Skype Interview: Margot Harrington

Yesterday, as part of my Context of Practice module, I had a Skype discussion with Designer Margot Harrington of Pitch Design Union based in Chicago about the role of women in graphic design. We spoke for over an hour and it was really insightful listening to what she had to say from a professional in the field. 

Does starting a family cause some women to leave their career? 

This is industry wide problem this is not specific to design - Women tend to drop out the work place a lot because if you don’t have a supportive family leave, and don’t have a way to integrate your child into your work and if you are making less money than your husband why would keep working for less money ? It’s a huge shift in someone’s life.  Families have to make really tough choices, so many cases it’s the women being the caregiver,  it may seem like a choice but it is not a choice.  Women are seen as the main caregiver, its more expected to for them to take time of to look after family member. Its definitely more expected of women

on the glass ceiling? Its more of a glass cliff. You can go go go but then its then you’re off.

example of this ... Melissa Mare, CEO of Yahoo

Is Graphic Design a Boys Club?

There are parts of it design which are boys club (like typography) but men have dominated every bit of culture right now. It’s not there fault but they have only ever existed in a world that gives them this extra level of confidence and support. Its more enabling for them than it is for anybody else. I believe this is why more males raise their hand more in class and perhaps question their decisions less than women. For example, in critiques males will present a project which is “not great” and have 100% confidence in presenting. They live in an isolated bubble where it doesn’t challenge them in the same way as it challenges women.

However, there are parts of design which are female dominated, for example the wedding industry has pretty much only women graphic designers – because its traditional feminine pursuits. For women who want to do graphic design which isn’t specific to women , for example type industry , you going to have to work hard to prove yourself. To an extent web design is also male dominated.

Women attract women more than they attract men.

 It’s a difficult position being the only type of person on a team, regardless of whether you’re a female a person of colour, any distinction that makes you different from the status quo. If there isn’t gender balance in an office or diversity it’s difficult to be in the people who don’t fit that rule so the more balance the better for everyone. All parties will improve because of this, its not just improving the situation for women, also means men will have more choices to. Anyone else who helps improve balance

Men need to be involved in the conversation. A lot of men think this is a women’s issue, this is not just a women’s issue, this is a people issue, it’s a humans rights issue.

There is generation baggage surrounding the word feminism.

Do you think it difficult for women to find their place within the design community?

                               

If you are within the minority it will be difficult for you. There’s ways of finding your way through, with more awareness, opening your eyes, asking for help when you need it. Having good allies, women and businesses to look up to, having support is absolutely critical. Ann Friedman - Shine Theory

Do you think women are less inclined to self promote, and more acceptable for a career change?

Absolutely, speaking up for a salary raise , . Men and Women are given no’s at the same rate but men re-apply and re-commit more than women do. Men are traditionally seen more as go-getters and pursuers and getting enough  ‘no's’ they have build a thicker skin.

On my practical outcome... 

It’s tricky. You really targeting men than you are women . What they would respond and appeal to them and get them involved? Women will already come. You cannot solve the problem in one project. How is the best way to be fair and gender neutral, and work under those guidelines. How to speak generally about the subject with outlining the specifics – its really delicate. People have their priorities and some people just don’t care about the subject.

Lisa Lorek: Senior Designer at Global Prairie

Hi Vanessa,

Thank you again for reaching out to me. My answers are below. Good luck with your remaining time at Leeds, please shoot me a link to your student portfolio when it's completed! 

1.    Why do you think so few women feature in the history of design? 

It was definitely a man's world up until just recently. There are hardy women in the history of any field, let alone design. There is still a little sexism that still exists, but I think there has been an amazing shift to give more women the recognition and power they deserve in this field.  Also, it might have something to do with how the woman of the house was supposed to stay at home and raise the kids.

2.    Have you ever come across the so-called “glass ceiling” (the point beyond which women don’t get promoted) Do you think it exists or is it an urban myth? 

In advertising, there are definitely more men in leadership roles, but right after graduating, I've been in an art director role and have not hit a glass ceiling yet. I think I've been really lucky with the agencies I've worked at, specifically Global Prairie. This company, co-founded by the strongest woman I've ever met, creates an environment where women are equal (if not slightly more favorited). All the women of the company have a meeting each month, to talk about news articles and books about what other women are doing to be leaders in the world.

3.    Is it difficult for a female designer to find their place in the design community? 

I didn't think so, but I just flipped through Communication Arts (the advertising awards edition) and there are hardly any female names in the more senior level positions. That's so depressing. Maybe our generation can shake things up in the upcoming years. Again, I feel very lucky at Global Prairie because they give everyone an equal opportunity to grow in this field.

4.    Do you feel starting a family can cause some women to leave their career?

 I think so. It definitely is a personal preference. I don't blame mothers who want to stay at home and raise their children, but there are go-getters out there that make it work. The beauty of graphic design is that it's so easy to work from home!

5.    And finally… Does the gender gap matter? 

HELL YES!!!!! We need to stop letting men run the show! Women need to get the credit they deserve. We are just as good, if not better, than the male designers out there!

Amber's Task // Interview

1. Complete a short statement about yourself.

I am a concept-led graphic designer with a focus on branding and editorial design. 

2. Complete a short statement about your technical skills.

I am competent in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign and the Microsoft suite. 

3. Complete a short statement about your work experience.

I have yet to find work experience, but I would like to find experience within a Marketing Agency. In the future, I would love to complete a Masters in Business or Marketing, preferably Creative Marketing somewhere in Europe (Amsterdam or Berlin).  

4. Complete a short statement about your ability to work in a team and independently (with examples).

I like to work independently on projects but I also love working within a team. Having constant feedback in a team I find really inspires me and drives the project along.

Example: Outside of design, for the past 4 years I have been a lifeguard, working and being in charge of a team of lifeguards of up to 5, which means I have obtained great leadership and communication skills as well as excellent decision making skills, with the ability to provide CPR or first aid immediately and effectively. 

5. Complete a short statement about your communication skills (with examples).

Worked with clients and customers in a wide range of roles and situations. 

6. Complete a short statement about your understanding of graphic design 

 Graphic design is about communicating, in creative and effective ways.

From writing this I have found some areas I am lacking in...

• lack of experience in web design, I should try and attain a basic knowledge of HTML and CSS
• lack of experience, need to find placements

Reaching Professionals

I've been putting off contacting professionals for a long time so today I spent the morning sending emails to female designers as part of my research for my dissertation, which will be a great help in informing my dissertation and context of practice outcomes. I have emailed a whole range of designers, from art directors to freelancers. 

I have had one reply so far from Lotta Niewminen an illustrator, graphic designer and art director from Helsinki, Finland that I admire. Although she didn't answer my specific questions due to her work schedule, she kindly attached a  a copy of a very similar interview with some really insightful answers.

Hi Vanessa,

I appreciate you reaching out and your interest in interviewing me. 

Unfortunately I won’t have the chance to specifically answer your questions due to my current work situation, but having done a slightly similar interview a year back, and thought this might still be of some interest to you – copy pasting it below!

Best,

Lotta

–

Did your career already started during your studies? Yes, I started freelancing on the side of my studies. My major was graphic design, but my freelance jobs at the time were mostly illustration. 

Do you have a family and children? if you do how are you managing family and job? No children. I do have a husband who’s a graphic designer as well. :) 

Were there situations in your career where it played a role that you're a woman? Graphic design & illustration is surprisingly still very much a man’s business. I asked a male designer friend of mine at a comparative level what he charges - I was charging a third of what he did. So I upped my rates, but still cringe when I send out invoices, while he won’t think twice. Women are definitely under-represented in this field - at the conferences I speak at, there’s too often about 2 women out of 20 speakers. Which is crazy because there are so many talented female designers. I don’t believe in a 50 / 50 ratio for the sake of it, but there should be an honest representation. I think that’s what feminism is about, not being good because you’re a woman, but being good because you’re good.

Do you think that there are differences in the workflow and the design between men and women? Not really. I think the workflow is more about an individual than sex. 

How do you explaining the fame of male designers (against women)? I wouldn’t call it fame as much as just a general under representation of women. I think men are often more ballsy. The men designers I know aren’t apologetic about their work and aren’t ashamed to state their worth. The successful women designers I know are similar to that: go-getters. I just think it takes more work as a woman to embrace that more aggressive side in oneself. This is a field where good communication skills are key, and being apologetic about the work won’t get you far.

Do you think a development has already stared in this case? There’s still an under representation of women, but I do feel like there’s starting to be more an more prominent female designers. In a younger generation of designers, people like Jessica Walsh, Jessica Hische and Dana Tanamachi are great examples of powerful, prominent female designers. I think the more women get highlighted, the bigger the encouragement and example it shows to budding female designer that it’s out there for you to grab.

Feedback

This morning we had a session on feedback... the types of feedback we receive and what we find to be the most beneficial for our practice. We discussed the two types of feedback: 

• Formative - ongoing feedback 
• Summative - overall feedback at the end of the module

we were asked to list examples of feedback, I listed the feedback that I find most useful to me and the development of my work. 

Formative

• crit's 
• honest opinions 
• constructive criticism 
• peers looking at your work with fresh eyes 
• tutorials 
• encouraging
• clear feedback
• directional feedback - seeing where to move the project on
• does it communicate the idea effectively?

Summative 

• acknowledgement of strengths in work
• tutor feedback 
• overall grade
• evaluation
• encouragement/inspiring to push yourself further 
• informative 
• highlighting weak area's - seeing where to improve 
• future development 
• academic improvement

DIY Identity

This morning, we had a short workshop working in groups to talk through our identities as designers. We discussed the relevance of business cards in a digital world - we all felt business cards were still relevant in networking etc etc.  

We discussed the importance of getting yourself out there in the world of Graphic Design, by building a strong online presence, but all agreed that it depended on your audience your style of body of work suited, for example, whether you freelance or work for a design firm.

Towards the end of the work shop, we came up with a three main points to follow, which was then presented to the entire group.

Promote: To promote yourself as a designer! whether this be through a business card, website, twitter, Behance, Tumblr, Instagram whatever is suitable to your practice.

Explain: explain who you are and what you do

Interact: getting people to interact with the work, whether it be taking your business card, visiting your website, or getting work 

By doing the three, hopefully it would lead us to work, meeting ppl, and open more doors into the design industry.

Steps I need to take: 

Build an online presence, I already use instagram, but in the new year I hope to set up a squarespace for my work. So I need to hurry up with getting my work photographed and looking professional.

work on identity - is it necessary to have a logo and to label myself?? nah

 

Cover Letter: Do's & Don'ts

It is about time that I begin writing and sending email to studios. So I decided to do a blog on how to write a successful cover letter. 

A Cover Letter, provides a host company with further details about an intern’s motivation and expectations of an internship. It should be well written as it is one of the few things that a host company will base their decision on whether to consider you further for a placement or not.

What to include 

 

Introduction

Explain why you are writing, making sure it entices the employer to read on.
 
Experience and personal skills showcase

Briefly explain your current job and, if applicable, qualifications (professional/academic). Don't give too much away or they may not want to go on and read your CV. If you are replying to an advert, make sure the skills you specified are reflected in your CV.

Draw attention to the relevant aspects of your experience; say what you learned and how it would be useful for the job or to the employing organization. Sell yourself on the basis of your personal qualities, making sure that these match the requirements of the job/role. Take the opportunity, if necessary, to explain any anomalies in your background, such as any time gaps. Perhaps explain how any hurdles you’ve encountered have helped you develop in a positive way.
 
The perfect team

Explain why you wish to work for this company and what you know about them. Demonstrate enthusiasm and evidence of research into such aspects as their successes, involvements, values or clients. Remember to research the firm fully by visiting its website or premises, using every bit of information you find to help improve your chances.
A positive sign-off

Lay down an action plan; say you would like the opportunity to meet them for an interview and that you will await their response, or that you'll call in a few days (you don’t have to leave the ball in their court but be careful that you don’t pester). Indicate your availability for interview.
 
DO:
 

• Address it correctly: Use the company name / supervisors name if you know it, if not keep it neutral.
• Write a structured letter: use paragraphs for new points and make it fluent and clear.
• Explain why you want to do an internship, which field you chose and why.
• Explain why you chose the company and what attracted you to them.
• Highlight what you can offer the company and point out your strengths and interests.
• Use professional and friendly language.
• Finish your letter with a brief mention that you would be happy to hear from the company (“I look forward to hearing from you”).
  Check your spelling.
• Mention your internship goals and your career goals.
• Show the link between your studies and the internship.
• Detail your availability and the duration of your internship.

DON’T:

• Write too much. One A4 page of 3 or 4 paragraphs should be enough.
• Use complicated sentence structures.
• Use too many “I’s” and “me”s.
• Talk about irrelevant topics (e.g. family, hometown, etc).
• State unrealistic expectations (e.g. “I want to be the manager”).

Leeds Light Night: East Meets West

Last night, I was lucky enough to be invited as a "VIP guest" to East Meets West a fashion show hosted at Leeds civic hall. The beautiful venue, not usually open to the public, was transformed into a catwalk and exhibition space showcasing the best of UK and Chinese design.

This event was a rare opportunity to see a collection of garments made using Hainsworth cloth all together under one roof. Fabric from the Hainsworth woollen mill, which has been running in Leeds since 1783, is used to create iconic garments such as the Royal Guard Uniforms and outfits worn by the Royal Family. One dress on display, courtesy of Sara Madderson, is a design that has been worn by Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton. Alongside this collection, the exhibition also featured designs by six Leeds College of Art students, and Chinese designer Zheng Qing'er of Qing Yi Apparel. It was a rare opportunity to get up close and examine the craftsmanship behind each piece.

After all the canapes and champagne - the real focus of the evening turned to the catwalk shows, which created a magical atmosphere in the Civic Hall as models floated down the catwalk in Qing's dresses. 

Overall, it was an enjoyable evening and it was fun to get involved with Light Night and not something necessarily graphic design related but my other passion in life, fashion. 

Level 6: Design Boards

As a way of improving my time management I have decided this year to produce a set of design board templates to use throughout the year as I often find myself rushing design boards at the end of a project.

I've used a consistent layout which will allow me to produce different compositions of  imagery whilst keeping the type in the same position. It will also make the different briefs flow in a unified and neat order in my portfolio. Below are some examples of the templates I have created on InDesign, ready for images and text to be dropped in.

MoMA NY

 At the end of summer I spent a week in New York. It was great to re-visit the MoMA after five years. I saw some amazing contemporary art and huge installation pieces.

Warhol

Warhol

Van Gogh

Yoko Ono

Day Brief - Context YOU!

Explain who you are, your values, your identity, your purpose...in terms of who you are as you, a person not who you are in terms of graphic design. This is telling, not selling.

Task one: Know who you are
Task two: Communicate it

My Response:

The first brief of the year ahh: In theory, it should be an easy brief but finding that essence of 'you' i found rather difficult without being too lame and cheesy. 

I created a mixed media collage from found materials around my desk. I have used the quote "less inspiration more self-creation" written in my own handwriting. I often find I can spend a lot of my day looking at design, Tumblr, reading blogs, making pinterest boards etc etc. Sometimes I find it difficult to have a creative insight when you’re just looking at everyone else’s visuals. I find some image sources such as Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram etc, to be the very antithesis of inspiring - I could literally spend hours looking at what has already been done, rather than moving forward and creating something new. Filing my mind with other people's ideas and styles I found stunted my own making by making less room for my own original thought. So this year I intend NOT to spend so much time, sourcing 'inspiration' but more of my own self-creation, to be more expressive with my work. I am not too worried about having a specific style as style is temporary and its more important to have good ideas, as well style can go in and out of fashion.

I have also used iconography in my collage, which symbolise research, strategy, idea generation, and delivery. Four elements that I find are the most important during any project. 

 

Level 6: 1st Presentation

Within the first week of coming back to Uni, I presented to half of the group my plans for the coming year within 10 short slides. I discussed who I am as a designer, were I am at with COP, briefs I am planning on doing for Extended Practice and finally PPP. I've never particularly enjoyed presenting to my class, but I felt yesterday went well. I spoke confidently and passionately about the work I want to undergo, I hope I conveyed this.  

I kept my presentation pretty simple, it wasn't the most aesthetically pleasing presentation I have produced but it did the job well. For me it was a chance to discuss about what I am planning on doing for the year, and it really clarified things to me, and it was interesting to see what my peers were up to.

Level 6: Goals

Ahead of the busy work schedule, I have decided to set myself some personal goals of what I want to accomplish under each module, by doing this hopefully it will keep me motivated and on track to achieve the best that I possibly can this year. 

Extended Practice Goals:

• Build on skill-set, make use of the facilities in college
• Produce professional work to add to portfolio

PPP3 Goals:

• Network 
• Gain experience in a professional studio environment
• Create an online presence (website, behance etc)
• Develop identity 
• Finalize resume/CV
• Develop overall practical process, knowledge and abilities

CoP3 Goals:

• Develop contextual and theoretical knowledge on subject
• Gather solid first-hand research for both practical and essay elements
• Write a solid dissertation 
• Produce well synthesised practical element

OUGD502: My Presentation

I felt nervous before my presentation but once I got up and delivered it I was happy with how it went.  This morning presentations were very good, it  was great to see what my course peers had been up to during the year and to hear about their future plans. I made sure I had rehearsed and timed my presentation beforehand which helped and made me feel a lot more relaxed, although I had a script written I didn't feel the need to follow it once I was presenting. I feel like I said everything I needed to say. I'm amazed with how quickly the year has gone, it's scary! 

OUGD502: Presentation

Link: http://issuu.com/vanessacain/docs/nessa_4fe01fdca5e843?e=10717232/12447304 

OUGD502: Evaluation

This year I have seen a vast improvement in my design abilities. I found choosing my own briefs this year for responsive helped me find out where my design interests truly lie in Branding and Editorial. 

I have realised that I find myself constantly thinking about my future and graphic design and researching into studios and ma's.

 I found the task of creating my own brand extremely difficult perhaps this is because I see myself more as a design student than a designer. The concept behind my logo is that Vanessa in Latin means butterfly, I began looking into the symbolism behind butterfly and found that it reflected me. One symbolic meaning behind the butterfly is transformation which reflects how far I feel I have come since starting at LCA. I have grown up and I feel I have gone through a personal transformation as a designer and a person. I wanted to use a hexagon in my logo, as I draw inspiration from nature and geometry, and a hexagon is one of the most common geometric shapes that occur in nature. Found in the formation of honeycomb it is associated with bees and their co-operation and hard-working natures. My promo pack and identity is something I will continue to work on over summer as I am still not 100% happy with my personal branding as I feel it might be seen as quite girly.

If I had more time or could re do anything about this PPP module I would've began my brand identity earlier... For third year I will engage more with PPP and improve on my time management.

Overall, I have enjoyed the PPP module this year, reviewing my identity has been very worthwhile and I am happy with what I have produced as I think it represents me well as a creative. My aim for the rest of the year (once the stress of deadlines is over) is to sort get myself out get some sort of placement within graphic design and to get my own website up and running. Also to experience and grow, I want to network with professionals and gain valuable work experience and be more confident in my abilities. As well as immersing myself in the graphic design world by attending more exhibitions and launch nights and mix with other creatives.

OUGD502: Invoice/Letterhead/Compliment Slip

Now I have a final logo, and know what fonts I am using (Baskerville/Brandon Grotesque) it has been fairly easy to apply the logo across different different material for my personal branding. Below I have created a clean simple no nonsense invoice in case there is ever the need to bill someone, haha. Yes it is simple but it is a bold approach. I think the invoice, letterheads and compliment slip will look a lot different again, once printed as it looks very sterile on screen. I have kept my branding black and white because I plan to send it out to lots of design studios so it will keep the cost down but mainly because it looks clean and minimal. 

Invoice

Paper

Letterhead 

Compliment Slip

OUGD502: Final Creative CV

Below is my final CV for my self promo pack, and I'm really pleased with it, it looks clean and professional. It is bold, direct and distinct in terms of aesthetic. I have focused a lot on my logo as the main visual element which is used and applied across all the promotional material. It includes everything I want it too, however I could put more on here but I don't want it to look too over crowded. I find simple matter-of-fact language on a CV probably the most successful, no one wants to read a load of waffle about your a levels/hometown and how they have inspired you etc. My about me says everything that I need to and I have outlined my job roles in the experience section. I used A4 so it could fold up nicely in an envelope.  Cannot wait to print!

OUGD502: Content for my CV

I have finally managed to gather relevant content to go on my CV. I have found writing the 'about me' incredibly difficult to do as I am not one to 'show off/boast' and I do not want to come across big-headed! I showed my friends and family all the details to proof read and whether they thought it was okay... I got the okay! 

About Me:

Hello! I am Vanessa, a young & ambitious second year design student studying at Leeds College of Art. I strive to develop innovative and authentic ideas with creative solutions that will make an impact. I enjoy working collaboratively as a team in a busy studio environment. I am a quick learner and enjoy taking on new projects, challenges and responsibilities. Hard work, and deadlines does not faze me and I love to get involved in any project. My self-motivated and friendly nature means that I am a hard working, yet an enjoyable and relaxed person to work with.

Education: 

St Peter’s Church of England (2005-10)

11 GCSE’s A-C

Exeter College (2010-13)

A Level English Literature 

A Level Graphic Design

A Level Psychology, 

BTEC Print Journalism

Foundation Diploma Art & Design

Leeds College of Art (2013, graduate 2016)

BA Graphic Design

Extra Curriculum: 

Grade 8 Flute (with merit)

Grade 5 Music Theory

Grade 2 Piano

Lifeguard Qualification

Experience: 

Devon City Council Publication Office (2010)

One weeks worth of experience working in a publishing office, copywriting and design work. 

Moshulu Shoes (Summer 2010)

Serving and advising customers, till work.

Darts Farm/Delicatessen (2010 - Present)

Working in an award-winning farm shop, 

serving customers, till work, coffee making.

Lifeguard (2011 - Present)

Work well in team,  obtained great leadership skills, and communication skills. Excellent 

decision making skills. Ability to provide CPR and First Aid immediately and effectively.

Interests: 

Travel

Swimming

Music

 Fashion

Editorial Design

 Blogging

 Film

 National Geo

 Space

Creative Skills: 

Abode Software

 Screen-Printing

Book-Binding

 Idea Generation

Critical Analysis

Photography

Research

Sketching

OUDG502: another old CV

My Dad as helped sent me over the details of my old CV for the correct dates and grades

Education
	Exeter College 2010 – present Currently studying A-levels English literature, Psychology and Graphic Design BTEC Journalism attained St Peter’s C of E School  2005 – 2010; Maths (A), English Language (B), History (C), English Literature (B), Art & Design (A), Graphic Design (A) Science Double Award (CC) – all GCSEs
Work Experience
	Darts Farm  (delicatessen)  Sept 2010 – present Serving customers, till work and coffee making Moshulu Shoes (Topsham) Summer 2010 Serving and advising customers, till work. Topsham News 2009 - 10 Weekend Paper deliverer. Own babysitting service - present
Skills
	Am very creative – my passions are design and fashion. Am hard working and work well to deadlines. Have good communication skills. Enjoy being part of a team in a busy environment. A quick learner and enjoy taking on new challenges and responsibilities.

OUGD502: Creative CVs

I want to re-design a 'creative' CV As part of my promotional pack to send off to studios for a possible placement/work experience. Initially before designing my own I want to look at existing creative CV to get an idea of how work is clearly presented and also what type of information I should put on there. However, I did create a CV last year but it is embarassing to look at! Now I have a logo I am happy with it should be easy to to apply it across all sorts (letterheads,business cards etc)

Last years PPP final outcome...shocking

I picked some CV's that I likee the look of on Pinterest and Behance. I like the neat minimal clearly divided CV, with a nice bit of colour it really brightens up a CV.