Categories
What they didn’t teach you in design school
No matter what path you took in life, when it comes to our careers we all wish I learned ________________ in school. So, inspired by the gaps he perceived in a conventional design education, Professor Phil Cleaver published the very readable What They Didn’t Teach You In Design School.
The book sought to enlighten people on the finer points of design education; it covers what your professors skimmed over. The resulting pages are filled with funny and honest nuggets of wisdom about how to be a success in the industry. Professor Cleaver’s advice dished out in this book is most likely not heard often in the classroom. Here are some of his favourite parts of the book:
What they didn’t teach
Interviews
For God’s sake smile—this is not the dentist, and you should look like you want to present your work. You might produce great, creative work but you have to fit into an agency ; they are looking for someone who will dovetail into their already well-oiled studio. The work should sell itself, so you have to sell yourself. Be true to yourself ; you have packaged yourself the way you are, now it’s time to unwrap that package and shine.
Don’t sketch ideas out on a computer
I would never start design sketches on a computer; the computer will not aid your ideas but, in my opinion, only curtail them. No matter how good your computer is and your skill set on it, it won’t ever give you a concept.
Don’t rush it
John Creasey failed a lot, he got 743 rejection slips before he published nearly 600 books under 28 different pen names. You might fail initially, but don’t give up trying whatever age you may be, as in the end you can win. Milkshake-mixer salesman Ray Kroc was 52 before he launched the McDonald’s empire. Colonel Harland Sanders launched KFC after receiving his first retirement check.
Don’t worry about failing. You couldn’t walk the first time you tried; it also took a few goes to learn how to ride a bike. Chances are you couldn’t swim the first time you went in the water. You shouldn’t be scared of failing. what you should be scared of the opportunities you’ll miss if you never try.
You can read more exerts from What They Didn’t Teach You In Design School here and purchase it on Amazon. Or learn if you need a post-secondary education for design.
Source: http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/phil-cleaver