Correspondance with Simone from Tin Racer Design Ltd

I spoke on the phone with Steve from the company and arranged for me to come and visit them on the 11th and 12th of May where they are based. The company is home run, so it will be interesting to see how they work from a home office. It was interesting to find on the phone that a lot of London based clients come to Tin Racer because it is less expensive than some of the larger London based design companies.

Using Linkedin

Following this module, I have really found that Linkedin is a social network which should not be underestimated. So something that I can take away from this, is encouragement to work on developing my profile, so that as well as using it to find employers, they can view my profile in turn.

Even the simple aspect such as adding a profile picture which is more suitable but inviting than the one I am currently using, my passport photo, it seems very mugshot- esq  now that I reflect on it and although most people won't notice, I am wearing a pink puffa jacket in it, which is probably not the most professional I could have looked.

I am also going to take the time to continue to add appropriate people from the industry to the network which will be helpful to keep myself in the loop.

Post Uni

Following some of my research and getting in touch with people, I am starting to think that participating by taking part in a placement in my spare time will benefit me in the future. Considering that building a wide contact list is incredibly important in any sector of the media industry.  So after I finish my second year studies I am going to start looking into appropriate roles to apply for. I am going to use the resources in the Careers and employability centre to help me to prepare for this. I am also going to try and get in touch with someone I previously had work experience with at ITN to see if there are any placements available.

Working hours of a graphic designer

In my research I have found that graphic designers on average work a 37 hour week. It is expected that extra hours will be put in close to deadlines.

The salary of a graphic designer

Just as a sidenote I decided to research a little into how much a graphic designer earns:

-Starting salary around £15000-19000 annual
-Senior graphic designer £35000- £55000
-Creative director £60000 + annual
as a free lance worker this is different, depending on contacts and experience, could be up to £400 a day

obviously this will change across different areas.

Graphic design career: Research

Being a graphic designer a huge part of this career is a relationship with your client base, listening to them and showing that you are able to understand and meet their needs.

The kinds of products a GD creates include websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, computer games, product packaging, exhibitions, corporate identity, displays, "branding". 

A graphic designer usually works to a brief. This is usually agreed upon with the client in advance. So the concept and general idea is usually set already. It is essential to have a creative mind in this line of work. You also need to be up to date with your technical knowledge of appropriate software and hardware. This career works with deadlines as a key element.

Graphic designers, especially free lance designers, tend to work on multiple briefs at once. 

Tasks which are involved include:

-Meeting clients to discuss requirements

-Developing design briefs to suit the client or clients 

-organising self to work against deadlines

-Creating new ideas for design 

-Presenting infront of a team or infront of the clients to pitch ideas and product ideas

-Working with a range of software and keeping skills updated constantly 

-Working in a team 

Correspondence between Duncan and myself

I also spoke on the phone briefly with Duncan to arrange the logistics of our meeting. We changed the date to Monday the 24th in the end as it fit better for Duncan.