A couple of weeks ago Dave Sedgwick, of 999 Design, came into college to talk about his experience in the design industry. The talk was about his journey through design, his advice on getting a job and also a portfolio of his work.
Dave came to Manchester a few years ago to study a D&AD course at Manchester Metropolitan University. He had 2 placements in which he found he liked working at one and didn't at the other. This showed that placements are beneficial not only to the employer but also to see if you want to work at certain places.
He then moved onto talk about portfolios. When showing a company called Dinosaur his work, he got a lot of negative feedback but he persevered and ironically ended up at the same agency on his first placement so he tells us never to give up. His first real job was at LOVE but he unfortunately got made redundant in 2003 which forced him into freelancing. He then ended up getting the job as senior designer at 999 and has worked there ever since.
He told us the way the time is divided at work.This was:
80% designing,
10% account managing,
5% taking calls,
3% making/having tea,
and 2% emailing friends.
The advice he gave us was to start trying to get into the industry now and use time wisely. He tells us to get CV's, PDF's to as many people as possible and to get their names right. He tells us to always check through what we send first incase of mistakes as they reflect badly upon us and also to only show a few examples of work. He also feels we should have a website or a blog and aim it towards agencies. It is all about standing out from the crowd
He also gave up tips for interview as well and portfolios, and how to prepare for them and what to do and not to do. Like talk slowly but don't bore people, and always take advice on board and make sure you always have a leave behind.
I feel the advice was good and I will take it into consideration upon entering the industry.
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