Kinouchi

Which way now? By David Barraclough of Barraclough Associates

Barraclough Associates

You’ll never get paid as much as a brain surgeon!
Get a placement. A good one will teach you in two weeks as much as a year in University and it could end up with a job.

Approaching a studio:
- You will be judged by the quality of your approach, not just the quality of your work
- Design yourself a letterhead
- Don’t ever start a letter or e-mail with ˜Dear Sir/Madame”
- Leave something for your interview
- Be polite to everyone, including the receptionist
- Ask for an interview, NOT a job

Your portfolio:
- Avoid duplication of you work. 8-10 pieces of work is enough
- Make it look professional, not studenty
- Design a grid for it
-  Make it stand out! They see hundreds of little black folders go through their doors each day so make it unique!

The interview:
- Don’t assume you have all day
- Be passionate
- Expect and accept criticism
- Converse like an intelligent human being. Don’t waffle through your work
- Show up like you’re ready for work and not a student

On your placement:
- Get there early. Don’t rush off home.
- Take everything in
- Talk to people but read the situation; they might be busy
- Make lots of tea but not so much that it looks like you’re skiving
- Go out for drinks after work
- Don’t be a prima donna- do everything that is asked of you
- Take your portfolio in everyday
- Get networking
- Answer the phone if it’s ringing and take a good message
- Ask if you can go back
- Buy a cake to say thank you
- Keep in touch and send them e-mails to show them new work

IT ONLY TAKES ONE GOOD JOB TO GET YOU NOTICED. You get jobs from referrals through this.
Packaging is about being a beacon in the store to attract customers.
You may need to tell your client “no that’s not what you want” if there is a stronger solution which is more relevant to them.
Take advice but follow your instincts.
Make a list of places where you want to get placements. The more places you get into, the better.