that I did there. He would bombard me with questions, and then yell at me when I didnt answer fast enough. I'm not sure why he disliked me so much. Everyone there gave me great recommendations except for him. However, from this position, I learned to deal with people of all different personalities. Our personalities clashed, and when my internship expired upon my graduation, he denied my request for a full-time position. But all worked out well - all of my permanent design jobs since then have been invaluable. Another thing that I disliked was, I was in the sub-basement of the building...no windows, not enough circulated air.
What made it memorable?"
Working for this particular government agency was the first time I was introduced to "Print Production". In college, we never learned about pre-press or printing. When I had downtime, I would visit the Print department, and the guys there would show me how to use the large-format color printers (Hp), how to laminate, score, crop, choose paper stock, etc. I actually looked forward to spending time with the "print guys" when I came to the office.
< Message edited by Stephy404 -- 4/14/2008 5:23:55 PM >
_____________________________
Area 404 blog
404 Twitter
______________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/15/2008 5:49:27 AM
|
|
|
BruceS63
Posts: 9407
Joined: 1/16/2006
Status: offline
|
Best Part
My first job was fantastic in many ways. I was a Jr. AD for an agency in Atlanta, and got to work on lots of great stuff with terrific people, and had an amazing boss. I did a little tv and radio, mostly print, for a variety of types of clients, including non-profits. The agency partners emphasized effectiveness of advertising, the basics of a good concept, and that has stuck with me ever since.
Worst part
Got laid off when our agency was bought by a larger firm. But even that was good for me.
What made it memorable
The people. My boss, especially. He's a great creative person (has won lions at Cannes), has great rapport with people, and a good mentor. The most notable thing was when a CW and I worked very hard on a new business pitch, and didn't get the client. Our boss called us into his office, said our creative was much better than the competitions', but took responsibility because he said he didn't prepare well for the pitch. We were speechless. While there were many other great moments working for him, for that alone, I'd do anything for him.
_____________________________
– Easily distra—ooooo, shiny!
Great t-shirts at http://www.zazzle.com/fontorchard
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/15/2008 11:04:17 AM
|
|
|
Jeope
Posts: 2009
Joined: 1/16/2006
From: Winnipeg, Canada
Status: offline
|
The best part was, after hearing ad nauseum from my instructors that "real life would be even busier (than college)", that it was a bald-faced lie. Work was easier – and the whole reversal of monies was a sweet added touch. You know, earning, as opposed to paying.
The worst part, following extensive learning of Quark, Freehand, Photoshop, etc. on Macs, was being plonked in front of an outdated PC stocked with Publisher, CorelDraw and PaintShop Pro.
Memorable moments, though? The job was in an interpretive centre, and on occasion I'd have to give up my cubicle due overflows of kids on field trips needing space to eat their bag lunches.
_____________________________
Jeope Shoots! | Jeope Scores!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/15/2008 11:26:44 AM
|
|
|
Peter
Posts: 2623
Status: offline
|
Best Part:
I got a job based off of school renderings. They saw my potential and didn't reject me due to my desire to rub their pant legs. My first was also my last to HAVE to create roughs with colored pencils before showing them computer renderings. I am glad I got to do that. Everything is so unmechanical now.
Worst Part:
Working with a supervisor who worked jobs on the side which made him somebody "special" in his own eyes. My first taste in competition from within. I didn't even know I was in a competition for a while until the light went on inside. Coincidently enough, that was the same time I tried a Sonic Cherry Limeade which has since opened my eyes to many other things such as my mom having beaver legs in the winter but smooth sailing in the summer time.
Most Memorable:
It was a small restroom with a big mirror. The darkroom was right on the other side of that mirror so I always felt funny taking a tinkle and dancing at the same time fearing it was really a two way mirror. I have to mention I can dancing and pee longer than anyone else I have challenged. Of course it always takes me longer to get back to work due to splashage...
_____________________________
All I did was hold the bread...
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/16/2008 8:55:52 AM
|
|
|
mLu
Posts: 3356
Joined: 1/16/2006
From: Alaska
Status: offline
|
Best Part...
I was hired to be part of an in-house design department for a gym chain only a few weeks after graduating from art school, and only having my student work to show in my portfolio. I made some great friends, and even a best friend who taught me a lot about the industry. Nothing was more appreciated than their patience and guidance through my first 3 years as a graphic designer.
Worst Part...
The pay was awful and the only benefit was the free gym membership. The experience made me a bit hesitant to ever be good/close friends with my employer ever again, as I left the company a bit burned.
What Made it Memorable...
Being able to attend charitable events that we sponsored and having the opportunity to design pieces promoting the events. Seeing people wearing t-shirts with my design on it and getting positive feedback on my work made me feel like the cool kid at school.
< Message edited by mLu -- 4/16/2008 11:56:33 AM >
_____________________________
Bad decisions make good stories.
Resume...
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/16/2008 9:21:30 AM
|
|
|
Mary
Posts: 2852
Joined: 1/17/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Jeope
The best part was, after hearing ad nauseum from my instructors that "real life would be even busier (than college)", that it was a bald-faced lie. Work was easier – and the whole reversal of monies was a sweet added touch. You know, earning, as opposed to paying.
The worst part, following extensive learning of Quark, Freehand, Photoshop, etc. on Macs, was being plonked in front of an outdated PC stocked with Publisher, CorelDraw and PaintShop Pro.
Memorable moments, though? The job was in an interpretive centre, and on occasion I'd have to give up my cubicle due overflows of kids on field trips needing space to eat their bag lunches.
hahahaha.... Jeope, I could see you coming back to your cubicle and there's sammich all over your keyboard LOL
And real life is not harder than college! I like money.
< Message edited by Mary -- 4/16/2008 12:22:33 PM >
_____________________________
--
[blog] Diversion Mary
[site] Diversion Design
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/16/2008 9:55:26 AM
|
|
|
megan
Posts: 6773
Joined: 1/17/2006
From: Idaho ---> NorCal
Status: offline
|
Best Part
My first job was actually an internship that I started the end of my junior year and turned into a job when I graduated over a year later. It was for a small non-profit focused on quality child care in the state. I was the only designer, so it was definitely a learning experience. The best part was that I got to design a billboard that was put up all over the state. There's nothing quite as cool as seeing your design on a frickin' huge billboard, especially while still a student. I then based their identity on the design for the billboard, so I got some great practice in creating an integrated branding system. The people were really cool too, and appreciated good design. It definitely gave me a good impression of non-profits, and I still work with many today.
Worst part
I was the only designer, so it got a bit lonely.
What made it memorable
Seeing that giant billboard that I had worked on for so long finally go up. And getting so much positive feedback on my work. I truly felt appreciated, which was nice.
_____________________________
me | unplug | volksvegan | flickr | GO
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/18/2008 4:08:46 AM
|
|
|
temi
Posts: 7596
Joined: 1/17/2006
From: North Carolina
Status: offline
|
What was the best and/or worst part of your first design job?
The best part was being offered the job in my very first interview. I was fresh out of school, portfolio in hand, ready to pound the streets. And I met with this company who was so impressed with my confidence and skills that they wasted no time in getting me on board. That was a proud moment.
The worst part was the head-first dive into the realities of business and the working world. Micromanaging, bottom of the ladder, committees and meetings, business politics, quantity over quality, etc. All to be ended with company layoffs. Welcome to your career!
What made it memorable?
Being defiantly dragged into the Vice President's office by my manager, as he angrily labeled me an insubordinate.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/18/2008 8:42:24 AM
|
|
|
ker ning
Posts: 982
Joined: 8/8/2006
Status: offline
|
What was the best and/or worst part of your first design job?
I had production jobs after college, but my first design-related job was at a publishing house. The best thing about it was that I was the only designer so I learned A LOT. My boss was a really laid back guy who had an attitude like "whatever happens, happens." He was NOT a businessman at all. So while I made mistakes, I learned from them and moved on. I was there for five years. Some more good things about it were: it was only five miles from my house, I had my own office (not a cubicle) and I could order any software or supplies for my computer at any time. The worst part about it was the same thing I mentioned—my boss was totally clueless about everything and a cheapskate, so it made my job harder to do.
What made it memorable?
The friends I made there, the long lunch hours and being located downtown where everything was conveniently located within walking distance.
< Message edited by ker ning -- 4/18/2008 11:51:45 AM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/21/2008 11:12:50 AM
|
|
|
hamiltom
Posts: 4
Joined: 3/27/2008
Status: offline
|
First day on the job of my first design job (many many years ago):
Attempting to create the perfect mechanical with overlays (as taught in college) only to have the art director ask me what the heck was I doing.
Most memorable:
Watching a creative director and account executive wrestle on the floor both in head-locks because the CD thought the AE did a horrendous job in pitching an idea to the client.
< Message edited by hamiltom -- 4/30/2008 8:58:48 AM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/21/2008 11:46:23 AM
|
|
|
Lianne
Posts: 6
Joined: 4/21/2008
Status: offline
|
Worst
My very first job, the boss-man Rick was such an a**! Our entire department of 2 designers, an editor, 2 sales and a manager all sat in one room. If we made any mistake, big or small, he would storm into the room, close the door and continue to cuss and scream at us until he was red in the face. It would continue for over an hour until Rick the d*** was out of breath.
Best
The women I worked with were so supportive of each other, a true sisterhood. My design partner was really understanding and patient.
Memorable
Being a smaller organization, I learned real world experience; printing, typesetting, proofing, fulfillment. We had to fill in when necessary and it was a very valuable tool in learning all aspects of the industry.
< Message edited by Lianne -- 4/21/2008 2:47:28 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/21/2008 12:17:03 PM
|
|
|
witchyd
Posts: 42
Status: offline
|
What was the best and/or worst part of your first design job?
I came from a background in printing, so for me the best part was actually getting to be the client!
I worked for a small publishing company that was in the entertainment business. The editors were all a bunch of really creative people, screenwriters, musicians and the like so it was really a great atmosphere.
I worked there for five years until the company got sold for the 3rd time.
What made it memorable?
The people. They also had great wrap parties! Everyone there was really proud of our efforts every year. The book always looked great. We got the chance to talk to and meet some interesting people that work in entertainment.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/21/2008 5:43:38 PM
|
|
|
amberlyth
Posts: 2351
Joined: 1/8/2008
From: PNW
Status: offline
|
What was the best and/or worst part of your first design job?
The best part: I knew the VP...he gave me very good advice about not getting stuck on titles.
The worst part: I got stuck on titles.
What made it memorable?
I was in ad tracking at ADVO, Inc. and got a chance to do a lateral move into the art dept. because there was a hiring freeze, and the dept. would be down by one. It was a moment I'd been waiting to get for over 2 months since being hired - and this was my chance. It was my first quarter in my first year of college, with my giant portfolio book in hand, they said "OK, BUT YOU HAVE 2 WEEKS TO PROVE YOURSELF". This was the beginning of my production hound ways...and where my "tab queen" rep started. I was the quickest color-cutter around and I really liked being depended upon when the boss needed it NOW.
I can look back at that job and smile, because it was my first job out of the gate almost 20 years ago, and I lasted a few years - 1 full year after graduation just so they'd have some ROI.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/21/2008 9:32:08 PM
|
|
|
Ch3rrill
Posts: 2307
Status: offline
|
Best part:
Design was a new department with the company, so we got to really make it our own and stretch our design legs while we figured out what the heck we were going to do with it.
Worst part:
Design was a new department with the company, so they had no clue what to pay us and thus decided the answer was "not very much".
Memorable:
When we came up with our "no altering photos of anyone with Photoshop installed on their computer" pact - turnabout is fair play after all.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/22/2008 6:39:45 AM
|
|
|
MaryLou
Posts: 3
Joined: 2/14/2007
Status: offline
|
Best Part of my first design job- in a government finance office doing retirement cards on the side and then asked to come up to the art department to work there just because of my talent!without an interview and no education( went to night school after I started in the graphic department to earn my degree)
Worst part of my first design job-my boss didnt like me or how I got there so made my life miserable.
Most memorable- everyone keeps their retirement cards that were made by me and I got to be famous for them. The Banks Street signs I made 20 years ago still align the streets as well as the Glebe Logo( classy part of town) I designed 30 years ago is still being used . But I miss the actual pasteup, illustration and calligraphy but alas computers have now taken over that is ok as I retire next spring and am ready!
I wish you all the best in the future in graphic desing and web design!
_____________________________
Mary-Lou Coulter
Senior Graphic Designer
City of Ottawa
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/22/2008 1:41:21 PM
|
|
|
BruceS63
Posts: 9407
Joined: 1/16/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: MaryLou
Best Part of my first design job- in a government finance office doing retirement cards on the side and then asked to come up to the art department to work there just because of my talent!without an interview and no education( went to night school after I started in the graphic department to earn my degree)
Worst part of my first design job-my boss didnt like me or how I got there so made my life miserable.
Most memorable- everyone keeps their retirement cards that were made by me and I got to be famous for them. The Banks Street signs I made 20 years ago still align the streets as well as the Glebe Logo( classy part of town) I designed 30 years ago is still being used . But I miss the actual pasteup, illustration and calligraphy but alas computers have now taken over that is ok as I retire next spring and am ready!
I wish you all the best in the future in graphic desing and web design!
Hey, MaryLou, you've got to stick around and help us educate the kids. What else would you do with all that retirement time you'll have on your hands?
_____________________________
– Easily distra—ooooo, shiny!
Great t-shirts at http://www.zazzle.com/fontorchard
|
|
|
|
|
RE: HOW's Design Question of the Week - 4/27/2008 1:43:59 PM
|
|
|
MSKellie5
Posts: 1
Joined: 4/27/2008
Status: offline
|
quote:
What was the best and/or worst part of your first design job?
My first design job was working in an on-campus university print shop. Wow! It was the worst pay I ever expected to get out of college, but was the most valuable experience. I believe every graphic designer should have to work at a print shop right out of college!
What made it memorable?
It was memorable because the people I worked with were an amazing blessing and after only 11 months of working there, I moved to Kenya. They were so supportive of my move!
_____________________________
Kellie B. Berry
Marketing Director | Athletix, Inc.
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
|
|
Printable Version
