Advice to the Next Cohort
Around this time last year, I was admitted into the CU Boulder CMCI Studio program. Being the curious sole that I am, I scoured the internet looking for information about what to expect, how to prepare and how to get the most out of the program.
I didn’t find much- Studio was almost a complete mystery to me when I showed up for orientation. At almost two semester in, I feel like I have a good grasp on what being a student in this program entails. It has worked out for me so far, but there are a few things I would have liked to know before starting.
I have gathered them here for you, the curious soul who is scouring the internet looking for information about Studio.Some of the lessons I have learned here are specific to this program or to the industry, but many of them are universal lessons of adulting that could benefit anybody.
Before the program:
1). Take the time to learn basic HTML and CSS, and start diving into Javascript. Even if you have never touched a line of code and you think you won’t need it. . This is a great website to get started. If I had done this the summer before starting, my lifer would have been so much easier. This is my greatest regret as far as preparation.
2). On the other hand, if you have less experience with visual design, spend some time learning the foundations. You should know the basics about color theory, typography, balance, shape and composition. If you are not familiar with the Adobe suite, start learning it. Skillshare and Youtube are great resources to start.
For both of these tips, it is important to remember that it is completely ok if you are a complete beginner- many of us this year were. All I am saying is that playing around a little and familiarizing yourself with these skills will make your life much easier. You won’t regret it.
3). Invest in a planner. Or learn Trello. You will need to have excellent time management skills.
4). Read anything you can get your hands on about design, UX and technology. Start following relevant publications like Smashing Magazine or AdAge and read as many books as you can wile you have time.
5). Buy a ton of sticky notes and whiteboard markers while they are on sale for back-to-school.
The space:
5). One of the best things about Studio is the awesome space we occupy. Take advantage of it! Do your work there whenever you can- there is great energy and always creative minds to bounce ideas of off.
6). If you get cold, bring a blanket during the fall and winter.
7). As a cohort, find somebody with an extra coffee maker or pull your money to make one. (Thanks, Kelly!)
8). Pay for parking or take the bus. If you want to walk a ways, you can find free parking in neighborhoods around Boulder.
9). If you have a Capital one card, you can get cheap/free coffee ad the Capital One Cafe.
Technology:
10). Organize your files and back them up. It seems obvious, but needs to be said.
11). Take lots of pictures of everything you do. You will need them later. Don’t throw anything away until you have a digital copy of it.
General:
12). Ask lots of questions. Be curious and thoughtful.
13). When it gets stressful, try and appear positive on the outside, especially when you are in class or presenting your work. Allowing your feelings to seep into your presence will only downplay the quality of your work.
14). Show up with notes about what you need help with, it will make the most out of class time.
15). You are not your work- when you receive feedback, take it all in stride.
16). There is not one way to do anything- find your own process. Try new ways of doing things and experiment until you figure it out.
17). Keep a folder of portfolios you like and a notes tab of things you like about them.
18). Become friends with your cohort. You will spend so much time together over the next year, and your classmates are on of your best assets. Do things outside of class when you can. Go to happy hour, take walks around Pearl and have potluck dinners.
Speaking of, I also asked my fellow classmates for their advice and tips and have collected them here for you:
“One thing I’d say is that this program proves that learning is a choice. If you’re motivated to learn something — this program will prove that. It’s extremely self-resourceful so be ready to rely on your own skills and abilities to learn the skills that will make you able to execute. It’s not school. It’s a guide and you are the one choosing how to use and implement that guide.” -Jonas Escobedo
“Some of your ugliest sketches will lead to beautiful ideas.” and, “Any bad day can be remedied with a T/aco margarita.” -Kelly Phillips
“If you’re not self motivated, or have program knowledge this program could be really hard. A graphic design background is honestly probably ideal. That and coffee will become food- and you always will need a blanket cause it’s cold.” -Rachael Mcallister
“Time management is crucial. You’ll never have time to do everything so prioritization will serve them so well! Keep notes and make docs to save resources, links, advice, etc to go back to when you have the time.”- Diamond Alexander
Overall, my best advice is to go in with an open mind and get ready for a life changing experience. You will grow in ways you didn't know existed at a speed you didn't know was possible. It will be the hardest thing you have done, but also the best. Get ready for a challenge with ups and downs, successes and failures and lots of long, stressful nights. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any other questions. Good luck, we all have faith in you!
