Designing ads for Fortune 500 companies, interviewing A-List celebrities, and producing feature films -- sounds like what you thought you would be doing working in the agency world? Coffee runs, taking notes, and creating millions of sketches that will never be used sound a little more accurate? If so, Welcome to Agency Diaries. Agency Diaries is a platform for young individuals working in media, film, and graphic/advertising design to come together and share experiences – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Share your stories, post tips on how to make it in the business, books that inspire, even ask questions; this is an outlet for YOU. See our Submission Guidelines to learn how to submit your stories, pictures, or videos to Agency Diaries. var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-39196667-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();
Brand Strategy 101: Your Logo Is Irrelevant - The 3-Step Process to Build a Kick-Ass Brand (The 7 Steps to a Successful Business in a Changing Market) - Kindle edition by Michael R. Drew. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Brand Strategy 101: Your Logo Is Irrelevant - The 3-Step Process to Build a Kick-Ass Brand (The 7 Steps to a Successful Business in a Changing Market).
1. What college did you attend and what did you study?
I first attended Prince Georges Community college as a general studies major with the intention of transferring to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Needless to say, plans changed and I ended up getting a scholarship from the Hillman Entrepreneur’s Program and studied studio art with a concentration in graphic design at the University of Maryland, College Park.
2. What was the biggest lesson you learned as being a creative in college?
I was extremely insecure as an artist/designer and compared myself to my classmates. I had to learn (am still learning) how to tell that negative voice in my head to SHUT UP! I learned that I had my own style and if I tried to be like other people then my voice wouldn’t be heard.
3. Did you struggle in finding employment in your field once you graduated?
Fortunately when I graduated from the University of Maryland I still worked at the College of Arts and Humanities as a designer. Although it was an undergrad position thankfully, my boss was awesome enough to let me work there until I found a “real job.” It took me about 6 months after graduating to land an entry level position at a firm which, ended up not being a good fit. So, I decided (with much support from my husband) to follow my heart and start my own design company.
4. What do you do to stay inspired?
Talking to my husband always inspires me. He is so supportive and gives great advice. Other ways I stay inspired are by looking at what other designers are doing. I love surfing the internet on sites like Pinterest, and using instagram to track down awesome design. I save everything on my phone or desktop for inspiration.
I also like to spend time away from work and the computer by taking walks and observing nature. God is the ultimate creator and designer therefore, who better to learn from than the best?!
5. Helvetica or Futura?
I’m a serif girl so Didot!
6. How do you really feel about comic sans?
It’s disgusting and makes me angry! Lol
7. Who do you idolize in the creative world and why?
I would have to say both of my mentors Andrea Pippins and Jessica Watson. Andrea Pippins is a graphic designer, educator and runs a successful blog called Fly Girl Blog. I admire her because she is an amazing designer and has her own distinctive style. I started working with her as an intern back in 2011 and although I help her with her projects she is so encouraging when it comes to my projects.
Jessica Watson is the owner and principle of Jessica Watson Creative. She is so sweet, supportive and is a great designer. She started her company only 3 years ago and is doing extremely well. I think it’s important to be around people who you aspire to be like and I’m so grateful to know these two amazing women.
8. What’s the best part about being in business or branding yourself?
I GET TO DO WHAT I WANT!!! I spent time working at other places and often felt unfulfilled working towards someone else’s dream while mine was being put on hold. Every time I tried to ignore what my inside was telling me I was even more miserable. It’s scary, humbling, and exciting all at the same time because it’s all so new to me, but I’m learning a lot!
9. Complete the sentence: Creativity is................
Creativity is who I am. It’s what has always come natural to me even as a kid. It’s the way I look at the world, what makes me happy. Without creativity I wouldn’t be me.
10. A word of advice to someone reading or following Agency Diaries?
I would say definitely surround yourself with people who are like minded and will motivate you to pursue your dreams. You’re classmates, peers, coworkers, professors, etc. should always be your allies because you can help and support each other. Believe me, it helps when you can vent to and draw inspiration from others.
Also, If there is someone you admire in the creative industry get in touch with them and make them part of your network. It’s so important to create a network because you never know what you may learn and who you might meet.
11. At Agency Diaries we love to provide our readers with book recommendations, what recommendation do you have for a creative trying to break into the field as a typographer?
#1 book every designer should have is the Pricing and Ethnical Guidelines Handbook by the Graphic Artists Guild. It’s extremely important to educate and protect you as a designer and this book talks about everything from pricing to contracts. It’s such a helpful reference tool.
I’d say I’m more into hand lettering rather than typography. Typography is the technical creation of fonts used in our design programs, whereas hand lettering is more like illustrating to me. If you want to get into either you should find someone who is an expert and ask them for tips. I went to people I knew who were good at hand lettering and they were more than happy to point me towards many inspiring blogs and hand letterers such as Jessica Hische and Sean McCabe. I started out by copying other fonts and learning their various characteristics, etc. It’s also important to practice because like anything you do, practice makes perfect!
12. What is next for April?
I’m in the process of launching my new design website and shop on etsy called April Rashad Design. I’ll be selling prints and t-shirts featuring inspiring and fun quotes that I’ve created using my new found love of hand lettering. I’m also working on another line of t-shirts based on positive and uplifting Christian messages. I will continue to do freelance design for the time being.
THE WORK:
To contact April Log onto www.AprilRashadDesign.com or email her at [email protected]
What advice would you give to a 17yr old who's interested in starting a business?
JUST DO IT! (Like Nike said lol) Building a brand is an ever evolving thing that takes time and patience. Usually if done right the owner/founder grows with the business. Being young is the best time. You will get the opportunity to really learn from trial and error and that is hands down the best experience you will get. However, set yourself and your business to a high standard. Create a business plan and speak with adults or even other peers in the field you are looking to join. Professionalism at a young age speaks volumes. Hope that helps!
UP NEXT on Agency Diaries, I get behind the camera to give you the scoop on some of the best books out there for graphic designers, art directors, freelancers and more!!! Have any books you would like to recommend before I record? Click on the SUBMIT button the right and share.
There’s a revolution brewing in the advertising and design industries. Creative professionals are escaping the cushy confines of Madison Ave for the greener pastures of startup-land.
The Art Directors Club is proud to host its quarterly speaker series, StartUP, to inspire creatives to follow their entrepreneurial passions.
This event is designed to bridge the gap between the creative industries and the startup community. And to connect you with the proper resources to bring your million dollar ideas to life.
Join ADC on Thursday, July 25th, 2013 from 6-9pm The Art Directors Club 106 West 29th Street New York, NY 10001 for the next installment of StartUP, and see why these brilliant creative leaders took the leap.
From freelance designer, to founder of a partnership web firm, to hand lettering artist, Sean McCabe share the story of how he honed his interests down to a specific niche and created his own brand. Sean talks about the unconventionality of paying the bills from doing what he loved and how he made it possible.
Check out http://www.agencydiaries.com Agency Diaries is a platform for young individuals working in media, film, and graphic/advertising design to come together and share experiences.
So I resized graphics. I resized the shit out of graphics, learning to code HTML along the way. I unlearned what I learned in business school. And learned…business..
Cut the Clutter, How to Create a Professional Work Portfolio
by Brad Woodard
Creating a personal identity seems to be one of the most difficult tasks for a designer. For some reason, it is infinitely easier determining how others should project themselves. Unfortunately, this is no excuse to have an outdated, unorganized, or overall weak portfolio. Find out how to improve your portfolio at the jump.
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