D_tails.

With all of these components that create your identity, paying attention to detail is something that will set you apart from other designers. Too often small things are overlooked because the focus is on the final product, the big picture. Taking the time to correct small errors and finding the places that need adjustments will benefit you greatly in the end.

"We want designers who create thoughtful, meaningful designs that pay attention to details and have emotion and craft in them as well as reason and cleverness."
(Siegel, 10) 

For example, there are a lot of small changes that can be made to my past works that I have in my portfolio. Having so much time in between the current time and the time that these works for created leaves a lot of room for errors to be found. Simple things, mostly, but nonetheless things that need to be changed.

What students need to understand is that they expand their design skills as time goes on, many times without them even realizing it. You should be able to look back on the things that you made when you first got to school and know that, if given the chance, you would do a much better job in the present state. When presenting these works, however, you should take the time to make the changes that will make you look like an all-around better designer.

It is important to make sure that you are a detailed designer who pays attention to everything that you are doing. This will not only set you apart from other people who are applying for the same jobs, but is also a way to expand your design sense.

Your Personality and Your Career

"Employers need to feel your spirit and have the quiet assurance that you are honest."
(Brandau, 1)

Graduating is a terrifying experience and the thought of finding a job only adds to the headache and anxiety. As students, we put in as much effort as we can throughout the various semesters but do not begin to realize the importance of that dedication until there is little time left. This is when the realization sets in and the importance of starting to fine tune ones personality becomes essential.

The different elements that we have discussed thus far (portfolios, business cards, etc.) are all crucial parts of your identity, however your personality is what is the forefront of your identity. This is applied greatly to when you are searching for a job and how to make yourself employable.

Brandau discusses ten different ways to make yourself employable. There were a few that stood out to me and I will break them down here:

1. Demonstrate personal discipline. This was number six on her list but I believe that it is extremely important. You need to express to the employer that you are able to work well under pressure and that you are ready to start working as hard as you can. You never want to be a liability for a company and showing that you have discipline will help to alleviate any of the negative thoughts that an employer could possibly have about your work habits.     
2. Think creatively and innovatively. Obviously a no-brainer, given the type of work that we are seeking, however it is important to know that creative thinking does not only mean design wise. Being able to adapt to the technology changes, another one of the numbered items, and understanding your client all play a part of thinking creatively. Use what you have and pursue being completely unique.
3. Have the Can-Do attitude. This is my favorite one and something that I think it very important. Being able to demonstrate, regardless of how stressful the situation is, the ability to be positive and keep a level head is essential. The world can come crashing down but you must look like you are able to fix everything once it is all over.

Business Cards

When trying to potential employers to remember you, business cards become an important part of your identity. In a simple According to MerchTechnologies, “It reflects who the person is. It gives people an idea of what the person is capable of doing in the event that the service one offers is needed in the future.”

The business card is a way to get your name and information out quickly and conveniently, even if it is only 3.2 x 2 inches. Your name becomes the most important piece of information to be printed and it is your responsibility to make sure that there is enough information in the small space that the employer knows how to get in touch with you if they have interest.

It is not simply enough to have personal information printed on a small piece of paper. In this day and age of design, going above and beyond the callings of a business card has become a standard and it is your responsibility to stay above the curve. This can be achieved in many ways as listed below:

• Do not be limited to the “3.2 x 2 inch standard”. Think outside the box and play with different sizes and shapes. The more unique the shape of the card is, the more likely it will be remembered in the long run.
•  Have a unique design that speaks specifically to your personality. This can be achieved with different colors and patterns. Having a logo on the front with information below has become a standard, so bust it and find something that works in a beautifully designed manner.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment. Look at many examples that exist, with different textures and ideas. Find something that works for you and make it unique.

This small piece of your identity is becoming more and more useful with the amount of information being passed around to companies. Make sure to do a lot of research and strive to come up with the most beneficial way of presenting your contact information.

(Online) Portfolios

“Online portfolios are like profiles on a dating service. They enable the potentially interested client or employer to taste-test you and your work anonymously” (Baron, 77). 

In a world with an extremely short attention span, it is extremely important to create an online portfolio that stands out amongst the rest. Potential employers do not have the time to field through paper resumes and portfolios since they are getting hundreds of them in any given week. However, a grabbing online portfolio is an extremely valuable tool in the current age of design.

Being creative with an online portfolio is essential in order to stand out amongst the rest of designers who are fighting for the same opportunities. There are many examples of greatly designed online portfolios that can be used as a way to get inspiration. Be smart, as well. It is not simply enough to present your work in an interesting matter. Instead, think about who will be viewing you work and how they would like it to be presented. Cleanliness and organization are crucial to achieve a successful online portfolio.

Often times, employers will look at online portfolios on their cellular devices (whether it be iPhones or Androids) and even iPads or tablets. If your online portfolio is not accessible on these devices, it can come between you and actually ending up working at the company. Being ahead of the curve and making sure that this will not be an issue is a quality of a great and smart designer.

You can check out my current online profile at here.

The Audience and You

The audience is an essential component of design because it encompasses the group of people who will be viewing your creative designs. Having a knowledge of the emotions and demographic that will be viewing the work is crucial to having a successful career in design. The audience is the final voice that determines whether or not the designer has reached the goal of the specific project.

For example, MTV has an extremely specific demographic that they must reach with each and every aspect of their corporation. In order to reach their demographic, which according to Kevin Downey falls between young teens and mid-twenty year olds, MTV must keep up with current trends and styles. This includes everything from specific programming on the channels, as well as the designs that are used on and off the air. Interning at VH1, I have realized that there is a constant conversation about how to reinvent their brand in order to keep up with the times.

Similar to a corporation’s identity, one’s own individual design identity has to speak to a specific audience. When preparing for a job interview, it is important to know the audience that the company speaks to and how your work can be applied.

Cynthia Baron, author of Designing a Digital Portfolio, said that one should “Plan wisely, and you can quickly roll out a series of portfolios, each tailored to a single market, culture, or geographical area. However, you need to know a lot about each audience to speak effectively to it. Knowledge is key to changing the right work, media, and approach.”

It is simply not enough to hope that the work inside of your portfolio is worthwhile. Instead, take the next step and learn more about how the company will be impressed with the work and how you worked to make sure that it spoke to their overall audience.