OUGD602 | Studio Brief 02 - Interview 2 Reflection + Job Offer!

I was excited to receive the news that I was invited to a second interview. This was an excellent confidence boost and solidified my approach to the previous interview. I was also able to use my previous interview reflection as a way to prepare for this next interview. I had time to prepare for questions I felt that I wasn't prepared for last time.

I was asked to bring my portfolio to see the manager of the studio and the creative director again. This interview was also very relaxed and friendly, again putting me at ease. The manager asked very brief questions relating to my CV and portfolio. I was asked to talk in detail about my favourite piece and both staff were impressed with the thought that had gone into my work. I felt far more confident in the interview overall, perhaps because of being able to get to this stage - this was evident in my body language and tone of voice overall. The interview evolved into a friendly chat which gave me more confidence about the studios attitude.

Later that day I was pleased to find out that I had been offered the job! The creative director spoke about how I had impressed at every stage, through my professionalism, attitude and experience. I have gladly accepted and am currently waiting for my offer letter.

OUGD602 | Studio Brief 02 - Interview Reflection

My first job interview was much more relaxed than expected. I spent the day before preparing questions and answers and boosting my confidence in general however this was not needed as much as expected. The interview consisted of a 'Tell us about yourself question" which I was able to answer but not as strongly or confidently as I would have liked. I was however able to discuss how I had sought work experience throughout my time at university and this appeared to impress them. I was then asked to talk through my portfolio which I felt was my strong point. I am proud of the pieces I selected and knew that I could speak confidently and in detail about each. I also received positive reactions from both interviewers (Creative Director and Designer) which carried my confidence through the presentation. I was then asked if I had any questions and this developed into a natural conversation. I aimed to ask questions that demonstrated my research and interest, avoiding questions relating to hours or pay.

Overall, the interview was very positive. I was relaxed by the positive and friendly attitude of the staff and this has encouraged me that the job would be ideal for me if it was offered.

I was informed that a second interview will be taking place with two short listed candidates and I will find out next week whether I have made it to the next stage. Even if I do not make it to the next stage, this process has been very useful in terms of collating a portfolio and interview practice.

OUGD602 | Studio Brief 02 - Business Framework

A PPP session covered considerations to make before making a business using a business framework in order to plan and get to grips with the brand. This was very useful from both a personal and designers perspective in that it is a useful structure to be able to take into the future for the potential of setting up a design business, as well as helping to to get to grips for a company that a design could be created for - a better understanding of the business could aid the overall design.

Considerations within this structure included -

1. Value propositions
2. Audience
3. How are you connecting?
4. Customer relationships
5. Why should they work with me?
6. Key Resources
7. Key Partnerships
8. Key Activities
9. Cost Structure

The two part exercise covered both a common business and a design focussed business. Although simple this exercise was very useful in terms of teaching the very basic considerations required before starting a business rather than jumping in to quickly. Having all the requirements broken down into this format was incredibly useful, this template will certainly be taken into the future. 

Business framework for an Event Planner 

Business framework as a designer

OUGD602 | Studio Brief 02 - Interview + Portfolio Prep

In preparation for my interview I have been conducting research into the company and kept an eye on their social feeds for any news. As learned from the career track Tuesday sessions, I regularly google the company and click the news tab to keep up to date. Unfortunately, the interviews session is after the date of my interview. Therefore, I have found and used last years interview session on E-studio to prepare myself. From this I found -

FOUND

As a further part of my interview prep I have been researching and preparing answers for common and not-so-common questions as well as noting down why I feel that I am suitable for the job in order to improve my confidence in my ability for the role.

I am also familiarising myself with my CV in preparation for any questions, but also to allow me to apply my experience to any questions.

PORTFOLIO 

The job opportunity prompted the creation of my portfolio. As I had already created a digital portfolio this process was fairly straight-forward. I was able to present my work using a more suitable grid which allowed ideal images sizes to present the work whilst providing breathing space on the page. I chose to not include a description as I expect to be talking about the pieces as I flick through. I tried to apply aspects of my personal brand that I have determined, ensuring it matched my CV. However, this is still in the stages of development.

Tutor Feedback -

• Remove Penguin cover, not best piece of work and illustrator skills are demonstrated elsewhere. 
• Add another work-in-progress page in order to justify section. Can include sketches.
• Otherwise the portfolio is very strong
• Keep divider sections 

I plan to print my portfolio on a thicker matte stock for a professional finish. 

Research sources

http://www.howdesign.com/design-career/interviewquestions/

OUGD602 | Studio Brief 01 - Final portfolio for Print

To create my printed portfolio for the purpose of interviews, I adjusted the grid system of my digital portfolio. The grid was adjusted to function for the display of images as apposed to text as the work will be spoken about verbally rather than read descriptions. The new grid is flexible allowing for a range of layouts such as a grid of 4 images, 1 large image or a variety of sizes. This flexibility is ideal to cater to the range of projects that will be included.

As I was primarily producing the portfolio for a graphic design interview, I focussed the work on projects similar to that of the studio, including packaging and branding projects. I tried to include a range overall, including time scales, style, colour and discipline. I was also strict with myself about which projects to include, aiming to include 8 maximum and reject any that I was not 100% happy with. I also decided to include a work in progress section in order to show my level 6 work and to demonstrate my progress.

I applied my own personal branding to the portfolio on an introductory page with my designers statement, as well as the the work in progress page, and a contact page at the back. This was applied minimally, allowing the work to speak before the branding. The final portfolio will be printed on a high quality matte stock to ensure the quality of the portfolio is maintained and the work is not let down my print quality.

I then sort feedback for the portfolio, asking for feedback on layout, quality, presentation and for any projects that should be removed. The feedback was mostly positive, but as a part of this one project was removed from the portfolio.

Below is the final result -

OUGD602 | Studio Brief 02 - Interview Offer

I recently applied for a position in a Liverpool studio for a Junior Graphic Designer and have now been offered an interview. My application involved sending my digital portfolio, CV and cover letter. As advised from Career Track sessions, I tailored my cover letter to the job specifications and aimed to compliment the studio throughout. I also followed the advised structure.

The job is ideal for me as the studio cover both my interests in graphic design (packaging, branding, editorial, illustration) and personal interests (food, drink, fashion) too. The studio is ideally located in the heart of Liverpool City centre. They also work with a wide mixture of clients including large clients such as Warburtons and smaller, more independent companies. I would enjoy this variety. The studio space is also very inspiring, with a built in bar and a pet dog, I would flourish in this creative environment.

I am currently preparing for interview through the creation of a physical portfolio and question preparation.