Insights on Graphic Design - Sean Adams

Designers in younger generations have a lot more to learn in a 4 year program than before, such as print design, web, interactive, motion, environmental, and strategy. However, teachers can also include online tutorials in lynda.com to maximize time and productivity in order to teach all these tools. Students are media agnostic (media promiscuous), which translates to a cross-platform design.

All the tools

It is easier to seduce a designer by how it looks; everything look beautiful on the computer. It is harder to step back and say "but is there actually any idea here? a concept?"

Coming Up with Ideas: 

• Steal ideas from everyone else, usually client has it already but doesn’t know how to articulate it.
•  Writing things down, Symbols, figure out to combine them, not as apparent.
•  Think about the wrong thing to do; a product that would never be done and find a solution. e.g. 

Work hard & apply yourself. As designers we are Art Directors, in charge of pop culture.

"Are you interested in life? Are you intelligent? Do you process info and really think about it and apply form to it?" Education is important, but being exposed, digging, and finding things works out too.

Portfolio Tips:

• Typography - has to be clear and easy to navigate
• Simplicity - presentation, clear to read. PRESENT YOUR PERSONALITY!
• Online portfolio - simple website to show your work.
• Expect questions - how long it took to finish project, who help you, etc.

Networking is essential to find jobs.

Graphic design history is to broad your visual vocabulary and know the course of the river. "My work is a response to these things that came before me, be aware of that"

Best Practices.

When many things are happening simultaneously is hard to stay on track with trends, and best practices, so it is recommended to have a reliable source of that info. Websites like: Graphic Ambient, for signage. Design Observer, and Sean Adams personal blog, Burning Settlers Cabin.