Be Prepared
This phrase is the motto of the Girl and Boy Scouts. This is also good advice if you are applying for grants or scholarships to help you finance your education at a graphic design school or college.

In this article we’ll offer some tips regarding the logistics of applying, where to find funding, and how you can increase the odds in your favor for successful submissions.

Details, Details, and More Details
The good news is that there are funds out there for you to apply for. The bad news is there are funds out there for you to apply for. In other words, if you hate paper work and applications, this will definitely be a challenging experience.

Make sure you fill out all forms completely, accurately, and neatly. This will make the job of screening your application much easier for the person in charge of scholarship reviews. So always “be prepared.”

Here is some advice on the process of applying for scholarships:
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Does the Scholarship Apply to You?
Make sure that the specific grant or scholarship you are applying for is geared towards your specific needs. If you are seeking financial help for your career training at a graphic design college, applying for a science scholarship makes no sense. Do your research to be certain you fit the scholarship category.

Keep Your Grades Up
A good deal of scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better. In some instances, a 2.5 or higher is acceptable. If you want scholarship money, your GPA scores are one of the first qualifying prerequisites that will be looked at.

Get Letters of Recommendation from Your Teachers
Anyone can say they’re great, but backing this up with facts is another matter. If you are exemplary in your scholastic abilities, talents or other positive qualities that fulfill the requirements for a scholarship, ask your teachers to put in a good word for you by writing a letter of recommendation.

Don’t Skimp on the Details
You will probably be asked to submit a written essay on the reasons why you are a good candidate for the scholarship. You need to emphasize your strengths and not shy away from making your case. Make sure to list any awards, activities or personal achievements that demonstrate your expertise in your field of graphic design.

Keep at It
Filling out scholarship applications can be tedious and tiring. But according to those who are in the know, they understand that the rewards can be worth all the work.

Where to Start
Now that you know the “how,” the next step is knowing the “where” of scholarships.

The following Internet links are filled with valuable information and strategies on scholarships and grants:
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CollegeAnswer.com
You’ll find a wealth of information pertaining to funding, selection of colleges, and college related topics. There is plenty of good advice and resources here.

FedMoney.org
This website describes itself as, “Your FREE Guide to All U.S. Government Grants and Loans Benefiting Students!” This website has an easy to use interface that can narrow down your search for government scholarships and grants.

Schoolgrantsblog.com
This blog was mentioned by Time magazine. This resource lists various grants that are available to students as well as listing the specific grant categories.

Next Time…
What are the specific scholarships available to you? Who runs them? What are the pitfalls in applying for scholarships? These questions and more will be answered in Graphic Design Scholarship Basics and You - Part III.

Until then, keep on designing!
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World of Wonder
Two friends were looking at a rose growing outside their office window. The first one remarked how the flower’s petals were all different in shape and how unbalanced it looked. The other friend replied, “Yes, but that is what makes the flower so beautiful.”

As designers we can all receive inspiration from the world around us but this often depends on how we perceive things and less on how we look at things.

In the final installment of Graphic Design Inspiration from Common Things we’ll explore how designers have incorporated their perceptions of the world into their creations.
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Sea Bass Anyone?
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How do you package a food product so that it is appealing and fresh? This was the design problem for graphic design studio MouseGraphics.

Its solution was to enclose the sea bass in packaging that enhances the image of the product’s wholesomeness. The graphic of the fish, the white wrapper, ocean waves, and herbs combine to make an effective packaging design that is pleasing to the eye.
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CoffeeTime Anyone?
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These coffee cups and bags give any coffee beverage a bit of class. The design motif shows the silhouette of people elegantly dressed and enjoying their coffee. The addition of scroll graphics adds to the feeling of stylishness.

The graphic designs on these products are fanciful and lends to the overall upscale feeling of the product while also telling a story within each one.
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Rainbows that are Different
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When there are rainbows in the sky, they are beautiful to behold. But one graphic designer decided to take the concept of what a rainbow looks like and transform it into a dynamic element in the artwork.

The designer changed the rainbow’s shape into a display of lively fireworks. By taking two different concepts in everyday life, the graphic designer was able to create something that is eye-catching and unique.
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Silhouettes: Less Is More
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In graphic design it is important to convey a specific message to the viewer. In this graphic we get a sense of movement, intensity, and energy.

The graphic designer could have taken the route of creating something more literal by displaying a photograph of the video studio or equipment, but decided to use the technique of silhouettes, strong graphic elements, and a lively color palette instead.

The simple idea of deconstructing the crucial aspects of what the video production studio engages in is done nicely in the overall layout of the design.
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It’s a Wrap
We hope you’ve enjoyed this series on Graphic Design Inspiration from Common Things. In the following months we’ll take a closer look at other ways to receive inspiration for graphic design.

Take care and keep on designing!

More Sayings and Truisms
No matter what job category you are in, you’ll hear words of wisdom and witty sayings about your specific industry.

For carpenters it’s “Measure twice, cut once.” For the video game industry it’s “Your personal life ends when crunch time (final deadlines) begins.”

In The Wit and Wisdom of Graphic Designers and Artists - Part I we received insights from graphic designers and artists that were entertaining as well as thought provoking.

In part two of this series we’ll put the spotlight on some of the more humorous witticisms from those who make creativity their living.

The Anonymous Creators
What changes the perception of the world we live in, has work that is admired and seen by millions, but remains anonymous? Answer: graphic designers.

“Being a famous designer is like being a famous dentist.”

……………………..- Noreen Morioka, award winning graphic designer

Journalists have bylines, photographers have special exhibitions at galleries, and artists sign their names on their works of art.

But when was the last time you saw an entertaining ad in a magazine or striking packaging design that gave credit to the graphic designer?

Graphic designers are the unsung heroes of creative design. They do so much to change our perceptions, opinions, and look of our world but for the most part, remain anonymous to Mr. and Ms. Average Citizen.

Graphic designers receive their grounding in career training by going to graphic design schools, their inspiration from the environment around them, and spend countless hours in their quest to formulate designs that can communicate a message or concept to the public.

They may not achieve rock star status in the world but you can be assured that behind every rock star or band, a graphic designer was responsible for the album art that sold millions of CDs to music fans.

The Tools of the Trade Are Just Tools
There is a story about a photography student at a graphic design college who thought if he could just get his hands on an expensive, top-notch camera that his photos would improve dramatically.

After several months of saving his money he finally was able to purchase his dream machine.

He went to class and showed off his coveted camera to the other photography students. There were many “oohs” and “ahhs” from the envious onlookers as they marveled at the expensive high-end device.

After several weeks of shooting with the camera, the class noticed the composition and overall creativity did not increase one bit for the photographer.

This was rather puzzling until everyone realized that the only thing the photographer’s new camera did was to make his mediocre photos look sharper.

“You can’t do better design with a computer, but you can speed up your work enormously.”

………………………………..- Wim Crouwel, Dutch graphic designer and typographer

The modern computer age has increased the creation of graphics and images more than anyone could have dreamed or imagined.

Computer graphics and image editing software make the tasks of editing, creating, and redesigning graphics as easy as a few clicks on a computer mouse (but not always).

But at the heart of any successful design is the individual–the graphic designer. Computer software and hardware are just the tools for creativity.

So the next time when we ogle a new whiz-bang graphics tablet, software program or fancy camera, let’s remember that these items do not replace what is so precious in designers and artists—inspiration.

Next Time…
Our series concludes with more wisdom and advice from graphic design professionals. If you have any advice or thoughts about graphic design, feel free to post up your comments.

Until then, keep on designing!

It’s All About GIGO
The word GIGO is a familiar term to computer programmers.

It is an acronym for “Garbage In, Garbage Out” and describes the cause and effect relationship of entering bad code in a computer software program and reaping the resulting bad results.

In short, a good program is as good as the code that is in it.

This idea can also be extending to the quality of education you receive at your graphic design school. The better the education, the better your design career training will be.

As far as graphic inspiration is concerned our ideas and creative revelations often come from the sort of input and stimulation we receive from the world around us; the good stuff brings good inspiration and vice versa.

In Graphic Design Inspiration from Common Things - Part I, we displayed several examples of graphic designs that were inspired from everyday objects. In part two of this series, we’ll see how graphic design can be motivated by the simple action of simple observation of your environment.

Vitalize Infused Water
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In this entertaining approach in designing the graphics for this health-energy beverage, the graphic artist decided to go one step beyond by not only displaying the fruit on the bottle but incorporating the graphic of a zipper.

The idea is whimsical and emphasizes the drink manufacturer’s name (Zipp) by using the zipper as a graphic icon and device that “reveals” what is inside each bottle.
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Portland Mercury Biking News Feature
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When the Portland Mercury News was gearing up for a special bicycle feature, graphic designers Liz Meyer and Gavin Potenza were called upon to create the graphics for the article.

In this simple but striking treatment they have captured the beauty,challenge and isolation that can be part of the bicycling experience. The use of complimentary colors, angular geometric shapes, and good use of perspective draws the viewer deeply into the image.
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Nuzzles: Wood Puzzles

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Graphic designer John Christenson decided to do something in graphic design that is quite rare; he creates three-dimensional graphic pieces.

His Nuzzle line of puzzles is custom made of wood and can take on any name or message that his customers wish. Of course if you’d like to see supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in wooden type, it just might take a few more days for its completion.

Stern Grove Concert Poster
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Say “Stern Grove” and any San Franciscan worth his or her salt will immediately know you are referring to “The City’s” music concerts. The annual Stern Grove music presentations are free to the general public and offer great live music performances.

But familiarity has its downside as well. Just how do you publicize an event that is already well known without being too cliché?

In this event poster the graphic designer has chosen the path of keeping the design organic and fanciful. The different graphical elements have an eye-catching three-dimensionality to them. The poster also has a retro 60s feel to it as well.

The bright primary colors, the unique use of musical instruments found in the tree branches, and the overall balance of the piece is pleasing as well as informative.

Next Time…
Stay tuned for more examples of Graphic Design Inspiration from Common Things in the conclusion of this series. Remember, inspiration is only part of the story of successful graphic design; you’ll also need a solid education from a university or graphic design college too.

Until next time, keep on designing!

Graphic Design Talent
Graphic designers must be talented in a variety of skills to be effective in their jobs.

Graphic designers face the unique challenges of incorporating a wide range of visual media, design techniques, and problem solving skills to create visual solutions for the needs of their clients.

Graphic designers also need a solid education from qualified graphic design schools or universities. In addition to talent and education, there is an element of graphic design that may be as crucial as the various tools and methodologies used to create a graphic piece.

The World Is Your Oyster
What is this mysterious component? In one word: inspiration. It is often an elusive quality and is sought after and treasured by professional graphic designers; it is priceless.

But where do successful graphic designers get their inspiration? The answer to this question is unusually simple. Inspiration can come from observing the world around you.

In the following examples we’ll show how graphic designers receive their inspiration through their environment and how they incorporate these ideas into their designs.
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Remarkable Pencils
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We’ve all seen pencils in packaging from art supply and retail stores and for the most part, they are utilitarian and rather unremarkable. But this pencil packaging design is unique because it resembles recycled vending cups–the very material the pencils are made of.

The designers made this the focal point of the packaging and it works. The name of the product, “Remarkable,” is amusing and serves as a double meaning for the recycled pencils.
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Frisk Fruit Drinks
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Showing the fruit product on a drink container isn’t necessarily original but the concept is still solid. What is different about this particular design is the successful execution of the graphical motif.

The fruit on the bottles are caricatured as lively and happy cartoons. The drink containers are uniformly white, while the actual design elements vary according to the type of fruit used in the beverage.
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Beef
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The Switzerland retail food chain store, Migros, has taken the simple approach of packaging its beef by using a cutout of a steer to display the product.

The majority of beef packaging seen in supermarkets and food stores displays as much of the product as possible. Migros has turned this concept on its head by “hiding” most of the product. The package design is fanciful and also draws the customer in to inspect the product inside the packaging.

Next Time…
Well explore further into what graphic designers do for inspiration and what they say about it. But for now we know some of the things that make  good graphic designers; it’s a combination of good education at a graphic design college, talent, and inspiration for success.

Until then, keep on designing!

It’s Not That Funny If It’s You
Virtually everyone who has done any amount of job hunting is familiar with the process of the job interview. It may have been for a summer job, a position at a fast food restaurant or a job in graphic design; the face-to-face meeting is crucial and can be a real deal breaker.

British writer Angela Carter said “Comedy is tragedy that happens to other people,” and conversely tragedy is when it happens to you!

A job interview is an opportunity for you to inform your prospective employer about the graphic design school or college you attended, your experience, and your communication skills.

In some instances a job interview doesn’t go well because of a social faux pas (a social blunder; mistake in etiquette or tactless act or comment). It’s funny to hear these stories but we also know that the end results are blown job interviews.

So kick up your feet, get a cup of coffee and enjoy the following stories. If we all pay attention, we may be able to avoid some of these “funny” mistakes.

Five Things to Avoid Saying
The following comments were based upon actual job candidate responses from various job interviews.

While some of the comments seem hilarious, they are good examples of what to avoid when you see the human resources representative or hiring manager for a possible job.

Lack of Tact and Social Graces
“I recently got laid off.  I have a master’s degree and I thought this job would be an easy one to do while I wait for something better to come along.”

Not Understanding the Question or Lying
“I can’t really show you any samples of my writing because I used to work for the CIA and everything I wrote is classified.”

Bad Timing
“If I get this job I’ll need two weeks off in a couple of months.”

Being Critical of the Company You Want to Work For
“I heard in the news that your company had a major problem with quality control and lots of people probably got fired for it. That’s probably why you are hiring…”

Putting Your Worst Foot Forward
“I’m more of a people person and not too strong with numbers.” (The job seeker was applying for an accounting position.)

Next Time…
Now that we know some of the things to avoid saying during a job interview, the second part of this series will explore what not to do during a job interview. Until then, keep on designing!