What difficulties did you face at the beginning of your career?
Most of the difficulties I faced revolved around self-doubt — and with good reason! I had a lot to learn. Not only did I not know the design programs as well as I thought, I struggled with the feeling that I had good taste and intentions, but the work I was executing was not up to par.
This video by Ira Glass sums up that struggle very beautifully!
What should a young designer do in order not to get hired by anybody?
They should copy and paste their emails, lack enthusiasm, and act like they have nothing to learn. Oh, and probably smell?
Are there any things you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
As you evolve so should your “dream job”.
And I wish I wasn’t so afraid to network myself. The unfortunate reality is sometimes networking winds up representing a designer’s eagerness. So if you don’t include yourself you’re just giving that advantage to someone else.
Are there any rules or habits that help you do your job more efficiently?
One rule for me that I think is especially important for those starting out: Always surround yourself with people whose work and ideas you truly admire.
Feeling inspired makes me more efficient.
As for habits, this is pretty simple, but I find I am better at my job when I take breaks and find things that inspire me outside of design.
Balance!
Would you recommend some books that young designers might find useful?
Cover by Peter Mendelsund, Design as Art by Bruno Munari, Grid System in Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann, The Age of Collage by Gestalten.
Janet answered the questions on August 8, 2015.
The answers were published on August 11, 2015.
The answers were published on August 11, 2015.