And Now for Something Completely Different…
The British television show Monty Python’s Flying Circus was well known during the 1970s as a program filled with irreverence, humor and dry wit.

The series lives on today in various iterations of DVD compilations, public broadcasting shows and various Internet sites.

The catchphrase “…and now for something completely different” was used to introduce sketches and comedy routines on the show.

In this article we’ll borrow from the phrase and depart a little from what we normally offer and display “something completely different…” for our readers.

We’ll show some interesting examples of design to help get your creative juices going. Some ideas are whimsical, while others are exercises in how to rethink certain design concepts.

Regardless of the methodology, these designs from around the world offer a peek at what can be done when thinking outside the box.

To fully appreciate these screenshots, click on each image to see it in full-sized mode or click on the blue text to go to the website link.

Website Design: Get London Reading
How would you design a website to encourage people to read?

London’s campaign to help its citizens to increase their reading habits takes on a literal sense for design–an open magazine page.
*
*
*
*
*
The idea is effective and quite entertaining as users click on the different “magazine” articles. In this case, taking the subject matter literally is a good idea.
.
Package Design: Wine in a Pop Top Can

If you were asked to think up a new way to package wine, what would you do?

Jens Andersson and Jonas Forsman of Ramos Creations decided that the standard wine bottle was too cliche. So why not wine in a can?
*
*
*
*
This familiar yet unexpected adaptation of the common liquid refreshment can garnered the 2006 Swedish Packaging Award for its unique design and environmentally sound packaging. Sometimes old ideas become new if used in a different venue.
.
Book Cover Design: Cheers! A History of Beer in Canada

When graphic designer David Gee was asked to think up a book cover design for this project he incorporated two things that would make his idea stand out.

First he showed an image of the well recognized icon of a Canadian Mountie. Next he applied a little motion blur to the image.

The overall idea is humorous when you consider the title is about beer in Canada. A little humor can not only give a design project a laugh,  but can make an otherwise boring idea into one that is entertaining.
*
*
*
*
*
Next Time…
We’ll glean some more inspirational ideas that go outside of conventional thinking when it comes to design. Stay tuned!

Recap
In our last article, Top Myths About Graphic Design Careers, we covered several misconceptions regarding graphic design “wisdom” such as, “The Customer is Always Right,” “Constructive Criticism is Always Beneficial,” and “Exceptional Talent is All You Need.”

While all of these sayings carry a certain amount of truth, the reality of the situation is quite different when compared to real world dynamics.

In Part 2 of this series we’ll finish up on the myths related to graphic design careers and also offer some practical advice on how to thrive in this interesting line of work.
.
.
.
More Myths
“It’s Easy To Come Up with Ideas”
You are given an assignment to produce an illustration or graphic that encompasses everything the product Jiffy Clean, an all purpose dish-washing liquid, does. You are instructed to, “Make it humorous and memorable.” You stare at your sketchpad or computer monitor full of ideas that don’t work and wonder, “How am I ever going to finish this one?”

Coming up with good ideas isn’t as easy as it sounds. If anything, creative blocks are one of the most common experiences for people in graphic design or any career where creativity is an essential element of job function.

Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb and other inventions, said that genius was “99 percent perspiration and 1 percent inspiration.” In the graphic design world, the equation can be turned around where it can sometimes be “99 inspiration and 1 percent perspiration.”
.
“You Don’t Need Additional Education”
When digital graphics programs started to arrive on the scene during the late 1980s, some graphic artists were reluctant to come on board and adapt to the new technology. They preferred to do things the “old-school” way.

Today it is rare for a graphic designer to not be fluent in at least one or two of the leading graphics software programs.

It is essential to keep sharp and up-to-date in the field of graphic design. You can do this though continued education. This can be done by reading industry magazines, Internet articles, attending seminars or taking classes at a graphic design school, college or distance learning programs.

In some cases your employer may subsidize part or all of your continued education expenses. Check with your human resources department to find out what its policy is concerning this.

Those who are able to keep up with the ever changing field of graphic design will have a better understanding of current trends, the latest graphic design tools, and direction of where graphic design is headed in addition to possible advancement opportunities.

The Pressure Cooker
Deadlines are a way of life for all graphic designers. You may be working for a design firm or are self-employed, but deadlines are something that all graphic designers must hold near and dear.

Instead of dreading deadlines, these ubiquitous reminders that projects are due can work in your favor by giving you the needed incentive to work smarter, and more effectively.

Obtaining solid career training at a graphic design college can help you understand and prepare for the pressure cooker world of tight schedules. You’ll learn basic and advanced principles in design in addition to turning in your assignments on time–or in other words, meeting your deadlines.

Last Words on Myths
To sum up all the myths we have covered in the last two articles we could boil them down to, “Be prepared, be educated, be mindful, be communicative, and be on time!”

Tale care and always have fun designing!

Jobs
According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics graphic design jobs will increase about 13 percent in the decade 2008-2018.

The good news is that there will be available positions in advertising firms, websites, print and electronic media for graphic designers and graphic design college graduates.

However the BLS also states that the competition for these available jobs will be very high.

So what can you do to increase your chances of being noticed by prospective employers? In this three part series we’ll discuss various methods and tips on how to distinguish yourself from other job hunters and to help you qualify for more job opportunities.

School
Until the advent of the personal computer, graphic design remained relatively static as far as technological advances –if you had good talent, design skills and a good grasp of aesthetics as your foundation, a career in graphic design was accessible.

However in today’s world, there is rarely a graphic designer that isn’t familiar with at least two or three of the more popular design/image editing software programs. Understanding and using these programs is essential in graphic design work.

In order to receive the important career training you need in graphic design, methods, and computer skills, go to a graphic design school that ranks high in the quality of its curriculum and broad range of design classes and programs.

Graphic designers who have additional skills in web design and animation will have the best prospects for jobs in their field.

Presentation
Your portfolio can be one of the deciding factors that can help you land a job in graphic design. Your portfolio should be professional looking and consist of examples that not only reflect your best work, but is geared towards the firm you are applying for.

Don’t be afraid to rearrange and restructure your portfolio from job interview to job interview.

The needs of different design firms can sometimes vary. If you do your homework by finding out what each company’s particular design needs are you can emphasize this type of work in your portfolio.

Be prepared to give your interviewer an Internet link to a website that shows off your work. Put as much care into designing your website as you do in assembling your physical portfolio. First impressions really count and you want to put your best foot forward in presenting your work.

Experience
A good graphic design education is essential for learning the skills of the trade but experience in the graphic design industry can also be an important part in your real-world education.

Graphic design students will especially benefit by taking on as many internships and outside work experiences as possible to fill this gap.

Increase your chances for landing a job by getting as much job experience as you can while still in school.

Next Time…
We’ll go over some practical tips on how to establish yourself in a positive way when going to a job interview. Until next week, take care!

.
The Adobe Design Achievement Awards (ADAA) is a graphic design competition and computer application competition that seeks the best and the brightest student talent in the fields of graphic design, illustration, photography, animation, digital film, computer art, and computer applications.

If you are currently enrolled as a full-time student you are eligible to enter this contest for a chance to win cash prizes and Adobe software products.
.
Entry Categories
There are three major categories in this contest with several linked subcategories:

Interactive Media

* Browser-Based Design
* Non-Browser Based Design
* Application Development
* Mobile Design
* Installation Design

Video and Motion

* Animation
* Live Action
* Motion Graphics

Traditional Media

* Illustration
* Packaging
* Photography
* Print Communication

Full detailed descriptions for these classes can be found by clicking here.

Contest Guidelines

• The contest is open to individuals 18 years or older that are enrolled as full-time students. (See full contest rules for restrictions)
• Submitted entries may be reclassified from one category to another at the judges discretion.
• Entries must be the original work of the submitter.
• Deadline for entries is June 4, 2010.
• Submitted entries must be created with at least 50% or more with Adobe tools in Adobe software formats.

The complete rules and guidelines for this graphic design contest can be obtained by clicking here.
.
Judging
Adobe states on its website:

“The entries, whether submitted by an individual or a group, shall be judged together in each category on a points system, based on originality, effectiveness in meeting the communication objective, and contestant(s) skills in applying Adobe products as specified in their entry forms.”

The Awards
A $3000 cash prize will be awarded to the winners in addition to various Adobe software program packages such as Adobe design suites, web design applications, and other Adobe products.

Other Information
The deadline for this contest is June 4, 2010. Complete details and entry instructions can be found by clicking here.

More Survival Tactics for Graphic Design Students
In our last article we pinpointed two important things to help you survive graphic design school — time management and not to constantly compare yourself with your fellow classmates. This time around, we’ll delve into some pro-active issues for you to try.

Find a Buddy or Two
Graphic design majors have quite a bit on their plates — they must learn and assimilate a variety of design methods, hone their graphic design skills, work on class projects, and tackle the academics related to art history, trends, and design. All of this can become overwhelming if you don’t have a few friends to support you.

Graphic design majors encounter unique challenges and situations that non-liberal arts majors do not normally come across. Graphic design students must constantly rely on their creativity, artistic talents, and design skills to be successful in their classes. This heavy reliance on imagination and originality can sometimes be quite draining.

Establishing a few close friendships in graphic design school can bolster morale and self-confidence through the sharing of common experiences, to bounce ideas off one another, and to generate a support system that all can benefit from in your group.

The creative process can sometimes be a lonely one, but if you support others, they’ll also support you as well.

Get Involved in Classwork
It is easy to become passive in class. Most of our past educational experiences have placed us in situations where we listen quietly while the teacher presents the material. But in graphic design school, the situation changes because the things you learn are creative in nature and cannot be passively internalized. In other words, you must do and not just listen.

The art projects and assignments that are given to you help form the basis of what you need to learn in order to qualify for jobs in graphic design, media, or other related fields.

Some students just do enough to get by but in doing so they miss out on the crucial elements of discipline and process of producing professional quality work. Try not to look at your art projects as busy work, but see them as building blocks for your artistic and design skills.

Ask Questions in Class
Your professor is there to teach you, but also take advantage of the process of asking questions in class to clarify or expand upon a particular topic.

If something is not clear to you, chances are that you are not the only one in class that doesn’t’ understand.

Try to schedule an appointment with your instructor in topics that you need extra help in. You are paying for your education and getting the help you need is not outside the boundaries of school protocol.

Next Time…
As your graduation from your graphic design school approaches, your thoughts will be centered on looking for a job in graphic design, web design, illustration, photography, or one of the other media arts. In the next article we’ll look into the typical work environment and qualifications that a typical job in graphic design requires.

You may be contemplating going to a graphic design school or graphic design college to earn your degree. Or you may already be enrolled in a design program. What can you do to make your experience better while attending a design college?

The following advice and tips may help you to understand the process of what it takes to get the most out of your graphic design school.

Time Management
This is probably one of the most important things that you can work on while attending graphic design school.

In addition to understanding and assimilating the information from your classes and lectures, you’ll also be charged with the duty of turning in your art projects and assignments on time.

Managing your time is crucial to the quality of your projects and will allow you to get the most out of your assignments. This means that you’ll have to be brutally honest about how important your recreational activities are to you and whether you will need to sacrifice some events in order to finish your projects.

Concentrate On Your Own Education
In any creative environment where you are surrounded by others who possess talent, there is an unconscious need to see how you compare to everyone else.

This is perfectly normal as we’d like to find out how good we are. But over emphasizing this informal competition can sometimes be a distraction to your own graphic design education.

The main reason why you are attending a graphic design college is to acquire and receive the proper career training that you’ll need for a graphic design job. If you concentrate too much on how everyone else is doing in your classes, you may be sidetracked in developing your own talent and skills by worrying about everyone else.

You can have some friendly competition with others, but don’t be distracted from your own development as a graphic designer.

Next Time…
We’ll present more survival tips that can help you to get the most from your graphic design school. See you then!