Reading #15 +16

Self-promotion is an ongoing cycle which every designer has to continue, whether he's working independent, in studio or as an apprentice. Letting people know about your work is equally important as having a good portfolio. As a design student it helps me look at various magazines for inspiration, and ideas, but for marketing myself, I believe in attending all the design meetings, conferences, putting up on websites or even sending work in competitions helps to advance.
Design is a field of competition and the more upfront we are with the publicity of our ideas and works better response we would get. Its inevitable to say that, learning from past experiences is essential in self promotion. Because, without correcting oneself and updating regularly all efforts for publicity would be in vain.
Last but not the least is creating good work, and from my personal experience, there are no short cuts to it. Its only the creative process, the effort we put in starting from research continuing through the application of design in the real world. Hence, hard work and satisfying clients through good design will keep clients happy, which would yield money and when promoted the work is effective then everyone recognizes the true potential and automatically your business would grow. Thus the key to be a successful designer is continuous learning and hard work.

Reading #12 +13 +14

Combining creative philosophy with business ethics is the essence of a graphic designer. I totally agree with this statement of Shaughnessy, since a designer doesn't work in a shell as well as the success of his work is measured by no. of people's response. Hence the creative environment should be surrounded by people with common belief in hard work, trust towards co workers, full dedication to each project regardless of the budget, being envienvironmentally responsible, and last but not the least is plagiarism. Getting an inspiration from anyone's creation is a positive sign but copying it, is totally a fraud.

Words of wisdom

Build trust with client, try to maintain longer relationship with them, be truthful in your work and in all the deliverables and meet their expectations, if not completely then at least have a common ground.

Reading #9 +10+ 11

In the following chapters of "How to be a Graphic Designer without loosing your soul", Shaughnessy emphasized on the importance of learning from the environment. Finding the first job is difficult, especially in today's economy, but the drive to learn and to take advantage of from whatever is around should be the primary goal. Learning continues throughout a graphic designer's working life and each failure should be analyzed critically to uncover the mistakes and avoid them in future. Hence, working in a company, as an apprentice, or as a freelancer should be decided with care, as they not only mold your carrier but also your personality and thoughts which represent in your works.

Having a good portfolio is an asset, but its equally important for an individual to market himself and his work. Poor communication, inappropriate presentation of one self, and unpunctual are all the signs of lack in

interest in the job. The key to successful job interview is same as a key to any effective design- research and attention to details. While being interviewed one's every action is seen under a microscope by everyone you interact with for an interview. Knowing about the companies past works, being polite and respectable to all the employees are the traits for a favorable response from an interview. These traits might sound trivial but they are very crucial for any interview or even while presenting an idea to a client.

Working in anywhere one should be equally truthful to work and his college as one would be himself. This mantra and a positive attitude towards the critiques is my learning from the undergrad school. I choose graphic design as my major because I liked creative works and now as a senior student I not only enjoy creating design but I like to create works that helps me to express myself and connect in ways which were difficult or impossible to reach.

Reading #8: Intro+Fwd.+Chapter 1

I like the way the book- "How to be a graphic designer without loosing your soul" is written. I find the author, Adrian Shaughnessy, is smart to write this book in direct speaking form, which gives me of an impression as if someone's talking to me rather than preaching me in a traditional manner. Besides his style, I also like the subject he took, i.e. talking about practical and common issues of working life in a graphic designer, that aren't taught in school, but are learnt through experience. Hence, its awesome that someone as successful like him is sharing his know-how of the graphic design culture.

      As a student and an immigrant from India, I completely agree and feel with him on the cultural awareness issue. Its so vital for a designer to know about the society they live

 in and the people they are designing for, that it opens totally a new realm of ideas. The capability to connect and understand the behavior, works, lifestyle, language, politics, issues, and other such areas helps the designer to create a work that touches the audiences heart and allows them to reciprocate as desired. For instance, below are examples of Mc Donald Ads in different countries and with different approaches.

I think communication is key to success in any field. I like the new technique (tell but not show) that Adrian suggested to boost up confidence and increase the chances of winning through clear and

 effective conversation with the client. Sketching ideas roughly, using technology, or hand drawn even, listening to client's point of view and orally presenting are 

vital to educate the client and make them comfortable and feel safe about their design selection. Any bottle necks in communication would not only yield poor results but also failure in the team moral. 

Reading #6: Conveying emotion through Design

• must see things in a new way
• trigger emotions, reminding of old memories
• shows passion and gut
• Element of unexpectedness
• skillful work- good design
• beautiful

some hindi type inspirations

visit my flickr photo stream for the updates on the Thesis project.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34282312@N04/