Graphic Design
Belhaven's Place for Creative Space
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To all who came out and especially those who presented at Friday’s portfolio review.
In an ever changing design environment of trends, apps, and platforms, I came across a list of 25 Graphic Designers you should take note of:
Many of you may be wondering how to find work or an internship. Well this young designer had an interesting approach.
I hope you enjoy his article and I hope it inspires you.
I came across this video that I hope will inspire some of you young designers and help you understand why we make you do all the things we do during your time with us.
Here is one of our Seniors discussing how she successfully found several internships during her studies here at Belhaven.
First off, anything is possible with the Lord. God provided ways for me to gain experience in what I love to do as a designer without lucky charms or a car (not even the means to borrow one). The bare bones of finding an internship is really sniffing out opportunities and pouncing on those opportunities.
I’ve found an internship with The Imaginary Company (a small studio in the Belhaven neighborhood) simply by chatting with some gents and gals hanging out at Sneaky Beans when I asked if any of them knew the location of the studio and was given the contact information from a buddy of one of the workers. Sure enough a phone call later, a quick interview later, and I’m set to work as an intern. The experience I had was invaluable, unique, and I discovered a range of tasks designers do, with pay. No job was ever boring, the only downside was working with two cats pawing over my keyboard and batting their tails in my face. I’m not an outgoing personality, but being assertive, articulate, and focused are necessary for any designer. If the desire is there, if the hunger is there, and if you want to work, there is always a way (that’s ethical and sans spec) that’s, really, just a phone call or a hand shake away.
Another opportunity I had was over the summer, in my junior year. I simply checked out downtown Denver galleries and found Plus Gallery. All I had to do was write a neat, simple, to the point one page essay on what I could offer, my skills, and so forth as an intern. A call and an interview later and I was able to create the seasonal art gallery events booklet for the Denver Arts Dealers Association. Plus Gallery designed the booklet and hosted the project twice annually. No pay but I was able to keep as many copies of my work, keep the original files, and made one contact through the gallery owner that led to the Denver art world. If there is no pay, outline in an agreement or contract of some sort about the terms of what you need as experience, even if it’s just contacts and a letter of recommendation for a start to a career down the road.
Generally, interviews were short & somewhat informal. You’re working on someone else’s precious time so a PDF portfolio, snippets, samples, etc. with something intelligent to say will do fine, but looking spiffy, normal, and sane makes a difference too. Know where you’re applying and whom you’ll most likely be speaking to. Both these cases required business casual which means pants that are not jeans and a collared shirt for guys and maybe a skirt and blouse for the ladies.
Plus, as a given, and out of consideration and courtesy, ALWAYS WRITE A hand written or well designed if your penmanship tanks, THANK YOU note or card before and after your internship. This is professional and important, not to ensure anything for you (though that’s possible), but to show that you house the Holy Spirit and a person touched by the grace of God had better, and at the very least, show some appreciation and gratitude. Trust me, nothing you do is without God’s hand leading out to yours. Your health, talents, gifts, all of those things encompassing your life are by his provision. Kiss that ego goodbye. Far away…
One point that is important to know is the Lord honors honest work and working towards a goal that expands his kingdom. Each person is unique with a set of talents, gifts, and skills, even if it’s just one, God will use you for his purpose. Every opportunity is never too mundane, stupid, or lowly enough. Nothing is ever lame enough to pass up, because no matter the task given, a Christian knows God watches and speaks behind the scenes. Those you meet, create for, and work with are people God loves and needs you as an ambassador to spread that love.
Lastly, a designer’s arsenal does not live on mad Photoshop skills or killer app layouts alone but intuition, assertiveness, and proactive behavior are just as important of weaponry choice like comfort with the Pathfinder tool(s). A Christian designer applies those three because it’s not about the job or you but about building relationships and glorifying Jesus Christ.
–LD
I wanted to share a few links that show some examples of some great portfolios.
Enjoy.
1. 15 RIDICULOUSLY GOOD GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIOS (PLUS 1 BONUS)
3. 38 Impressive Graphic Designer Portfolios – Wanna have an Ideal Portfolio??
The end of the semester is quickly approaching and we are preparing to have our Portfolio Presentation on Saturday, Dec. 3. In preparation for this I wanted to share a link with some helpful information regarding developing a print portfolio.
7 Tips For Creating a Print-Based Design Portfolio
Here are a few resources when searching for the a portfolio book to show off your work. 
Not an exhaustive list by any means but a starting place to go investigate and hopefully begin your journey.
I have attended these Parallel events in the past and have found them very interesting. Just thought I would provide the link so if anyone was interested they could go check it out.
Here is an interesting profile of a designer and a packaging project he designed:
Love Thy Logo: Charlatan, Huckster, Moron, Thief! – RockPaperInk.com.
Something to be aware of as you are working to enter this profession.
This is an interesting list about what every Graphic Designer should know, and the list maker is looking for feedback so join the conversation and leave your comment.
Recently we had the privilege of having Steve Tadlock from the Broderick Agency speak to our Graphic Design majors. He walked them through some of his experiences and showed them some of his work as he has worked on a number of different projects over the years incorporating many forms and kinds of media.
I asked Steve to give us a list of some of the designers, resources, and books that he felt Graphic Design majors should be familiar with and this the result:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Each student should make their own list of inspirational websites. My short-list includes:
aiga.com
graphic-exchange.com
grainedit.com
ilovetypography.com
commarts.com
printmag.com
Books to read; these are on advertising, not design so much. It’s important to understand the difference.
GUTS: Advertising From the Inside Out, by John Lyons. (haven’t read this in a while but I remember it was good)
Hey Whipple, Squeeze This. by Luke Sullivan. (if you’re serious about advertising, this is a must-read).
Memorize CA.
Google the credits in work you like.
Some designers you should know:
Saul Bass
Lucian Bernhard
Michael Bierut
Ivan Chermayeff and Thomas Geismar
Seymour Chwast
Steven Heller
Kit Hinrichs
Woody Pirtle
Herb Lubalin
Clement Mok
Walter Landor
Steve Frykholm
Margo Chase
More good stuff for your blog (or just reading)
So You Want To Be A Rock Star …
I like this paragraph in particular:
“After all these years, and after learning a little bit about what it takes to do great work, I’ve come to realize that talent isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Instead, it’s desire that often separates the best from the rest.”
ST
Check out what one of the clients of our very own Emily Mabry are saying about her…...
Emily is a Senior in our program who already has her own business called:
Sparrow Ink Design
Sorry for the poor scan Emily, but her cards look really great (when they are not scanned), check out her site!
From AIGA:
On April 13, 2011,
add your voice to an open, digital dialogue on design. One Day For Design brings together a global community of designers and design enthusiasts to exchange ideas, challenge viewpoints and push boundaries—collaborating in real time on the future of our profession and the organizations behind it. Spread the word. Join the conversation. Right here at onedayfordesign.org or viaTwitter.
Moderators include: Alex Bogusky, Doug Bowman, Liz Danzico, Debbie Millman, Erik Spiekermann, Armin Vit, Alissa Walker and Katherine Walker.
AIGA, the professional association for design
164 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010 www.aiga.org
As I am nearing the end of my first year at Belhaven, I am eagerly looking forward to my sophomore year. With all of my general education classes finished this semester, I will be able to take more art and graphic design classes.( SO much more interesting!) I will only have two worldview classes which will make my schedule much more enjoyable! It may be a little overwhelming with the workload, but it is easier for me to work on multiple projects at one time without having to worry about studying for Physics or New Testament. I came in to freshman year with almost twenty credits, so that has helped free up my schedule for lots more electives. I will continue to feed my love for dance by enjoying another dance class next semester and possibly getting involved with dance ministry. If I even have time to do all that is another matter… I am also anticipating having an international roommate! I am a little nervous, but I think it could be a really great way to reach out to another person, especially someone new to America! It may be a little challenging, but I hope that it will help the both of us to grow and hopefully result in a great friendship. This next year will have it’s own ups and downs, but I think it will be another great year to follow my first at Belhaven.
Now that I am almost done with my first year at Belhaven I am looking forward to going home! Not really, I am excited to be able to go home, but I will miss Belhaven. Freshman year has been enjoyable and rewarding. What I am looking forward to this summer is having a little more time to work on my own projects and to further develop the skills that I have gained over this past year.
I am also looking forward to coming back next fall as a sophomore and to have one year under my belt. I will know what to expect, and I will be taking more advanced graphic design classes. I now have a better idea of what I am doing with my life. I have more goals than I did at the start of the year. Next semester is going to be different and very challenging, but I know now what I am doing, at least I think I do! I am excited to continue grow and learn, and I am glad I still have three more years at Belhaven! I am looking forward to all of the web classes that I will be able to take over the next few years and all of the new skills I will learn. In short, I am looking forward to the rest of school, even though it sounds lame,
KJ
I found these interesting……
Amazing facts and figures about the rate at which technology moves the human race and affects the world we live in! This is a short video that I made for a presentation to my work colleagues in August 2010. I have taken some of the information from Sony BMG’s short flick Did You Know. Uploaded by LiamKinnear on Nov 28, 2010Amazing PPT Presentation! 3.0 for 2008 – Newly Revised Edition Created by Karl Fisch, and modified by Scott McLeod; Globalization & The Information Age. It was even adapted by Sony BMG at an executive meeting they held in Rome this year. Credits are also given to Scott McLeod, Jeff Brenman Uploaded by vlbworks2010 on Mar 2, 2010
So Graphic Design Majors are you prepared?
Why BU?
I chose Belhaven because it was where graphic design was offered as a major. Graphic Design is where God has given me gifts. Also I wanted a university in the Jackson metro area.
These are some areas that desciribe me being here, let me explain:
Whew! So my first year is quickly coming to a close and aside from lifeless studying, I have some pretty exciting memories to take away from it. My overall best experience of the semester was football. Sadly, however, the Lord led me to give up football and put my main focus on my work. It was rough at first but I am starting to enjoy the freedom. Even though I feel like its the right decision, it is still hard to let go of a big part of my life. My favorite class would have to be Literature. Not because of the subject though, more for the teacher. I have never had a teacher as entertaining as Mrs. Ford. Now for the biggest suprise of the semester. I hope i dont jinx myself but i was incredibly suprised at how easy the classes were. Everyone always told me university would be incredibly hard, but if you just DO what you’re ASKED to, it’s actually quite easy. Well that is pretty much my favorite things from my first year.
KW
One of my favorite classes this year was the Elements of Graphic Design class that I took in the fall semester. I was taught some of the ins and outs of the Graphic Design profession that I feel I really needed to know before I step my foot into the real world. Taking this class opened my eyes to things that I think I would have been surprised to see in the future if I was not taught how to deal with them. I am really glad that the Belhaven University Graphic Design major requires you to take this class because I think the things taught in this class are essential to becoming a professional Graphic Designer.
One of the best experiences I have had this past year as a freshman at Belhaven, was attending the Capital Gains conference in January. It was an extremely challenging experience. I was not quite sure what to expect when I walked in and received my schedule for the day. At first I was slightly disappointed that they had put me in a session that did not look like it would be as helpful to me as another. I remember making small talk with others around me wondering if they felt as anxious as I. After pouring myself a nice hot cup of free coffee, I walked into the first session and was positively surprised by how much I learned from the speaker. She spoke of networking and many different ways we can use that in our graphic design career—a concept I had always heard about, but not fully understood. I still do not understand it completely, but because of the information I learned in that session I am an on my way to mastering the concept! The conference challenged me to overcome my insecurities and to try and do better with social networking and overall designing. I still struggle with wondering if I will ever master the art, but then I have to remind myself to not give up and realize that this is my first year at Belhaven. I have time. God is control of my life and will help me grow. I know he as placed a passion for this art in me for a reason, and I have to keep trying and pushing forward towards my goals. We have to learn to trust Him to give us strength and courage to continue pursuing our dreams.
If you’re like me, before I sit down and get the creative wheels turning I must have a cup o’ joe. O.k., two or three cups to be exact. Not to be partial to any particular brand but this post is about Starbucks. They are in transition of separating the words from the mark to accommodate their expanding business model. I found a couple great articles on their logo redesign for their 40th anniversary. Terry Davenport, SVP of Marketing gives great insight on their upcoming creative & promotions. Sit back, sip and enjoy!
Steve Erickson
Executive Art Director
The Cirlot Agency
I was reading this article and thought is was a good one to share called:
I was recently made aware of this article which talks about the state of Design education.
http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662634/american-design-schools-are-a-mess-and-produce-weak-graduates?partner=co_newsletter
What do you think of this article and the state of Design Education?
I came across this blog post about the logo creation process for a non-profit group and thought it was a good one to share.
The landscape of the photography industry has changed drastically in the last decade. No longer does pure technical know-how qualify you to succeed or have a place in the industry. In the midst of all the change Dane Sanders has had a significant impact on the wedding and portrait industry with his book FastTrack Photographer as well as the conversations he regularly engages in on his weekly podcast ‘Ask Dane’ and his FastTrack Roadshow Workshops.
We are really excited to have Dane here in Jackson for one of his workshops and just as excited to have him offering a free talk Thursday evening on Belhaven campus. This is an event that you don’t want to miss. You will leave challenged and inspired!
Blessings,
Erin Fults
601.291.3761
I was reading this post and felt it had some really great info for our students regarding how a Graphic Designer should NOT intereact with clients.
Anyway here is the article:
Flynn Design
So go check out her stuff online! http://www.groovinby.com
Thanks again Heidi, we all enjoyed seeing and hearing about your journey.
THRIVE
Navigate Turbulent Waters of a Challenging Economy
Presented by the American Society of Training and Development
and Belhaven University’s Aspire Program
When: Thursday, October 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Belhaven University Student Center – Second Floor Theatre
Registration: Free of Charge; RSVP Required at 601-968-8880 or degreedevelopment@belhaven.edu
Bullet-proof your career and learn how to make the most of challenging economic times by starting your own business or through exercising some “best practices” to maintain your current position.
Speakers include:
· Rob Benson – President of First Steps Training and Development with offices in Georgia and Kentucky. Rob has achieved prominence in the field of Training and Development with classifications as a Certified Professional Facilitator <http://www.iaf-world.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3672> , Charter member of the Society for Advancement of Consulting <http://www.consultingsociety.com/> , Certified Master Trainer of the Best-in-Class Trouble Shooting Logic <http://www.firststepstraining.com/services/corporate/ps_workshop.htm> methodologies, Inscape Certified DISC Trainer, and a University of Southern Mississippi Certified Training Professional. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Oral Roberts University and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Tulsa.
· John Brandon, Manager for the Entrepreneur Center with the Mississippi Development Authority.
With over 30 years experience in a variety of retail-oriented business environments, John has expertise in corporate and store management, buying, consulting, and university-level teaching. He received the 1992 President’s Award from the Cleveland-Bolivar Chamber of Commerce and the 1996 Award from the National Association of Small Business Development. He serves as an adjunct faculty member for Mississippi College.
· Dr. Margie Culbertson, Consultant Coordinator of the MS Center for Nonprofits in Jackson.
She is the author of three books and the editor of six. Margie has been a management consultant, corporate trainer and keynote speaker, as well as a college instructor, photographer, artist, and writer. Her work has taken her across the U.S. and Europe with offices based out of California, Texas, and Washington State. She received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Organizational Psychology from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in Speech Communication from the University of Texas at Austin.
· Karlos Taylor, Specialty Instructor of Graphic Design at Belhaven University.
With background as a freelance Graphic Designer, he has served as Art Director for M3A Architecture in Jackson. He received a scholarship from Mississippi College where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and has completed a Master of Fine Arts in Computer from Memphis College of Art. He has taught over 7 years at the university level as both a full-time and adjunct professor.
The following seminar THRIVE, hosted by Aspire and the local Association for Training and Development, will focus on “Bullet-Proofing Your Career” in tough, economic times. The workshop is free of charge, open to the public, and students/faculty are encouraged to attend. RSVP is needed as seating is limited (601-968-8880/degreedevelopment@belhaven.edu).
