What happens when you put four diverse yet amazing graphic arts professionals in a room and ask them to share their stories?
Have you eve been hypnotized?
Well, that’s what happened when Steve Decker, Todd Donahue, Patti Mangan and Michael Osborne showed up at the Art Institute of Silicon Valley to speak with aspiring graphic designers earlier this month.
The event got off to a delicious start with a reception, catered by the school’s culinary department. They spoiled us all with grilled shrimp, chicken satay, salad cups, cheese platters, and pastries galore. It gave everyone a great opportunity to meet the folks who financed the food, our wonderful sponsors, Commerce Printing, Mohawk Paper, Neenah Paper and Sappi Fine Papers. They generously provided samples of their beautiful work while we at VMA were promoting our scholarship program, events and publications.
We later moved to the lecture hall, professionally equipped by their AV students. Their instructor Gokce Kasikci, otherwise known as “Blue” (the direct English translation of her Turkish name), kicked things off as she explained that although the “system” does a great job preparing students to produce well-designed works, they were somewhat lacking in preparing them to face the job market. The students wanted to know how to get their careers started, and were very curious to hear stories from these four successful industry leaders about their experiences.
Todd Donahue
Todd Donahue touched this group very personally as he explained the travails, challenges and rewards of life as an independent graphic designer. His one-man company, See Hear Share Creative, aptly supports his point that the life of a freelancer requires more than a great portfolio. It requires a network, relationships, and perhaps a bit of charm!
Patti Mangan
Patti Mangan of Imagine That Design Studio brought us way back to the time when her executive father helped promote her to the restaurant business and how she ultimately became the master match-book designer for the west coast. Small steps later led to valuable, long-standing and profitable relationships. Imagine that!
Steve Decker
Steve Decker claimed not be a designer at all, but he wowed everyone with the stories of his business, his clients, his capabilities and the many awards he’s secured for his company, Zooka Creative. His impassioned and uproarious presentation had the audience close to tears and a line-up at the close of job applicants.
Michael Osborne
Finally, Michael Osborne of Michael Osborne Design brought his own dazzle and wit to the party. In his usual calm and laid back manner he showed one slide after another of well known brands and coveted projects. He seemed to have lived every designer’s dream. But, true to his understated style, he was equally quick to explain the realities. He sited three focal points important to the life and well being of a graphic designer: the nature of the job, the money it will pay and the people you will work with. These are all important considerations when taking on new projects, and if he doesn’t find at least two of these at proposal time, he moves on.
Other valuable takeaways from the evening included: the thought that you must become comfortable talking to people, you must be able to talk about your work, and you must be able to accept and welcome criticism. Of course, you also need to know and understand your audience, while at the same time remember who’s paying the bills, and make sure they get what they’re after. It sometimes is a delicate balance to do the work as you think it should best be done, while making your clients feel that they’ve gotten exactly what they asked for.
It was suggested that artists should hire an accountant! Do what you do best and don’t waste precious time on things you probably would rather not do anyway. Surround yourself with brilliant people and listen, listen, listen!