When deciding which two practitioners to compare and contrast, I decided to think of the two designers I had met that most stood out for me, and that I took the most away from.
Mike Rigby is a Graphic designer who came in to speak to all students and to give us a few words of wisdom about his life and what we should come to expect when we leave University.
Designer Craig Oldham from Manchester based studio ‘Music’ who had not long been out of University said me and a fellow student could come and visit him as part of our research for our Journal, but as well as answering our questions he gave us advice on how to be successful once a graduate.
I’ll begin by stating the main opinion that both designers share. Mike Rigby says “Graphic Design is a job, a designer is a lifestyle choice” and Craig Oldham said something similar “Being a designer isn’t it’s a lifestyle”. This should set the scene in the students mind that if this is what they definitely want to do once they are a graduate then this is the outlook that they should have on their career choice, if they have not already. They both also share a very honest approach to the graphic design world, by speaking out to students informing about the dos and don’ts and what qualities you need to show, including motivation and determination.
Mike Rigby’s lecture was more about his experiences after graduating, for instance where he went and what he did. He explained that ‘Doors opened when taking a break and going abroad.” Whereas Craig speaks about tactics to use when in the experience, to make it go the most successfully.
To go abroad and study sounded like the most appealing advice that I took out of a lecture, however, this is something that I might consider doing after getting experience. Craig gave more tips on how to get the placement in the first place. He said to "always accept criticism and never praise.” When interviewing Craig Oldham, I asked him what his favourite piece of work was. He answered saying that there wasn’t one, and he was never satisfied because after it is printed and sent back to the client, there is always something he spots that might had made it better, for example “What if I had done this in blue?” I think I have to disagree with this just by being a student and nearly graduate. My point is if I went into a placement and everything I did I thought ‘this is not good enough’ it might give off the wrong impression to my employer that I have no self belief. However, Craig is a top designer from a top company and so having this outlook might produce the best work. So when I next speak to Craig a question I will ask is what he thought about his work as a graduate. Another issue Craig touched upon was how important it is to make contacts and build bridges as soon as you can. I have tried to do this and glad that I have received much advice from designers, and that they have said to me to get in touch if I need more help or advice.
I have learnt a lot from portfolio visits, and also my confidence has grown as it can sometimes be a very hard thing to do. Craig says, “Portfolios will be most subjective thing you will ever design”. This fact tends to be true, in the way that on most visits there will be certain elements that designers will pick out. Even though this can sometimes appear tough to hear, it is essential if a graduate is to enter the real world. Clients will be critically analyzing work produced all the time, so it is important to be ready for it.
Mike Rigby said a popular part of his portfolio was the packaging he designed for Underlay. He said that it was tough at first, but then quoted Ray Gregory by looking at the brief and thinking “What is it I have been asked to do.” Eventually he thought that, to sell something invisible, make it desirable. He showed the carpet off by making it visible through shapes; with an accompanying line to bring the idea together as a whole.
Underlay Packaging By Mike Rigby
My favourite piece of Craig Oldhams/Musics work is the ‘No Way Through’ poster for Ctrl Alt Shift. Craig said he sees just two elements that combine together to create Graphic Design. These are ‘Logical’ Design and ‘Emotional’ Design. In Craig’s lecture I remember him describing himself as more emotional, this piece of work though at first appearances looks to be a more logical answer to the brief, it turns to more emotional thinking when the viewer follows the maze round with a pen. It would then spell ‘No Way Through’.
www.designbymusic.com
Placements are such an important part of the process to access the Graphic Design world it is mentioned almost in every lecture I have been to. Mike Rigby says, “Placements ‘speed you up’”. You get involved with real projects, networking and free nights out. Going out with fellow co-workers and being sociable is key to getting to know other designers. He also believes that it is important to have a life outside of design too. “The more interesting life is outside of design, the better at design you will be.” This outlook is also shared by Craig Oldham, “Let external forces inspire your design work.” I believe this is so important, as many of the best ideas come to me when I am usually doing something else, whether that is walking or socializing with friends, the idea will sometimes just pop into my head. They also both encourage students to develop self-initiated projects, where these external forces will encourage more creative ability. I think this will be my first port of call when I become a graduate, and have more time, I plan on constructing my own self-initiated briefs. At the moment it is quite difficult juggling quite a few projects at a time that are going to be graded eventually.
The advice from these two designers has been very valuable, I have spoken to Craig Oldham on quite a few occasions and found his advice something to be kept in mind. I only heard Mike Rigby speak once in hids lecture however to know more about his experiences in graphic design and abroad would be enlightening and so I hope to be able to hear more of his stories in the future.
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