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If you are employed at a design agency, you will eventually need to learn how to use color for different global populations. Sometimes you may be limited in the amount of input you have in terms of color selection, but if asked, you should be able to speak intelligently about different choices and your reasons behind them in terms of the global marketplace.
Throughout the world different colors can mean different things. Colors that in some cultures represent prosperity and luck may mean negative things in others. If you work with a company that does business overseas, you'll want to do a little investigating as to what colors mean in the countries your client will be doing business with. If you can offer them some input on this, it will increase their confidence in your abilities and ultimately, deliver a more targeted product.
These days it isn't enough to have a good knack for color selection. If you'll be specializing in global Web design then you must have a good grasp of this subject and how it can affect your client. With the expansion of on-line marketing and shopping it is becoming an increasingly important facet of the Web design industry.
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Choosing The Interview Format
The format of a job interview can be a key factor to consider when looking at candidates for a particular position. Whether you are looking for a creative art director or a freelance production artist, there are many different ways to conduct an interview. Matching the process to your company style can be a good way to decide on which you prefer. It can also be a smart way to uncover the perfect candidate for the job.
Here are some examples of interview styles:
Screening interview. This type of interview can be conducted over the phone or in person, and is often used to narrow down the field of potential candidates. It can be a great way to save time if you have many applicants for one position.
Lunch interview. This kind of interview is a good one for companies with a more casual atmosphere. In addition to exploring qualifications, it can give you an idea of how the person conducts themselves and how they interact with others in a social setting.
Formal interview. This is what most people think of when the word "interview" is mentioned. The one-on-one, sit down at a desk discussion about a particular job.
Group interview. Sometimes more than one person will be interviewing a candidate. Group interviews can be a good choice if there are many people who need to have input on the person who is being hired.
Regardless of what format you choose, try to make sure that you won't be disturbed or overly distracted by the environment that you select. Consider the different interview types and decide which one will work best for your particular organization; and for the position you are looking to hire. A number of factors will come into play, but knowing ahead of time which one you want to go with will help the process go more smoothly overall.
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Considerations For The Design Studio
You might work for a fancy Los Angeles graphic design studio or you may be a freelance designer that works from home; either way you'll want to consider what your studio area is going to look like. In addition, you will want to make sure it functions well for your needs as a designer.
So what are some of the main factors you will need to address? If you work for a larger company, chances are they will have much of the studio set up already, but that doesn't mean you can't customize your own work area. Make sure the ergonomics are healthy and make every effort to create an environment where you will feel creative and comfortable. You'll feel better in the long run if you set things up right from the beginning.
If you freelance or work from home, portability may be a major factor in your overall setup. Think through what will make that an easier process, and enable you to stay organized as well. You may want to consider things such as cushioned carry cases and computer security features. If most of your equipment is in your home, you may also want to look into additional insurance so that you are sure you are covered.
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Consider A Career In Web Design
Are you the type of person who is on the computer a lot? Do you have a good "eye" for what looks good and what doesn't when it comes to Website layout? If so, you might want to consider a career as a Web designer. With some training, you can learn how to create and maintain Websites and launch yourself into a career that is in demand.
If you look around you can find several types of programs that will give you the education you need to begin a career as a Web designer. You'll need to decide how much time you want to invest in such a program; so do a little research and see what is available near you. Look for schools that have certification programs or degrees in Web design.
If you think you might be interested in this type of career, it can help to take a basic course in the field first to see if it is a good match for your skills and personality. If you like it, you can go on from there. Web designers are typically self-starters who are creative and can work easily with feedback from others. If that sounds like it could be you, why not investigate a bit more and see?
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Interview Blunder: Inappropriate Attire
Although not every job interview requires a suit or other formal attire, there are some pretty safe bets when it comes to things that are outside the scope of what you should wear on that important day. Here are some things you may want to keep in mind when choosing your outfit:
Creative jobs may give more leeway in terms of interview/work attire, but you should still try to be appropriate. If you are interviewing for a job as a creative director, let your portfolio show your vision; not your outfit.
Go easy on the jewelry. Less is more for an interview, and if you have any unusual piercings, you may want to consider leaving them out for the day.
Crazy nail colors, briefcases or purses shouldn't be what is making your first impression.
Short skirts, poorly fitted suits or outdated clothing are all liable to make a very poor statement about you if worn to an interview.
Loud colors may be distracting and overbearing in an interview setting.
It can be difficult to gauge what attire is and is not appropriate for a particular job interview, as some jobs are far more casual than others. For example, a web copy editor may have a more casual dress code than a banker; but that doesn't mean you should show up for an interview in jeans and a t-shirt. It's always better to err on the more formal side for your first meeting with someone from the company. It shows respect for the person and the position.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can always call the human resources department and ask about the dress code. The answer can help guide you in choosing an outfit that is appropriate.
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Greening Your Studio
When it comes to your graphic design studio, there are many different ways you can "go green". If you are looking to reduce energy use and waste on the job, here are some great tips to get you started:
Recycle. Set up an area for cans, bottles and paper and recycle whatever you can. Use old paper as scrap and bring coffee cups from home that you can wash instead of using disposables. Every little bit helps.
Change bulbs. Using florescent bulbs uses less energy than other bulbs. Change them out where you can. Don't forget bathrooms, closets and hallways.
Power strips. Putting electronics that don't need to be on all the time on a power strip allows you to turn them all off with the flip of a switch. This will result in energy savings since most electronics use power even when switched off.
Outdoor lighting. Consider solar lights for outdoor use if possible.
Timers. Use timers for indoor and outdoor lighting to save energy.
Programmable thermostat. This item allows you to adjust the temperature based on if there will be anyone in the building. You can use less heat and air conditioning when people aren't there, reducing your overall energy use.
Use recycled products, such as paper, paper towels and toilet paper.
Just using these simple tips will help you save energy at work, and the best part is that you can use them at home as well. Remember--greening the design studio doesn't have to be an overwhelming task!
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Customizing Your Profile And Portfolio
If you are applying for a job as a Los Angeles graphic designer you may not want to use the same profile and portfolio as you would for a position in New York. Although design trends tend to follow a pattern, different areas hold different attitudes and what may work in one part of the country may not be as impressive in another. Taking a minute to consider your market can be well worth your while. So can tweaking your portfolio and profile to suit the position you are applying for.
Instead of shopping the same profile or portfolio around everywhere, first take a look at the type of job you are trying to get. Is it particularly creative? Very detail-oriented? Web-based? The answer to that question will help you review your work to select appropriate pieces. What about the "hot" trends in the area? Can you identify any? If so, see if you have something similar that you could include.
Taking the time to review your potential employer and adjust your profile and portfolio accordingly can mean the difference between getting an interview and getting a "no thank you." It's absolutely worth the time spent. If you do this for every interview, you'll increase your chances of getting work overall.
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