WEEK 12 - SELLING YOURSELF (AS A DESIGNER)

The first thing that we did was look back at a section that we were asked at the start of the semester: ‘Me, Myself and I’. We were told to ask ourselves who we are in this world. My answer is that I am a product design student.

The next thing that we were asked was to look back at our design philosophies and ask ourselves if we thought that they had changed, evolved, merged, or decoupled? In my opinion, I think my design philosophy has evolved over time as over the last few weeks, I’ve carried out new challenges and I’ve really stepped outside my comfort zone over the last few weeks.

We were then asked as few other questions as follows;

1. What do you like now?

2. What do you not like now?

3. What one product do you wish you had designed?

1. I like products that have a good and interesting ergonomic design. 2. I don’t like products that are badly designed or not clearly labelled. 3. I wish I had designed the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse. This is because I like it’s curved shape, which I think I could easily make, and I like its design where you can bend the rubber coated handle part to turn the mouse on and the flatten it when you want to turn it off, so it’s clear to the user if it’s being used or not. This way the product isn’t being wasted. Another feature that I like is the scroll pad, which I think is easier to use than a computer mouse scroll wheel. I think this because I own the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse already.

The next exercise that we did was about 45 minutes long. We were divided into groups of 2 and we were asked to investigate different businesses, relating to designers applying for a job and paying attention to certain stages or requirements of a job for designers, and present our work in a PDF presentation to the rest of the class. The findings that I recorded included the stages of applying for jobs, portfolios, interviews, candidate selection, do's & don'ts, and red flags.

After carrying out this exercise, it’s fair to say that as well as filling out applications or completing portfolios for interviews, most companies expect their applicants to make a good first impression. Some people ask, ‘How important is a first impression in business?’ The answer to this question is as follows; Just remember this phrase “You'll never get a second chance to make a first impression” . First impressions can make or break a business, and a positive experience can create long-lasting business relationships. For this reason it is essential that you work on that first impression; for example, the way in which you present yourself and your venture in public, how you communicate with colleagues and clients, and the ways you publicise yourself. Making a good first impression is particularly important when it comes to meeting customers, pitching to potential clients, or during interviews. These are the key points at which people will meet you and begin to form an impression of you and the services you’re offering.

There are a few essential components to making a good first impression; namely dressing well, taking care of personal grooming, projecting a friendly manner, and being able to communicate clearly and concisely. Do not ever underestimate the importance of a strong handshake, or manners and etiquette; these can speak volumes (1).

Therefore, overall, it is important when applying for a job as designer to make a good first impression and try to sell yourself as a designer and try to make yourself stand out from others.

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References:

1. Talk Business (2014) 'How important is a first impression in business?' [website] (Accessed 5th May 2020); https://www.talk-business.co.uk/2014/12/03/important-first-impression-business/

Picture Reference:

grace (2011) 'Sell (Graphic Designer) Yourself!' , Design Contest [blog] (Accessed 5th May 2020); https://www.designcontest.com/blog/sell-graphic-designer-yourself/