4 Designers Day 1

4 Designers looked set to be far more interesting this year with the first talk by two guys from Thoughtful. They were engaging and entertaining, giving useful advice. They told us about their experiences and linked it to work they've done. Thoughtful seem like a company who work hard but also have fun with what they're doing and their colleagues.

They went around questioning a variety of designers and from that came up with the own 'thoughtfulisms' as to what a graphic designer needs to be

• To be interesting you have to be interested.
• Only work with the best. Even if you don't get paid.
• You must earn the right to do great work.
• Learn to make connections.
• The chair is your enemy.
• Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
• Never, never, never give up.
• Always remember to say thank you.

The following speaker was Lise Brian from The Chase.

She started the talk with a quote which seems to be integral to The Chase

'There was once an old Indian craftsman who carved elephants from blocks of timber. When asked how he did it, he would simply reply, "I just cut away the wood that doesn't look like an elephant".'

Following this Lise gave us her Top 10 Tips when attempting to get a job

1. Get a name and spell it correctly
2. Don't attach to many folders
3. Follow up with a call
4. Be nice to receptionists
5. Got an interview? Try not to be to nervous
6. Know something about where you're going
7. Be enthusiastic
8. No jobs? Ask about placements
9. Turn up unannounced
10. Can I help?

She then went on to give us her Top 10 Tips for folders

1. Don't like it? Take it out or redo it
2. Have a good mix of work
3. Keep your folders spotless
4. Treat it like any other layout job
5. Mock-ups are lovely
6. Don't put foamboard in your folder
7. How much time have you got?
8. Given advice? You don't have to take it all to heart
9. Practice
10. Start and finish with your strongest work

Recommended reading: The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher