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Design work, My work and Industry Contact.
From: | |
Sent: | 29 September 2009 12:26:07 |
To: | emma georgiou (emmageorgiou88@hotmail.co.uk) |
Hi
My names Emma Georgiou and I am currently at Stockport College completing my final year for my graphic design degree.I came across an interesting article on the DandAD website called Everyone starts somewhere. This is a collection of old work produced by big names in the Graphic Design industry including degree work.
This Article made me question how much does old work help later on in your career and does everybody keep and refer to this.
1- Would you recommend Students keeping a record of all previous work they have produced?
Yes kind of – if you can separate the good from the bad. No point keeping a record of absolutely everything.
It’s a bit like holiday snaps isn’t it. Here’s one of me on a rock. On a rock with ice cream, on a rock with blue sky, on a rock with blue sky and a seagull. That would be a dull album of that holiday would it? At the Zoo. At the Disco. At the Police Station. Now that would be better, bringing back all those memories! History is good but you can’t live off it. You have to keep renewing history.
2-Have you ever personally refereed back to previous work when finding it hard to come up with ideas?
Yes – Sometimes parts of ideas haven’t worked at all until one day you find a place that’s just right for them.
But you have to learn to let go of ideas. If they’re any good they’ll come back. They’ll all unique to that particular set of conditions.
3-Would you find idea generation more effective referring back to your old work or books and other sources?
No – Lot’s of fresh stimulus not retrospective. Sometimes looking in books helps inspire. But as a rule look for connections that HAVEN’T BEEN MADE BEFORE. OR At least not in a regular way. A fresh spin on something.
4- And finally, How important is it to record all your work and ideas into a journal or blog?
No – not really. That’s like hoarding isn’t it? But if it’s well ordered then I suppose a lifes work is a nice collection if you can keep it up. Alan Fletcher did that. He had all little compartments. Eclectic. I think Peter Saville has saved loads of stuff and is doing a book. Our company backs everything off as a record and when we lose something we’re gutted because it tends to be something we need! But no as a general rule just try and keep nice things eh?
By definition though when we show our company portfolio some of our work and experiences may be years old. Brought out and refreshed for the day. Your experiences are a big part of your value. And showing people what you can do. I suppose this needs you to be good at keeping records.
There you go lots of things to think about. Some a little contradictory but don’t hoard. And try and be decisive.
Ta Rob
Thank you for taking your time to read my questions and I would be very grateful for some feedback.
You can find the collection of work Everyone starts somewhere at: http://www.dandad.org/everyone_starts_exhibition/
Many thanks
Emma Georgiou
From: emma georgiou [mailto:emmageorgiou88@hotmail.co.uk]
To: s.murray@lovecreative.com
Sent: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:26:43 +0100
Subject: Everyone Starts Somewhere
HiMy names Emma Georgiou and I am currently at Stockport College completing my final year for my graphic design degree.I came across an interesting article on the DandAD website called Everyone starts somewhere. This is a collection of old work produced by big names in the Graphic Design industry including degree work.This Article made me question how much does old work help later on in your career and does everybody keep and refer to this.1- Would you recommend Students keeping a record of all previous work they have produced?
Yes because it not only shows potential employers what your skill set is like but, as your progress in your career, it can also act as an ongoing reminder of what your 'raw' talent was like. A lot of designers can tend to modify and adapt their styles into what they think agencies/clients want, but very often it's your individual style that is the most interesting/valuable.2-Have you ever personally refereed back to previous work when finding it hard to come up with ideas?
I haven't no, but I know that many designers do - it's like a continuous evolution and refinement of your skill and, while it's important to look forward, it's also important to remember what's happened in the past - certain ideas/designs that weren't relevant 2 years ago may come 'round again.3-Would you find idea generation more effective referring back to your old work or books and other sources?
I think inspiration comes in many forms - more often than not designers seeking inspiration and stimulation will look to other sources...not necessarily design but music, film, art, architecture, packaging... However, it's important that inspiration remains just that and doesn't become plagiarism4- And finally, How important is it to record all your work and ideas into a journal or blog?
I think it is important to record your work and ideas, how you choose to record them is a very personal thing....some people have a mini library of Moleskine sketchbooks that they amass over the years, others have a collection of CD Roms.. Putting your work 'out there' in the public domain via a blog or website is also an option as it increases your visibility within the industry and design community however you also run the risk of people copying your work.
Thank you for taking your time to read my questions and I would be very grateful for some feedback.You can find the collection of work Everyone starts somewhere at: http://www.dandad.org/everyone_starts_exhibition/Many thanksEmma Georgiou
Sure, if you have the space, it can be fun looking back and seeing how you've changed. But it's not food to be constanty stuck in your past work. Bertrand Russell says that happiness can only come from being truly open to new experiences. I think design operates in the same way. Keep your options open for as long as possible — that doesn't come from constant reference to your previous work.HiMy names Emma Georgiou and I am currently at Stockport College, Manchester completing my final year for my graphic design degree.I came across an interesting article on the DandAD website called Everyone starts somewhere. This is a collection of old work produced by big names in the Graphic Design industry including degree work.This Article made me question how much does old work help later on in your career and does everybody keep and refer to this.1- Would you recommend Students keeping a record of all previous work they have produced?
2-Have you ever personally refereed back to previous work when finding it hard to come up with ideas?
3-Would you find idea generation more effective referring back to your old work or books and other sources?
4- And finally, How important is it to record all your work and ideas into a journal or blog?
Thank you for taking your time to read my questions and I would be very grateful for some feedback.You can find the collection of work Everyone starts somewhere at: http://www.dandad.org/everyone_starts_exhibition/Many thanksEmma Georgiou
HiMy names Emma Georgiou and I am currently at Stockport College completing my final year for my graphic design degree.I came across an interesting article on the DandAD website called Everyone starts somewhere. This is a collection of old work produced by big names in the Graphic Design industry including degree work.This Article made me question how much does old work help later on in your career and does everybody keep and refer to this.1- Would you recommend Students keeping a record of all previous work they have produced?2-Have you ever personally refereed back to previous work when finding it hard to come up with ideas?3-Would you find idea generation more effective referring back to your old work or books and other sources?4- And finally, How important is it to record all your work and ideas into a journal or blog?Thank you for taking your time to read my questions and I would be very grateful for some feedback.You can find the collection of work Everyone starts somewhere at: http://www.dandad.org/everyone_starts_exhibition/Many thanksEmma Georgiou