Comments on: Advice from the Real World: The Usman Group http://www.creativeopera.com/2010/advice-from-the-real-world-the-usman-group/ Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:34:58 +0000 hourly 1 By: Developpeur http://www.creativeopera.com/2010/advice-from-the-real-world-the-usman-group/comment-page-1/#comment-72258 Developpeur Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:48:49 +0000 http://www.creativeopera.com/?p=2649#comment-72258 A printed portfolio is still valuable in many industries, when you are working with corporations. It is something that can "stay on a table", available at all times. An all-web approach seriously limits one's outreach. A printed portfolio is still valuable in many industries, when you are working with corporations. It is something that can “stay on a table”, available at all times. An all-web approach seriously limits one’s outreach.

]]> By: Manda http://www.creativeopera.com/2010/advice-from-the-real-world-the-usman-group/comment-page-1/#comment-10754 Manda Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:33:31 +0000 http://www.creativeopera.com/?p=2649#comment-10754 This topic is of great interest to me as well, Mark. I've had a few readers write in asking about it, and I've noticed that many successful designers have managed to do quite well in their careers without a degree. In fact, this exact subject is going to be the focus of this Friday's Creative Opera post! This topic is of great interest to me as well, Mark. I’ve had a few readers write in asking about it, and I’ve noticed that many successful designers have managed to do quite well in their careers without a degree. In fact, this exact subject is going to be the focus of this Friday’s Creative Opera post!

]]> By: Mark McCorkell http://www.creativeopera.com/2010/advice-from-the-real-world-the-usman-group/comment-page-1/#comment-10747 Mark McCorkell Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:48:40 +0000 http://www.creativeopera.com/?p=2649#comment-10747 Another thing I found interesting there is that they don't always value a degree as the "gold standard" some assume it to be. I know self-taught illustrators and web developers that have skills that exceed what can be taught in a class room. I've noticed recently on some web design agency websites that they are starting to recognize that self-taught candidates are also highly employable. Obviously it helps to have that degree, but I found that in the all of the interviews I had... I was always being judged on what I have done, and can prove that I can do. At the moment I'm actually advising my boss about what we skills we should be looking for in a new web developer (who will be building some of my designs), and I'm pretty much telling him what the main thing is we need to see examples of what they can do. I'm reviewing the CV's that are being sent to him, and to be honest the last thing I'm looking at is their actual degree. I'm looking to see what they have done, and links to websites! .-= Mark McCorkell´s last blog ..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/markmccorkell/~3/BSthq1FBFYI/" rel="nofollow">Logo Design Love: Book Review</a> =-. Another thing I found interesting there is that they don’t always value a degree as the “gold standard” some assume it to be. I know self-taught illustrators and web developers that have skills that exceed what can be taught in a class room.

I’ve noticed recently on some web design agency websites that they are starting to recognize that self-taught candidates are also highly employable. Obviously it helps to have that degree, but I found that in the all of the interviews I had… I was always being judged on what I have done, and can prove that I can do.

At the moment I’m actually advising my boss about what we skills we should be looking for in a new web developer (who will be building some of my designs), and I’m pretty much telling him what the main thing is we need to see examples of what they can do. I’m reviewing the CV’s that are being sent to him, and to be honest the last thing I’m looking at is their actual degree. I’m looking to see what they have done, and links to websites!
.-= Mark McCorkell´s last blog ..Logo Design Love: Book Review =-.

]]> By: Manda http://www.creativeopera.com/2010/advice-from-the-real-world-the-usman-group/comment-page-1/#comment-10745 Manda Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:30:28 +0000 http://www.creativeopera.com/?p=2649#comment-10745 I was actually surprised by that answer, especially coming from a web design company. I was fully ready to hear that printed portfolios are obsolete. But, after seeing her comments, and especially after reading your story, I can really see the benefit of bringing in a printed book. Not only is it a great ice-breaker, but I think it's extremely important for companies to see the thought process behind your work. Not only will it give them a better idea of the way you work, and if you will or won't fit into their company, but I'm sure it makes them trust more fully that the work you are showing is really yours. I've found that printed portfolios are also extremely useful in determining a potential hire's presentation skills, and attention to detail. There's no quicker way to the reject pile during an interview than to show a sloppy portfolio :) I was actually surprised by that answer, especially coming from a web design company. I was fully ready to hear that printed portfolios are obsolete. But, after seeing her comments, and especially after reading your story, I can really see the benefit of bringing in a printed book. Not only is it a great ice-breaker, but I think it’s extremely important for companies to see the thought process behind your work. Not only will it give them a better idea of the way you work, and if you will or won’t fit into their company, but I’m sure it makes them trust more fully that the work you are showing is really yours. I’ve found that printed portfolios are also extremely useful in determining a potential hire’s presentation skills, and attention to detail. There’s no quicker way to the reject pile during an interview than to show a sloppy portfolio :)

]]> By: Mark McCorkell http://www.creativeopera.com/2010/advice-from-the-real-world-the-usman-group/comment-page-1/#comment-10740 Mark McCorkell Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:53:54 +0000 http://www.creativeopera.com/?p=2649#comment-10740 I'm only getting around to reading this one now, Manda. Very interesting indeed though, particularly the part about still wanting to see a printed portfolio. When you have a printed portfolio you do feel like you are better armed going to an interview. I remember going to an interview around the time I graduated, and I did have a printed portfolio at that time, but I chose not to bring it with me in favour of the online portfolio... and I felt naked going into the interview room. And what was the first thing she asked me? "Did you bring any work with you?" *heart skipped a beat! I got the job though, but it was a looooong interview and got off to a VERY rocky start because I landed in armed with nothing more than a smile and a nice suit! I'm not sure what the lesson is to be learned here, but thought I would share that anyway for some amusement! :P .-= Mark McCorkell´s last blog ..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/markmccorkell/~3/BSthq1FBFYI/" rel="nofollow">Logo Design Love: Book Review</a> =-. I’m only getting around to reading this one now, Manda. Very interesting indeed though, particularly the part about still wanting to see a printed portfolio. When you have a printed portfolio you do feel like you are better armed going to an interview.

I remember going to an interview around the time I graduated, and I did have a printed portfolio at that time, but I chose not to bring it with me in favour of the online portfolio… and I felt naked going into the interview room. And what was the first thing she asked me? “Did you bring any work with you?” *heart skipped a beat!

I got the job though, but it was a looooong interview and got off to a VERY rocky start because I landed in armed with nothing more than a smile and a nice suit!

I’m not sure what the lesson is to be learned here, but thought I would share that anyway for some amusement! :P
.-= Mark McCorkell´s last blog ..Logo Design Love: Book Review =-.

]]>