Jobs in Design
I’m particularly curious about people’s methods when they’re seeking jobs in the design industry. For example, how would someone go about nabbing a job at say, Pentagram? There’s something i can’t figure out.
I’m particularly curious about people’s methods when they’re seeking jobs in the design industry. For example, how would someone go about nabbing a job at say, Pentagram? There’s something i can’t figure out.
2.Sep.2007 2.47pm
Get an “in”.
2.Sep.2007 4.38pm
Do something to get noticed - a great portfolio - a great new font - stand out from the crowd.
3.Sep.2007 12.56am
Pentagram is organized differently. As fas as I know it’s a small network of otherwise separate design agencies. To participate there needs to be an invitation ...
3.Sep.2007 1.20am
If you want to work at Pentagram, call them up. Show them your portfolio. If you’re talented and the timing is right you’ll get a job. It’s a design agency, not the Illuminati.
3.Sep.2007 4.45am
I interview designers regularly. I look for a few things.
First, they need to be able to do great work. Even if you are just out of school - we don’t expect you to be at your peak, but we need to see great problem solving skills, strong typography skills ..etc. All the building blocks necessary for you to grow into a great designer.
Second, we look for people that will fit our culture. We like intelligent, productive and talented designers who have a nice dose of humility. We don’t care too much for egos and arrogance. We are all proud of the work we do and we know we do good work. But, we are good people and we like to keep it that way.
Third, we look for people who understand the business side of what we are doing. Many designers are just looking to design, but they have no idea how they fit into the over scheme of the biz - what they cost the business and what kind of value they need to create for the business to continue and to justify their salary.
A designer who exhibits the above traits will get a job with us every time. In fact, I’ll make room for them, because they are a great investment and I would not want them to end-up down the street with my competition.
Hope this is helpful.
—
Mike
3.Sep.2007 7.47am
To participate there needs to be an invitation ...
My understanding is that to be a partner there, you need to be invited... For other positions they post ads, just like any other design firm, and as already stated above, it can’t hurt to call them up (or send in a resume and samples) and ask for an interview. You know... be pro-active. :-)
3.Sep.2007 8.38am
From what I can tell, most design firms advertise open positions on their web sites, and if they need to fill it fast they post on Craigslist. If you want to network, go to AIGA meetings with a pile of cash and buy lots of drinks for other people.
3.Sep.2007 9.44am
Don’t be a cheapskate when you go out networking at some professional event. Buy a few drinks and pick up the tab once in a while. If you invite someone out for lunch or dinner to pick their brain, remember to pay the bill. Don’t even suggest you split it.
Do not get the reputation as someone who never pays for anything. Believe me, people may not remember all the times you pick up the tab, but they do remember the people who NEVER pick up the tab.