Flexibility and Doormats

DDP Ch 4:

This week’s chapter is about the oh so special topic of Formats. Baron says that there is no right format to your portfolio and lists the different types of media you can use. For example, Zip Disks, Mini CDs, DVD (I’m going to have to scratch those ideas), using your Laptop (can’t do that considering mine has an 18 inch monitor connected to it because my laptop screen is completely unusable when it mysteriously turned black one day… thank you Dell for being so reliable), online portfolio (of course!) and finally CDs. I think it’s safe to say that I’ll be sticking to your traditional CD-R. The most important thing to remember when using a CD is presenting your work o-r-g-a-n-i-z-e-d. You want your material to be presented in a readable format and if not, your employer might end up becoming frustrated with the CD and throwing it aside. Also, Baron gives us the example of Robert Shearing’s CD package and how you can personalize your CD case. I have to admit, being able to decorate my own CD cover got me a little excited.

HBG Ch’s 7&8:

Chapter 7, “This chapter speaks up for the client.” And Shaughnessy made sure of that. The relationship between client and designer can be that of two friends, but it can also turn into a battle. Shaughnessy explains that you can’t win every battle, but that designers can’t always succumb to a client’s every desire. A designer must have a clear method when dealing with clients. If not, you are likely to be trampled on and thus become a doormat. To rise above doormat status a designer needs to be modest and be critical with their personal matter and skills, and then over time that designer can obtain the hero status Shaughnessy talks about.

Chapter 8 discusses self-promotion in a way I wasn’t hoping for, and that was the getting famous kind. I guess I was expecting more of a finding a job, resume builder, logo, leave behind sort of self-promotion and wasn’t expecting the celebrity, fame kind. I think it’s going to take us a decent amount of time to get to that level, if any of us do get to that level, but a good point Shaughnessy makes is that “Today’s students are, in some cases, tomorrow’s clients”.