Talk by Craig from Music

As I look at my notes, I have written three quotes from Craig that I didn't write together with the rest of my notes, so I think out of everything Craig said these three quotes stood out the most for me.
The first one is

"Always accept criticsm and never praise"

The second

"Let external forces inspire your design work"

And finally

"Graphic Desin is a job, a Designer is a lifestyle choice"

It was great to hear from someone who had not been out of University that long, but who also would be honest with us students, even if sometimes very honest, as to what we should expect when we leave.

I really enjoyed listening to his 12-step approach and I made a few notes.

1/ What is Graphic Design? The two words that Craig said he thinks IS Graphic Deisgn is Logical and Emotional. And I agree. As to which one I am, I know the emotional one appeals to me more as I would think of myself as quite an emotional person, though I can't help thinking Im more logical in the work I deliver. Perhaps I am just a bit of both.

2/ Strengths and Weaknesses.
I think one of my strengths is my imagination, and I'm learning not to ignore it when I think an idea is too much. My Weakness is typography, and making it look dynamic on a page. But I'm learning!

3/ Your portfolio being the most subjective thing you will ever design.
Yes I agree, and as mine currently stands with most of Craigs "Pet Peeves" (people holding up posters, lots of type) I made changes to that last week - hardly any type, no people!

4/ Placements - why you should and why you shouldn't.
This is what I was worried about, but since visiting Music and Love I'm not so worried anymore. I make cups of tea at my current place of work, they are very popular! Score.

5/ Make contacts/friends/Build bridges.
Before I met Music in their studio I was slightly anxious and wasn't sure what to expect, but I found walking around Manchester with no phone and A to Z stressful but...I enjoyed it? Starting to realise that I'm enjoying the stress and that has surprised me. Also asked Anthony at Music for contacts that lead me to Adam at Love and I'm enjoying meeting new people.

6/ Never Blockade Ideas, ask people. Be open.
I've started doing this more since Craigs talk, and it works!

7/ Record things. 3rd quote listed above.
I don't do enough of this, but plan on changing that very soon.

8/ TRIAL AND ERROR.
I have much experience in this area. Must..keep..going..

9/ Things are happeing all over the country in Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Cornwall, Birmingham, NOT JUST LONDON.

10/ Design is 20% of your job.

11/ Let life inspire you design.
Craigs 5 stages I plan on putting into practice.

12/ Work hard and be nice to people.
I'm a nice person..and I want to give all my all to Graphic Design once I leave University.


I definitely came away from this talk with a better idea of what to expect and the best way to act when first working in an agency. I also came away from the talk with a quick intention to fix my portfolio as soon as possible, cloning hands holding my posters and getting rid of type came to mind!!!