Over the course of the last 3 years of studying design we have had numerous practitioners visit college to speak about life in the industry, life after graduation, their work and their own experiences. This year we have seen practitioners who differ from each other with the advice they give and the experience they have. However, no matter how they all differ each one offered crucial advice to help us prepare for life after graduation.
Deciding on which two practitioners to compare and contrast was not an easy task so I decided to focus on the ones that stood out to me the most and from which I took away the most. The two practitioners I have decided to analyse are; Mike Rigby from agency True North and Mick Greer a freelance copywriter. Both of these designers offered crucial advice on the industry and how to get a job after graduation.
Mike graduated from Preston university in 2002 and since then has had numerous placements and jobs at well known agencies such as; Pentagram, The Chase and Mark studio before landing a job at True North in Manchester. Mike spoke about the positives and negatives of getting a job in the industry with the good overriding the bad. Mike also spoke about placements and how they are an essential requirement to help students get a job. The best way to get a placement is to have a strong portfolio with current well-executed work. Mike expressed how important it is to take professional pride in everything we do, even If it’s just a mock up it should be done to the best ability we can. To get the most out of placements we should make sure we get involved by asking questions and making a brew, but also we should have enthusiasm, commitment and be well organised. We shouldn’t worry if agencies reject us and rejection is all part of design and it doesn’t mean we aren’t good enough.
Mick Greer studied Graphic Design at Blackburn but learnt from this that he wasn't very good at it so instead opted for advertising. Working at high profile agencies such as The chase, Love and Mcann Ericksson he also travels up and down the country to Leeds, Scotland and London. Mick spoke primarily about getting a job after graduation and expressed his views on a the subject that all 3rd year students are worrying about ''too many graduates not enough jobs''. Mick felt that now is the time that we need to up our game if we even stand a chance of beating all the other thousand students that will be graduating in July. The competition isn't just the people in our class and it's important for us to take in account all the people that graduated the year before us and who are still looking for a job, as well as the people who were affected by the recession and made redundant who are still looking for a job in design. Mike also spoke about how students feel not up to scratch and not the 'finished article' when leaving university and looking for a job. This was something I had covered in my issues and practices essay. Mick disagreed and felt that none of us will become a 'finished article' until at least 5/10 years down the line. He felt that designers look for creativity and intelligence over anything else. Even over a good portfolio.
I can compare Mike Rigby and Mick Greer's lecture in great detail the environment in which we had the practitioners come in to talk to us was the same. Taking place in the classroom which was more relaxed and easier to interact and ask questions as well as receiving worthwhile advice. They both spoke of placements with Mick stating that we have to be 'prepared and motivated to get a job' and Mike stating that 'organisation, commitment and enthusiasm' would get us further than everyone else. These are both key issues that I think determine whether we will succeed or not, basically it's down to us.
In contrast to Mick Greer's lecture Mike spoke about life outside of design. Mike feels it's important to take a break and got out of the design world and opted instead to go travelling for a few months stating that it was the best experience and everyone should get out there once in a while. This is a question which has always been in the back of my mind as I too would like to get out there and see the world. It also threw Mike offers of jobs in Australia and this too would be something I would quite like to do. Also unlike Mick's lecture Mike showed us some work that he had produced whilst working for True North. I always find it interesting seeing the work of designers, however we did not see any of Mick's work which was slightly disappointing as I feel a passion for copywriting after working on the Bacardi brief with Grace.
Overall I enjoyed both lectures, both gave me valuable feedback key to me graduating in July. Although I haven't been on any placements yet it's not to say I haven't been in touch with agencies however, I will take Mick's advice and contact other agencies and on a regular basis. It's with the advice from tutors and advice from people in the industry which will help me and push me further in the industry, as we are coming to the end I can't help but be thankful for the advice we have received over the last 3 years.
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