Wednesday, September 9, 2009

"Becoming A Graphic Designer" Homework

Of all the graphic design specialties, there are a few that I would love to work in. Information design is an area that I think I would excel in. “Graphic design is about framing ideas, projecting attitudes, promulgating styles and managing information, but not always at the same time.” The way information is given to people greatly affects their comprehension of the material. By working on the information architecture and managing such a large amount of type, the information is more successful. Advertising and Branding is another area I believe I would enjoy working in. If I went into this area, I would want to work in a design firm where I would be able to work for many different clients so I would be designing many different things instead of sticking to one client and one style guide. Environmental design also seems like something I would really enjoy. I tend to design with a very simple, clean line feel. In designing signs in theme parks and other venues, my design style would be very effective.

Flywheel Design is a firm I found in Durham. When looking at their website, I saw a variety of design work including: print, web, identity and experimental. The print area seemed to have a variety of pieces including posters, brochures, magazines, and wine bottle labels. The identity section also had a lot of pieces that looked like projects I would enjoy working on.

I have been asked in another one of my classes a few times now, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and “What do you want to do with your major?”. I have really had to think about this a lot recently and think about what will make me happy. I’ve decided that my ideal job would be to work in a medium sized design firm. I don’t want to work somewhere that is so big, I don’t get to know all the people I work with. On the other hand, I don’t want a place so small that I only have a couple people to bounce ideas off of. I also want to work in a firm that has a fun atmosphere. I definitely don’t want to be in a firm that has no sense of design throughout the space and especially not a cubicle. I would love to start off somewhere as a junior designer and be able to learn from those around me and move up within the firm. I don’t want to work in the same firm for my whole career because I want the experience of working in different design firms with different people.