Open letter to my graduate self

Things I wish I knew back when I started out

I will be honest, I was one of those kids who stumbled into university not sure what to do. I saw the Internet as the modern day printing press with the chance to revolutionise the world the way putting the Bible in print some 500 years ago had done. All written and practical work in my degree was bent to the application of interactive mediums to the humanities. I was an idealist, I sought out placements with agencies specialising in NGO’s and Non-Profits.

When I graduated I learnt some things the hard way and stumbled on nuggets that have served me well in the years since graduating.

Wait for the right opportunity

Just as top agencies and companies are looking for the best so should you. Look for companies who have ideals similar to yours and are producing work you would like to be involved in.

Early on in your career you’ll be wanting to get as much in as you can, look for places and people doing exciting things and be close to them, be one of them. Put in the little bit extra and get to know those around you who’ve been at it a little while longer and it’ll really pay off. It’s really key to have a sense of shared vision and goals with those you work with in the long term. Don’t go for the first two bit studio that offers you work just because you need the money, the ends don’t always justify the means and you might regret it in the long run.

Genuinely care about the little things

When working on a piece of work it’s a good sign to others you know what you are doing when you don’t miss details. It can pay to be opinionated and ambitious but if you are missing details or forgetting things that can run counter to the language you use. Double check your work and do not feel shame bouncing it off a colleague you trust. Communicating and showing your process can get buy in from other team members and pick up issues earlier on that you might of otherwise missed. This shows you care about what you do and will be trusted more as a result. It also shows you can be humble and are genuinely concerned about the work.

Learn how to get buy in

Being a Designer is a pretty political profession. Finding allies in the senior designers, developers, product managers and marketers around you is crucial to gaining a real sense of ownership in the work you do. You’ll have ideas to contribute, no doubt, but those ideas stand a better chance of becoming a reality when you have the others on board and contributing. Who knows, maybe they will inspire you and open up new avenues that you might not of previously considered. The important thing is to know when to let something go and when to stick to your guns.

Find a long term personal vision

Shifting my own thinking for what I do from that of months to that of potentially years was one of best things I ever did in my career. Both from a personal perspective but also in terms of what I wanted to achieve on a particular project (especially if you work client-side). Knowing your in it for the long-haul can give you a sense of perspective, balance and the freedom to be able to let go of certain things in order to focus on more important issues and goals. I think people can pick-up when people have a vision and passion too and that’s infectious.

Stay in touch

You will meet some genuinely amazing and talented people in your working career. Some you might find at university, some through networking events and sometimes they’ll be the only good thing from that one bad job you had. Good friends and colleagues are gold, they are useful for advice and serve as great mentors and sources of inspiration. It erodes the sense of work feeling like.. well work and into something that is a genuinely exciting and emotive part of your life.

Pick-up personal projects

Personal projects and creative outlets are crucial to keeping your sanity as a designer. Inevitably you will find yourself doing particular types of work for extended periods of time and finding a personal project can give you new skills, piece of mind and a chance to keep things interesting. Ever feel put out after a bad day? Put your energy into something fun. Any successful designer knows the value of being a tinkerer, day dreamer or doodler as a means to enhance their career not escape from it.

All experience is good experience

No matter what you do, apply creative thinking to all aspects of your life. Look for the life lessons you can take from your work and no matter your circumstances at the time know that you are smarter for having had them. You will adapt, develop and mature. Set your standards high and feel lucky to be in a profession where you get to solve problems all day in ways that do not just work but make life better for those around you.

You will have up’s and down’s but the important thing is to hold onto those things that move you as an individual. Don’t model yourself on those who inspire you but be awesome at what you do, care about it, talk about it and do something new.