Check these out...

Lately, many of my post have been about what I've experienced in the past year and a half of working. I know that these insights can be very helpful for many of you who are just now entering the design profession or thinking about pursuing a career in design. Most schools that I know of don't offer a course on the abstract working life and therefore I hope these post have been helpful. It is my hope that you can take from these post what you need to be better prepared for what is inevitably going to come to you. Still, what I've come to realize is that there is so much more out there to supplement what I've been saying since the inception of this blog. So today I'd like to take some time and mention a few of the other sources that have exposed me to valuable information. I'm not saying you have to read or watch any of the following to become successful but it is never a bad thing to be informed about what is out there. So with out further adieu, my list of external sources:

Helvetica (the movie) - Yes, I know what you are thinking. They made a movie/documentary about a font. Not just any font mind you, but possibly the most successful font ever. It is worth checking out to hear what some of the greats say about typesetting and font creation. It is interesting, informative, and unique which makes it a near absolute must (at least in my mind). I'll warn you. If you are feeling slightly sleeping, I would not pop this movie in the DVD player in hopes that it will keep you awake. This is not the action packed documentary like Super Size me but I'm still highly recommending it to all designers out there.

The Art of Looking Sideways - I've blogged about this book before but I really like this book and think every designer should read it at some point of their life (sooner rather than later). Written by Alan Fletcher, this book offers intellectual insight into the mind of a great designer. It covers his inner thought on life, design, art, communication, and so much more. He kept notes most of his life and this book is out come of that. Phaidon says this about it, "An irresistible visual and verbal feast for everyone who enjoys the creative interplay of word and image." Can you think of a better book for designers?

Breaking into Graphic Design - This book really helped me prepare for the interviews that most of you will experience in the coming months. Michael Jefferson is a designer just like you and I. He is young and had many hardships in getting a job. He kept notes on what he felt he did right or wrong and then went back and interviewed those that interviewed him. It is really interesting to hear what some of the top agencies are looking for and how they think you should interact with those who are going to be hiring you.

How Magazine - This magazine is a really useful tool for designers of all ages. There are columns that offer advice to those looking for jobs or are in need of direction for their small design shops. Along with all this, I've found that this publication can be a great place to look for creative inspiration. If you are a little hesitant about subscribing to How Magazine, don't worry. There is a website that offers nearly the same amount of help, advice, and info.

AIGA - I'm am almost sure that most of you out there are already more than aware of this organization. Still, believe it or not, there are some people out there who are unaware of this seemingly invaluable group and this is my chance to inform them. This international organization is the largest grouping of creative professionals. It is a great way to get involved with the design community and develop an excellent network of creative friends. Through AIGA, you have access to endless contacts, great design inspiration, and competitions that can boost you to international stardom (that might be a stretch but not entirely unlikely).

I know there are other pieces of literature and movies out there that I am sure are more than helpful. I thought it best however not to drown you in words all at once. What I am thinking is that every now and then I'll drop post like this that will point you in their direction. So keep a keen eye open for more post like this. I promise that the above and the more to come will help you in some manner. You will never know unless you check them out.

The Economy and a Designer...

The economy is in shambles. It's kind of scary to hear that all the "experts" are saying this is an international crisis. It is no longer just an American problem but the entire global community is facing a financially uncertain couple years. I have no doubt that we all will come out of this with bumps and bruises on our nest eggs but I don't think we (the general public) will be missing any arms or legs. That being said, everyone seems to be cutting cost where ever they can. Some are driving less, cooking meals at home instead of eating out, shopping at Walmart, and reconsidering their everyday expenses. For many business owners this is a very bad trend that could possibly lead to many of them going out of business. However, as a young designer, I am not so worried. I might even go as far as to say I'm secretly smiling.

I was once told that a smart business practice is to spend more advertising money when the economy is on the down and out. Why you might ask? Honestly, I'm not entirely sure but I've been hearing that more and more. Spend more money now to gain a competitive advantage. It goes against the typical thought process of save your money for a rainy day. However, when you sit down and think things through a little bit, it starts to make sense. All of the competition is sitting back waiting for things to get better while you are out there gaining recognition and impressions on your customers. Still, how does this effect a designer. More importantly how does this affect young freelance designers that are just entering the design community. Here is the silver lining in all of this mess that is constantly swirling around us.

As young designers, we are cheap, fresh, and hungry for work. Like I said, businesses are trying to cut cost where ever possible. One place where they can cut cost is by using young freelancers with little overhead costs compared to the large design agencies that are more expensive. This means that there is a lot of freelance work out there. Even more, there are a lot of freelance jobs out there that would normally go to agencies but are now on the open market for all to bid on. What better way to beef up your portfolio than to get a bunch of work from a variety different businesses. It can also be nice because typically, younger designers are not making millions of dollars. Freelance work can pad your wallet and help with paying the bills.

So where does someone find freelance work? Good question. Most of my work has been through my network of friends and co-workers but there are also web sites out there for freelance creative professionals such as ourselves. A few that I know of are: Craigslist, Elance, and iFreelance. I am sure there are more and if anyone knows of any please share for the rest of us to check them out.

I guess what I'm trying to say to those young designers out there is just to sit back, breath deep, and realize that this economic fall out isn't such a bad thing. Take advantage of all the work out there, get your name noticed and who knows, you could make it big.

The World of Freelance...

It wasn't too long ago that I graduated from college. I gave myself about 30 seconds to catch my breath and then I busted out of the cocoon of the college environment and crashed into the real working world. Literally, the next day, I had someone asking me if I was interested in competing for a freelance job. It was then that I realized no one had ever explained anything to me about freelancing. I was slightly overwhelmed. Instead of dragging my heals, I accepted the challenge and landed my first job.

It is hard for me to believe that my school is the only one who doesn't offer freelance 101. Although there were plenty of business courses to take, I took none. I thought my time would be better spent learning how to communicate and understand people. So, today I'm going to offer up a few suggestions that I have learned either the hard way or by observation and discussion.

1. Get Everything in Writing - There is nothing more powerful than something in writing that proves your point. You don't need it to be a physical piece of paper, emails and txt's work just fine too (just be sure to save them ... don't delete them. DUH!). This way if the unthinkable happens and your client refuses to pay, you have documents that will hold up in court.

2. NETWORK - I can't press this more. Knowing people and being visible is the only way you are going to achieve any kind of success. If you are freelancing right now, you probably already know this but some people think work is just going to fall on your laps. It won't. There are plenty of groups and organizations out there that are solely meant to facilitate freelancers. Find them and love them.

3. Rehearse - You will never know what a client is going to say but you can pretend to have the interview with them. It is better to walk in somewhat prepared then not at all. Have your rate prepared, a tentative timeline for completion, the file formats that you are going to provide, and questions about the project you need to have answered. If it helps, get a friend to act like your potential clients so that you can practice in front of people.

4. Look Professional - I know we are all designers and we like to march to our own drum but don't show up in jean with holes in the butt and bed head. Look like you care.

5. Use Good Interviewing Techniques - the simplest of things can sometimes make the biggest impact. Keeping eye contact, taking notes, moving your head slightly and keeping you posture somewhat erect are all good practices. People feel like you are really listening (you really should be listening too).

6. Keep Track of Expenses - It is amazing what you can write off in your taxes if you are a freelancer. Everything from pens to possibly even your car can all be business expenses. Be careful not to go overboard and expense everything you own. The government doesn't appreciate that too much and I'm almost positive it isn't legal.

7. Invoice - A lot of professionals would like invoices for their own records. Provide one just in case. It makes you look a little more professional.

8. Confidence - If you can project confidence and knowledge about the project, your client will be reassured he or she has made the right choice in you. Speak with a professional tone, use good interviewing techniques, and be relaxed are great ways to show this. Make sure that your client leaves trusting you will accomplish what they want. It makes the whole process go much more smoothly.

These are just a few of the things I've realized since entering the professional world. I know there are countless other lessons to be learned and when I experience them, I'll be sure to pass them on to you. If you have anything you think needs to be added, please let me know and I'll append my list. I'd like to get a really long list so your input would be greatly appreciated.

Who Are We (Part:18)...

When giants are mentioned, most people tend to think of huge illiterate men hobbling around with massive clubs. That or the baseball team out of New York. This week however, my weekly entry into my Who Are We posts is a giant of another kind. His work is known through out the world and he is sought out for work, advice, and inspiration by some of the greatest people on earth. When I mention his name you will undoubtedly say "Of course.. it was only a matter of time till he was mentioned" or "Who?" If it is the latter of the two, you may want to do a little research of your own. This guy is "designer royalty."

Who is this giant in the design/marketing community? None other than Pat Fallon of Fallon Worldwide. He founded Fallon in 1981 and has seen success in every dimension of the word. Known internationally for their ability to deliver results without breaking the bank could be the key to their success. It could also be that Fallon employs some of the best talent out there and has clients that place complete faith in the work they produce. With clients like Sony, Purina, Time, and NYSE it's hard not to gain international recognition. Fallon has experienced such success that they have reached a level where they can be selective with their cliental. They aren't exclusive because they feel like it. Pat Fallon creates a very personal relationship with each of his clients and that just isn't possible with hundreds of clients.

Pat Fallon released a book a couple years ago named "Juicing the Orange." It was recommended to me by Greg Ness of Sundog (a former professor of mine whose agency has a great blog worth checking out as well). I'm currently reading this book and so far I can't seem to put it down. It's a book that delivers invaluable advice and opinions on the creative marketplace. The insight that Fallon's book provides makes it a must read for any designer of all ages and experience levels.

Check out Pat Fallon and his book "Juicing the Orange." Let me know what you think. As always, if you have anyone you think belongs in my weekly posts of Who Are We, let me know and I'll check them out. You could see them up here soon.

Who Are We (Part:17)...

I started this week off by looking through some of my past Who Are We posts. I checked out their sites and looked through a lot of their blogs. I found myself browsing through Carole Guevin's blog NetDiver (I have recently become a huge NetDiver Junkie) and stumbled upon a designer by the name of Jesse Kaczmarek. His worked looked interesting and jumped out at me from a quick glance. I dove deeper and soon realized that this was not just some lesser known designer. He has done work for clients that would make an average sized design agency drool yet he remains a one-man shop out in New York. Clients like BMW, GE, HBO, Motorola, Pepsi, Porsche, Red Stripe, Sony, Target, and Virgin Mobile don't just come knocking if you're a mediocre designer. They want the best and only hire the best.

Jesse Kaczmarek's designs seem to be geared towards a very simplistic approach while still maintaining a high level of viewer interest. He is able to convey an elegance with a simple treatment of color and direction. Even within a small color palette, Jesse creates vivid, eye catching work that is classy and sophisticated. It is no wonder why these big name clients have gone with him for some of their design work. I am not the first to realize that Jesse is a great designer hidden within the millions living in New York. Google search him and you'll get pages after pages of people praising the incredible work he has created.

Check him out and let me know what you think. I'm always looking for people to add to my Who Are We posts so if you have someone you think belongs up here, let me know. I'll look into them and you could seen them up here soon.

When To Wage War...

We designers are artist. Because this is so, it is hard for us to separate ourselves from our work. It's not a bad thing to be proud of you work. It's OK to think that your work is the greatest thing to grace the pages of some publication. Inevitably though, someone will disagree with your choice to place a chunk of text somewhere within YOUR design. They are not Satan because they would have done things differently. They are entitled to their own opinion and it is just that, an opinion. Now where this can cause a little turbulence is when that person with the opinion is your boss or art director. This forces you to make a decision. Do you take their advice and run with it or do you dig your heels in and say this is the way MY design is going to look.

I'm not sure either direction is the best option. If this person is your boss, more than likely they have worked their way to the top and probably have a pretty good idea of what they are talking about. So their advice should not fall upon deaf ears. Still, always take all advice with a grain of salt. Another thing you might want to do if you feel that you have made the right decision is explain why you did things the way you did. Your boss may not see things the same way you have and with a little explanation your decision may turn out to be the right one. You can then revel in your brilliance and indulge in a little self satisfaction.

So when do you wage war over your designs? Never? No. Sometimes you need to stand up for your designs. I think some times clients feel like they know more than you do. Are they designers? No. Have they studied art, design, and communication? Probably not. So grab hold and take it to them.

Now I'm not saying you should walk in, get in their face, and say listen here... I know what I'm talking about and you should shut up and just go with it. Take information to support your claim. Offer up to them your thinking and process behind your designs. Give them a few options that may offer some of what they want and some of what you think needs to be present. The most important thing to remember is that they are the ones that are giving you the money that puts food on your table. When it comes down to it, they are the ones paying for it and have the power to veto your entire design.

Designing for yourself is easy. Designing for others is hard. If your going to be a good designer you must learn that it is about compromise. You are entering a service industry. It's not quite like McDonald's where the customer is always right but it's not far off. Clients and Directors almost always enter a project with a preconceived notion of what the end result is going to look like. Each person has their own ideas and the difficult part about being a designer is finding a way to solve the design problem while still incorporating everyones thoughts. Understanding each individual involved in the process and what their expectations are can be extremely helpful. Know your client, know their product, know their market and you'll know when to wage war and when to surrender.

Who Are We (Part:15)...

I know I missed my usual deadline for my weekly post Who Are We and again I'm sorry (I don't mean for this to be a reoccurring theme!). This time however I had a reason for not posting on Monday. I wanted to start April off with a great addition to my blog. I wanted to add something different and take my blog someplace it had never been. I've explored the western European states, ventured into Russia, and of course, tackled the United States. It seems odd that I have yet to find someone from my neighbor to the north. But no longer because this week I am taking you to the great country of Canada to highlight a designer who is more than deserving of a place in my Who Are We posts.

This remarkable woman's name is Carole Guevin and she currently resides in Montreal, Quebec. Her job title is listed as Chief Imagineer at PixelTable. I'm assuming that this is along the lines of CEO or Lead Art Director because of her success story that I read while researching her. She is taking a company that had been purchased from a conglomerate and reworking it, head to toe, while still remaining connected with the existing clients. She understands that a smooth transition is the key to achieving this daunting task.

But how does all this tie into the graphic design community? Well, besides the fact that she is indeed an excellent designer (which you can see for yourself at her companies website: PixelTable), she is also into blogging. Yes, you're right, last week I also mentioned designer who is a "blogger". Just like Debbie Millman, Carole Guevin is known for both her graphic design accomplishments and her creative blog. Her blog, NetDiver, has been named by leading leading professionals as one of the 42 Design/Tech Magazines To Read and was part of the 100 Websites You Should Know and Use lecture given by Julius Wiedemann. NetDiver offers interesting reads, current design community news, and great designs in general. It's a great place to go when you are in need of some inspiration or you just have a few minutes to spare in-between projects. Check it out when you have some spare time, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Let me know what you think of this weeks addition to my weekly Who Are We posts. As always, I am constantly in search of great designers to research and add to my blog. If you have someone in mind, send me an email or just simply comment. I will look into them and who knows, you could see them up here some time soon.

Who Are We (Part:14)...

It's that time of the week again. I've had a little time this weekend to look around for great designers and I think I've stumbled upon an amazing woman who has contributed a great deal to our profession. Debbie Millman is that woman and this week's addition to my weekly post Who Are We. She is a Managing Partner and President of the Design Division at Sterling Brands, one of the leading brand identity firms in the country. This probably means that she is no longer getting her hands dirty in Illustrator or Photoshop like so many of us designer pawns but she has put in the time and her involvement in the graphic design community speaks for it's self.

She has invested over 25 years in the design community and now heads up a brand identity firm with clients like AOL, Burger King, Citigroup, Miller, NBA, Sony, and Valvoline. This is all very impressive but I think the reason why I'm glad to be highlighting Debbie Millman is because of her blog. Yes Debbie blogs just like yours truly. To be honest with you, Debbie's blog is much better than mine. She is so well respected by designers around the globe that she is fortunate enough to be able to sit down with other designers and conduct an actual interview. These sessions are called Design Matters and she does this live every Friday from 3-4 pm (eastern). She has interviewed nearly everyone that I have highlighted. I only offer an overview of who these people are, and then you have to go out and research more yourself. Debbie gives you the opportunity to hear what these designer greats are thinking. She can ask the questions that everyone wants to know, dig deeper and further into the graphic design elite, and expose some of their tricks and secrets.

Some of her comments out side of the interviews are a great read as well. They are reflections on the design/marketing/advertising world and everything else. I haven't had a lot of time to really dive deep into her blog but from what I have seen, I'm extremely interested and impressed. Let me know what you think. I'm always looking for feedback on my choices for Who Are We. If you have any suggestions on who I should highlight next, I'd love to hear them. You never know, you could see them up here sometime soon.

Who Are We (Part:12)...

I'm a few days late with my Who Are We post and I'm terribly sorry about being tardy. It's been a busy week with very little time to sit down and find a graphic designer that I think you should know about. You need not worry though because I have stumbled upon a designer during my reading that I think not too many people have heard of. Maybe you have heard of him but you don't think of him as a designer. This designer is different from the rest in a unique way. He was born in 1860, back before computers were even a distant thought. He is proof that our profession has been around for a while.

Alphonse Mucha was an artist in the purest sense. Lived the stereotypical life of an artist. He was drawing before he could walk. Born in the Czech Republic in a time where artist were creating masterpieces. This influx of art from the masters into mainstream society gave Mucha only one choice, he must move to Paris. He moved there in 1887 and from there his career took off (in a very loose sense). He had moments of success followed by periods of little work. During this time Mucha was called upon to create a poster for Sarah Bernhardt's play, Gismonda. His design was something completely new and sparked a little movement called "ART NOUVEAU." I'm sure you've heard of the movement but most people don't associate Mucha with graphic design but more with painting. Back then they were more one in the same rather than being separate. From here his fame spread and Mucha had finally made it. He paired up with a man by the name of Champenois and started doing postcards and other things.

He is a very good artist and designer. I'm not sure I can say that he started the graphic design profession but being able to say that you helped start a movement isn't a bad thing to have on your resume. If your looking for a designs to give you a traditional feel then I would have to recommend Alphonse Mucha.

A thing to keep in mind as your looking for inspiration among the design community. You can never know where you are going if you don't know where you've been. I hope you like my selection for this week's Who Are We post. Let me know your thoughts and if you have anyone I should look into, please don't hesitate to send me an email. I promise I'll look into them and you might see them up here on my blog.

Who Are We (Part:11)...

So last week I brought you a young man who is doing amazing work with helping mankind in mind. The week before I spoke about David Carson. He could possibly be the most well known graphic designer in the world. He lives in London. For this week however I would like to highlight America's take on designer royalty. This designer comes from, where else, New York city. Actually he was born in Pennsylvania but has since moved east to the big apple. Who is this man who USA Today calls the "closest thing to a graphic design rock-star?"

His name is Chip Kidd.

He is mostly known for his unique approach to book covers and his ridiculous pace at which he cranks them out. He is so good at what he does that some authors, like Oliver Sacks, require their contracts have clauses in them stating that Chip Kidd must design their book cover. A following like that doesn't come easy. Besides having the lure to attract such a loyal following, his list of authors is just as impressive.

There are a couple of websites that you should check out if your interested in Chip Kidd. First is his website. It has a blog that has some interesting quotes and links to some of his other pages and projects. The other site I will be posting on later in more depth later but you should check it out now. It's called ilovedesign.com and it's from Quark. They're starting to change things up a little bit and I think this site offers a unique mingling of the design community and a social networking concept. There are interview clips with Chip Kidd and a couple other great designers. It is defiantly worth the time to check it out and see what they have to say.

As always, I am interested in what you think about this weeks addition to Who Are We? If you have any suggestions for me, please don't hesitate to let me know. I will look into them and you might see them up here in the future.

Who Are We (Part:9)...

Every week I try to spotlight a designer I think you should know about. It has always helped me with my designs to see what others are doing and to try to understand the design community. Knowing where we are heading is the best way to stay fresh in the market. So it surprised me this week when I was introduced (figuratively) to man who is deemed "the most famous graphic designer on the planet" - Creative Review Mag. I feel ashamed that I have gone this long and not mentioned David Carson as a designer that you must know.

Why can people honestly say that this man has revolutionized the design community and is most likely the biggest player in our field. He has more honors than I could even start to mention, clients that every designer drools over, and his designs are truly innovative. He even has a Wikipedia page (you know you've made it when you have your own Wikipedia page with more than just a little blurb). Traveling to speak to thousands of students and fellow designers is just another aspect to this great designer. There is so much to say about David Carson that I'm going to refer you to just one of the many websites that highlight this man's amazing career. Also keep an eye out, soon I'll link you to an interview with David Carson that I think you will find interesting and helpful.

As always, I am open for suggestion. Let me know what you think of this weeks candidate and if you have anyone you think belongs amongst the greats.

Who Are We? (part:8) ...

This weeks subject for my weekly posts "Who Are We?" comes as a suggestion from a fellow designer that I have had the luck of knowing. We were sitting down over a couple drinks and I had mentioned my weekly posts and asked if maybe he had anyone he would recommend to me. He told me that his favorite designer is a man by the name of Charles Spencer Anderson.

I had never really heard of this designer before my friend had suggested him but I went exploring and to my surprise he is somewhat of a giant flying below the radar of a lot of people. He doesn't have his own Wikipedia page describing in detail his life and his accomplishments like some of the other designers I have mentioned in the past but his list of clients is enough to make your jaw drop. That list looks a little like this: French Paper, Nike, Target, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Coca-Cola, Levi's, Sony, Nissan, Paramount Picture, New York Times, Japanese Monster, Turner Classic Movies. These are only a few of the many that this amazing clients this designer has had the opportunity to work with.

You need to check out Charles Spencer Anderson and all the incredible work that this man has produced. I will promise you that you will not leave disappointed. Thank you to my designer friend who suggested Charles Spencer Anderson to me and as always, I am open to suggestions from you, my readers. Let me know your comments, suggestions, and designers you think belong among the ranks of those that have made it into my weekly posts of "Who Are We?"

Who Are We (Part:7)...

This week's post has come a little late and as I mentioned in the post proceeding this one. I am truly sorry. As mentioned, this weeks post would be worth the wait for I am not bringing you someone from out of the unknown but rather a "Designer" who is possibly the most famous of all. Most in the artistic community would consider never looking at one of his pieces a sin. Who, you might ask, is the designer I have chosen to spotlight for my weekly Who Are We posts? None other than Andrew Warhol.

What can I say about Andy Worhal that you don't know already. His career began in the fifties when he moved to New York. "Whimsical" drawings of shoes are what got him noticed and eventually led him to the doorsteps of RCA Records. There he was hired as a free-lance artist to produce the record covers for the artist on the label. He might have been an excellent designer but his art is what put him down in the history books.

Not many people can put on their resume that they helped start an artistic movement. I would have to think that something like that would be a golden ticket for a job any where. You don't just start a movement if you're mediocre, you have to be good. Really good. Andy Warhol was an innovator that designers and artists alike still mimic his approach to design and art. From cans of tomato soup and shoes to iconic figures like Marylyn Monroe, this designer could do it all.

I think that it is appropriate to include Andy Warhol as a member of the design community for a few reasons. First, he started his career in graphic design/communication arts and then transformed into a pure fine artist. Secondly, I think that any designer is an artist. You do not have to use traditional mediums to be consider a "true" artist. Finally, Andy Warhol has done more for the design/marketing/advertising community than anyone else I can think of. If you can think of someone who tops Andy Warhol or someone you think I should highlight, just leave me a comment and I'll check them out.

Who Are We? (part:6) ...

This weeks designer needs no real introduction. He is by far the biggest name I have chosen to highlight since I began this dive into the graphic design history. I would have to think that at some point in every designers education this man would be brought to the forefront and honored for his contribution to our field.

Alan Fletcher is a graphic design god of his generation. He is from the earlier tradition of graphic design where computers where just a vision of the future and everything was created by hand. Those of us today who are either about to graduate or our careers are just starting to blossom probably have no real understanding for how this approach to design really took place. I am part of that group. From what I understand though, it was not easy and extremely time consuming.

Alan Fletcher's honors and positions are too many to list which should explain why when he died in 2006, The Daily Telegraph described him as "the most highly regarded graphic designer of his generation, and probably one of the most prolific". If you want to see just a few of his great accomplishments, check out his page on Wikipedia. One work of art that I would highly recommend to any graphic designer, or artist for that matter, is the book that he published in 2001 called "The art of looking sideways". It took him 18 years to complete this book and it is obvious that this was his life. There is an interview about the book on YouTube if you want to know more.

I am going to leave you with a quote from his book about design that I have always liked. "Who ever said pleasure wasn't functional?" - Charles Eames

Check back this week. I have some great post coming, I just need to do a little more reflecting on them before I can post them.

Who Are We? (part:5) ...

It is that time of the week again. This is the fifth installment of our weekly dive into the graphic design community. This weeks subject is a pretty big player in the New York scene and it is my guess that if you live within 100 miles of the big apple, you have almost had to have heard of him.

Michael Bierut is a partner of Pentagram, a design firm in New York City. His influence on the design community is obvious through his hundreds of awards and his commitment to leading multiple associations in a direction of betterment. He is a teacher, a writer, a public speaker, but first and foremost a designer. He has held positions as the president of the AIGA chapter in New York and now is president emeritus of AIGA National. He works with the Yale School of Arts as a senior critic in graphic design and has a weekly broadcast on Public Radio International called "Studio 360." All this only begins to brush the surface of what Michael Bierut has done for the Graphic Design community. To learn more about Michael Bierut check out Pentagram. There is a lot of really great work on their site and a great little bio that offers a more in-depth look at who he is.

As always, let me know what you think of this weeks player and if you have any suggestions as to who next weeks spotlight might be. I'm always looking for new people to research and talk about.

Are You Visible?...

One of the hardest parts about starting and maintaining a career in the graphic design field could be keeping yourself a visible player in your community. There is a lot of talent out there and as every semester ends more designers flood the stage with new and intriguing concepts on design. So how do you keep your head above water and allow yourself to be noticed. This is a good question because it pertains to almost everyone that is designing. Whether you are a free-lance designer trying to make it on your own or you are working for some big name design firm, you run the risk of falling out of view to those that matter most to your career.

Sometimes the littlest things like always being on time are what get you noticed and other times you have to push to stand out. One piece of advice that I would like to throw out there to you my readers is to participate. I think you all know this but you can't just sit on the side line and wait for someone to ask you to join the game. You need to be an active member of what is going on around you. This could mean many things. Joining AIGA seems to be a good place to start. This is a great way to keep up to date on what the designers in your area are doing not to mention a great medium to extend your designer network. What happens if you don't have an AIGA chapter in your town? Well, you could call up everyone you know who is a designer in your town and just get together for some drinks and talk about what each other is doing (basically that is what AIGA does but on a much grander scale).

I've said this before and I'll say this again, your network is the most important component to your career (check out my post from 9-19-07: Your Network: The Life Blood of your Career, to see what I mean). Knowing people and keeping up with them is the best way to remain visible. You never know when they might have something for you to do that could get you some attention.

One last idea that might work and that I have done a couple times is simply create a direct mail marketing plan for yourself. It sounds ludicrous but if you think about yourself as a product (when you are trying to find a job ... you basically are) it just makes sense. So make a postcard and mail it out to the design firms and in-house design shops. Even if you don't hear anything back you are still making yourself known. Who knows, they might have an opening that you might be perfect for that they might not have been advertising. I'm not saying it is a sure fire way to get a job but if you go in for an interview down the road and they remember those postcards, it could be that little element that pushes you to the front of all the other applicants.

Just remember that no one will no about you if you remain a spectator. Constantly be asking yourself ... AM I VISIBLE?

Who Are We (Part:4)...

Ok. I know I promised that every Monday I would post about someone in the Graphic Design community that I thought was worth knowing. I APOLOGIZE for faulting on my promise. It has been a difficult week (and it is only Tuesday!) but this week's highlighted designer is worth the wait.

Anyone out there who has had any formal training in graphic design has almost had to have had a little bit of history in the subject. You most likely have heard of Milton Glaser. Now to those of you from the Big Apple. This guy is like a hero. His designs not only re-ignited the worlds affair with New York but his " I 'heart' New York" campaign revitalized New York City, basically bringing it out of the modern dark ages and giving those that lived there a certain sense of self pride. Not many people can say that about their work.

Milton Glaser didn't stop there. He has since gone on to accomplish what most of us in the design community can only dream of. So if you are interested in Milton Glaser, check him out. He is truly an inspiration and a design role model. As always, I would like to hear from you as well. Let me know what you think about Milton Glaser or if you have any other people you would recommend that I check out.

Who Are We (Part:3)...

For the New Years, I thought I would highlight one of my role models in the graphic design community. He is known throughout the world for his role in developing the modern thought of graphic design and more than holds his own in the business world. He has been recognized by AIGA for his numerous achievements, his commitment to bettering the community that our profession revolves around, and obviously his incredible skills.

I hate to keep you in suspense but I thought it appropriate to outline this weeks Who Are We?? candidate before clueing you in on who this remarkable person is. Joe Duffy of Duffy & Partners is possibly one of the most influential players in the marketing and design field. If you haven't heard of him, well... you haven't done your research. His vision in branding is superior to all others and is most likely the reason for the success of his firm. Any design student from the midwest knows about Joe Duffy and every other student should. He is sought out all over the world for the almost guaranteed success of any branding project he is involved in. His designs speak for themselves but the clients speak even louder. To have clients like Pepsi, Bahamas, and Fresco in your rol-a-dex could only mean you are better than the rest.

If you don't believe me, than check out Joe Duffy yourself. If you never have heard of him, look up his firm's website, I swear you will not be disappointed. Let me know what you think. Well, until next time and keep an eye out, I plan to keep to my new years resolution!

Welcome Back!...

Happy New Year Everyone! It is 2008! So with the New Year starting up I thought it would be appropriate to discuss resolutions and goals. It is a tradition that at the beginning of every New Year we make a promise to ourselves to better who we are. Either we try to kick those bad habits or lose those few extra pounds, what ever it is, usually it is something that we have been meaning to get around to but just haven't found the motivation. Normally these resolutions revolve around our personal life but they don't have to. What I am saying is that instead of making a resolution to only better your health or personality (because that is usually what people do ex: lose weight, be more out going, be more honest, quit smoking, etc...), make a career resolution as well.

I think people tend to neglect their profession in ways that they may not notice. I know I am guilty of doing this. We all are in pursuit of that perfect job. Some of us out there have been fortunate while others are still fighting, but I think we can all benefit from a promise to ourselves to complete that project that has been sitting on the side at work for as long as we can remember.

Me, personally, I have made a resolution to put myself out there and increase my presence in the graphic design community. To do this I am going to be taking on more free-lance jobs, I will be posting a new website that accommodates my pursuits, I am going to become more active with AIGA, and I will be making TWO POSTS A WEEK! (just in case you can't get enough of me.) I am sure that there will be other ways for me to bring myself to the forefront and they will present themselves to me as I trudge through 2008.

I am curious about what you might be thinking as far as a work resolution for this New Year. I would like to hear what everyone is thinking or if you have any ideas for me. Any ideas would be great.

P.S. - I just started a new blog. There is not a whole lot of me talking but I have been posting my art on that site. Check it out! I will be starting 5 new paintings this month so also keep an eye out for those as well!

Who Are We? (part:2) ...

Well it is time for our second installment of Who Are We. Just in case this is your first visit, this is a once a week post about a designer you should know. Last week I blogged about Peter Jaworowski. Probably a lesser-known designer from Warsaw, Poland who has a great eye for design and work that blew me away. If you haven't had the chance to see his work yet, you should really check it out.

This week I want to speak about a better-known designer that comes from the United States. Her name is Margo Chase and she currently works in L.A. She is the founder of the Chase Design Group. Her story is not a typical one that you hear about when you think of graphic designers and actually is a great inspiration to most aspiring designers out there. Her biography is on Wikipedia if you would like to know more and I would highly recommend reading it.

Margo Chase and the design group that she founded have not had huge corporations like Peter but her list of clients still is outstanding. With her location obviously working in her favor, most of the clients stem from the entertainment industry. Clients like Madonna and Cher have had her do identities for them and Networks like USA and the WB have also used her talents in creating memorable logos for the network as a whole or individual show also.

Her design approach as I see it is a simple elegance that is not only impactful but also clean crisp and well thought out. I have been using her work as inspiration from the onset of my own career and I still am deeply impressed with the quality and clarity she displays in all of her work. Not only does she focus on the basic graphical elements in all of her designs but she takes it one step further by reinventing typography to fulfill the overall design needs.

She is truly a worthy role model in the design community and I think she is a great person to highlight in this weeks edition of Who Are We. I would like to know your thoughts and comments so please do write.