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Studio One Eleven is the design division of Berlin Packaging. They design solutions from concept to manufacture in the rigid packaging categories — anything from high end niche spirits in glass to mass market FMCG products. The studio is made up of consultancy trained designers from all over the globe in industrial design and brand design. Studio One Eleven employs Industrial Designers, Brand Designers and Packaging Designers. (click here to check out the Studio One Eleven website)
 

The Creative Director at Studio One Eleven was generous enough to answer these questions for the Creative Opera readers:

1. What type of design-related position can a student expect to get right out of school with a company like yours?

Intern or Junior designer (in industrial, brand, or packaging design)
 

What do those positions involve?

Assisting a more senior designer in the research, category analysis, store audits, shelf set photography, sample shopping, sketching, conceptualization, presentation layout, design, production
 

2. What are the minimal entry level requirements for a design-related position like this in your company?

Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Design or Graphic Design

3. What are the top 5 things you look for in a potential design hire?

Passion for design
Positive attitude
Ability/Talent
Adaptability
Willingness to learn
 

4. What are the top 5 things you look for in a design portfolio?

Organization ( a portfolio that is relevant to the studio they are visiting)
Process ( someone that can articulate an idea through visualizing clearly the process)
Innovation ( someone who can push an idea to it’s limits)
Drawing ability ( evidence that the person can draw and sketch…sketch books are a MUST)
Technical skills ( evidence that the candidate can use industry relevant software)
 

5. What is the most common desirable quality or skill that you find missing from most applicants?

Drawing ability..sketch books
Enthusiasm
 

6. What is the biggest/most common mistake(s) you see job applicants make during the interview process?

Not doing the relevant research on the company they are visiting.
Not asking enough relevant questions.
Not having any short or long term goal.
Not making it clear why they want to work at the place in which they are interviewing.

 
7. What are instant turn-off’s or turn-on’s during an interview?

Turn off’s
Do not ask about money…let the interviewer bring up the subject
Getting names wrong…people or company name
Over-exaggerating the level of competency

Turn on’s
Willingness to try out a studio…internship…get the foot in the door.
 

8. What other advice do you have for those new to the design industry or those thinking of entering the design industry?

If you are invited to interview at a studio, do not expect to be offered a full time job ‘right off the bat.’ Many studios will want to try to see if there is a ‘fit’…not only from the employer’s perspective but also from the candidate’s perspective.

The hardest part of starting a career in design is getting that opportunity…so go with an open mind and be willing to be flexible, even if it means getting some experience for free.

Do not go in with the attitude that the studio/employer is indebted to you…they are taking the time to train you and give you real world experience.

I would like to thank Studio One Eleven for taking the time to answer these questions. I hope that those of you out there looking to make a career move, or break into the package design field, will take this advice to heart, and use it to your advantage in your next interview.