Over the last two weeks I was lucky to have some work experience at Fabrik in Liverpool. The experience was excellent and benefitted me in many ways. Everyone was extremely friendly and gladly let me get involved in many projects. I spent time working with a creative director and senior designer, it was very useful to learn from people who have been in the industry for years. It was particularly useful to learn from designers who have worked in Liverpool as this was a great networking opportunity.
The main project that I was involved in was designing two brochures for a property development in Liverpool. The brochures aimed to promote the development to potential investors. This was great editorial experience and I learned many new tricks for using InDesign more effectively. I was also asked to produce a new branding for the building, this was asked for in a very short deadline, something I experienced a lot during my time there for other projects. Now I feel more prepared to handle the pressure of short deadlines. As a part of this project I also designed 'hoarding' which are the boards that surround building sites. This gave me experience with working with designs on a much larger scale and enabled me to think about how this would be viewed by the public. Similarly, I designed a 5m x 5m sign that required similar considerations. Another project I worked on was postcards for a Labour candidate for Liverpool Mayor - it was interesting to work on a project that had so much importance surrounding it and it has taught me to take care with my designs, especially with them going to print on a short deadline. I also gained some great client experience, mainly speaking to them on the phone trying to understand their requests and concerns, as well as learning to compromise with clients. For example, when to say no to a piece of work and when to work harder in order to maintain the clients loyalty.
One of the perks for me was the networking I received as a result. The studio were very pleased with the help that I gave and the work that I produced. They have offered me more work experience if I want to return, and have offered references if I ever need them. They have also encouraged me to keep in contact, offering personal emails. I have also been able to connect with some of them on LinkedIn. Furthermore, a freelance designer who used the space was able to speak to a studio in Liverpool where I have applied to work. The overall positivity of my time there has also been a confidence boost, especially after being told that I didn't seem like a graduate, but someone who had already worked in the industry. This gives me confidence that I have the edge against the competition.
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