We’re back with our second look at the part-time team from our UK Shillington campuses. This time we hear about what to avoid in a portfolio, the relationship between Illustration and Graphic Design and how to tackle a new brief.
Take a look at Part One if you haven’t already to get acquainted with the whole team!
Along with freelancing in a variety of London agencies George is a member of Puck, an Illustration Collective. He’s been part of exhibitions at Pick Me Up as well as contributing to a number of murals.
Do you think collaboration is important in design?
It’s one of the key principles, whether its with the client or other designers. With design, I always try to make it a big collaboration with the client, it should be a relationship from start to finish. I want the client to be very much part of the process. The best projects I have worked on have always been the most collaborative.
With the link between graphic design and illustration growing stronger do you think it’s important for a junior designer to have illustration skills?
Illustration is so massively varied. I think a lot of students think, “Oh I can’t really draw very well” but some of the best illustrations are the simplest. I would say that they should focus on any illustration skills they have but not to get caught up on other peoples illustration skills. To be honest a junior designer should be open to explore as many skill sets as possible, not just illustration.
Lou’s firmly rooted in the Manchester design scene having worked in the Northern city for over a decade. Having worked at Global Healthcare Communications Group, Havas Lynx for a few years she’s since embarked on a freelance career with projects like Changos and Smithfield Market in her portfolio.
As a freelancer you’ve worked on jobs for a variety of clients, from big names to small start-ups. Do you think having big names in your portfolio matters or can more be said for diversity?
No, not in my opinion, employers want to see diversity in your book, the main thing they are looking for is idea.
If you have strong ideas and you can make the work look great, then you can work with any client.
What’s your number one piece of advice to a recent design graduate?
Work hard and don’t give up! The design industry can be tough and it can take time to get that first break, but if you persevere and nurture your passion, it is a fantastically rewarding career to get into.
Having recently set up his own studio, F is for Fox he’s busy working on a variety of projects for clients in the UK and beyond. Glen’s design skills also extend to illustration and animation, check out the adorable animation he made for his wedding.
Any portfolio pet-peeves or tips?
When I don’t know what I’m looking at. I like to see how a project came to be that end product. Also, when in an interview, rather than going through it cover to cover with a set dialogue, ask them if they’d like to see a project in particular. Then when arriving at that page, know what’s on it and why you put it there. Make sure it gives you the cues to tell them how you brought a creative solution to the creative problem you faced.
Whenever he’s not teaching, Nick is a full-time designer at London based agency, Earnest. Passionate about personal projects and innovative philanthropic initiatives he’s a great believer in concept driven work.
What is the most important thing for you when looking through a new portfolio?
Personality. 80% of the portfolios I see all look the same—a clever, modernist layout with minimal words, loads of white space and everything mocked up beautifully. Great, but who are you? What kind of person am I getting?
Don’t be afraid to write in your voice, with your sense of humour and with your opinions. Trust me, I’ll care more.
Thanks to our Part-Time Team for sharing their thoughts with us! Check out the blog for regular updates from the Shillington staff, or keep an eye out for regular updates on our Instagram and Twitter pages.
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