Craig Oldham

Today Craig Oldham came in to talk to us. Craig has only been graduated 3years, he used to work for the Chase but is currently working for Music. Whilst at the chase he did a publication called 12 in 12 (12 things you might learn in your first year as a designer) This publication did win awards.

Craig talked through all 12 of the points. He brought up a good point to Graphic designers, he exaplined you are either a logical designer or an emotional designer. Which one are you? This question really did make me think. Logical designers doing things that have an obvious purpose like toilet signs, no parking signs ect.
Then on the otherhand there is designers who have an emotion eye to thing who would design something with a purpose but with a twist.

Being asked to think what type of designer do you think you are was a really good question. I am still unsure and im sure many people will be, it is always fun to make your designs look emotional and have a great idea behind them, but at the same time you want your idea to work and be obvious. This is something young designers like myself need to consider as this splits up the different companies.

Craig asked us to think about what our strengths and weaknesses were?? He told us that he knew his weaknesses, being he wasn't too good at grids and web designing, a piece of advice he gave us was to try and get better by asking questions and seeing what other people are good at. Don't be embarrassed about telling people your strengths and weaknesses.

Portfolio

As I am currently putting together my portfolio I appreciate feedback and help on portfolios. Craig told us that it is the most subjective thing we will ever design. He shown us his portfolio, it was a very clean layout, very spacious and simply positioned. It makes the pictures do the talking rather than being over fussed with decoration. The way the work is shot is a main important part of a successful portfolio.

Placements

Work placements are a very important part of becoming a graphic designer, when designers come in to talk to us they all say this, they always say the same thing. Thousands of people are in the same boat so to be successful you need to get yourself heard. Craig told us about his journey from placement to placement which was very interesting as he made it obvious that the whole design company world is like a spiders web, everyone knows each other some how. He also gave is a list on reasons we should and reasons we shouldn't do placements.

Should Shouldn't

New expectations Loss money wise
Real work Away for a period of time- more often than not
Meet interesting people Taken advantage of
put you ahead of the competition
improve tea making skills
re assure you of your ability
makes you more confident

The main points I took out of this part of the lecture was to have a hit list and research them. Be punctual, that a little enthusiasm goes a long way and most of all be yourself.

I found this lecture really useful especially at this time of the year whilst trying to organise portfolio visits and creating my portfolio. Craig seems really down to earth and says things how they are. I think this is a great attitude to have while being in this industry.