Do I really need an internship?

YES!

Real-world experience is very important as you begin your graphic design career path. I think it's ideal for you to do it while you're in school, as that will give you a head start on the competition once you graduate.

"Think about it, after graduation, imagine the swarm of people who will be looking for the same job you're after! But guess what? If you have a little bit more "real-world" experience than your cohorts, you'll be looked at more seriously as opposed to the others. Plus, you've already started building those relationships!"

Most schools have career counselors who will help you find internship opportunities, or even ask your instructors. Another great place to look is your local student graphic design organizations. Get involved - if you're not, others are getting there before you! [Look at the local organization links over on the right side. ->]

Internship can be hard to find, especially depending on when you graduate. Graduations usually happen in May and December. Those are usually when companies are looking to find interns. Good grades, a good attitude and a good portfolio will get you to the front door. But don't forget, it's also about who you know, especially in this business! So mix and mingle and become friends with everyone. After all, you never know who's looking for someone just like you.

Most organizations are looking to have an intern to run their errands, and although this happens mostly in advertising agencies, it's still not a bad set up. You get to see the way things work around the different departments, plus you have a very good chance of participating with special events and parties.

Sometimes, it's not just about running errands. You're there to be helpful, and do the little things other people don't have time for. So what's in it for you? Again, you get to see how things work, the processes and timelines. You get to see how the hierarchy of approvals go, and how to work with clients.

Always be respectful and friendly. They will remember you, and seriously consider inviting you to stay on longer. Try to walk away with something under your name - that means, get friendly with the art director and ask how you can help.

If you're given a project - especially as an intern - don't do half-ass work. Be as thorough as possible, and that includes research. If you have to, take the extra time, even if it's after hours, to work on it. Remember, what you're creating represents YOU and nobody else! Who knows, you may impress someone so much, you'll even be surprised.

It can be a rough world for us graphic designers, and having an internship is a great way to start crawling in the business. It's not unusual to have more than one internship, too. Consider working at an agency, and an in-house art department. Get creative on expanding your portfolio.

Let me know what your experiences have been as an intern? Tell us where you've worked and some tips on surviving!

How do I make a darn good business card?

First of all, you have to define "Darn Good."

Darn Good - adj - communicates effectively through the use of GOOD layout, typography and color. Catches the eye, and facilitates staring and comments like "Hey, this is a really cool card!".

This means your card must be:

1. original
Some would say nothing is original. But, I disagree. If you're having a hard time being "original," research some business cards you like and take note of what's really "effective in communicating." You can also look at some nasty business cards and ask yourself, "What would I change?"

2. simple - KISS (Keep it simple stupid)
Clutter means chaos. Chaos means hard to find information. Hard to find information means you're not communicating. Not communicating means people won't hire you because you're supposed to be the EXPERT in visual communication! Do some research! USE WHITE SPACE! (This doesn't mean it has to be white, you can use other things like visual texture.)

Just be sure to make the first impression of your card be a reflection on what you do. If the card if for an architect - make the card reflect the personality and tone of that industry.

3. legible
The first impression of a card is, how professional is the designer? It's easy, can it be read with squinting? Is the type too small? (not a good technique) Use at least 9 point on your print work. Another problem with legibility on business cards is color contrast. Don't use opposite colors on the color wheel unless it's done for focal point.

"The purpose and priority of a business card is to
show contact information, first and foremost!"

People have business cards because "boom, boom, boom" it gives you exactly what you're looking for, fast. If within a couple seconds, someone can't find your e-mail, or phone, or fax, or whatever -- redesign the card.

You can use serif or sans serif fonts -- it really doesn't matter here, just as long as they can be read. Using more than 2 typefaces can be distracting and can reduce legibility. Don't do weird stuff with your type like make it go around in circles, or off in different directions. It makes it hard to FIND the info. If I were to do this with type, I'd limit the information to be only about 10 characters each line. Use a focus group if you aren't sure how it will be perceived.

4. with correct information
Give people the correct contact information. If you're changing your e-mail address to be more professional -- be sure to check your e-mail every day! If people are trying to contact you and you aren't responding, this gives a sign that you aren't responsible, or dependable or professional. Get it together!

5. with necessary information
Okay - all you REALLY need on your business card is: First/Last Name, Phone, E-mail, Title. If you have a business, you will add your Business Name, Fax Number. That's it. No mailing address is necessary, believe it or not. (This works for any business, any industry.)

You'll be surprised at how many cards I've seen from graphic designers who forget to put what they do. I end up with a card with someone's name and phone number. I can't remember who the heck that was! Make your card unforgettable!

If you're using a logo - that it remains large enough to be recognized. Be consistent on the placement and size of the logo throughout all your printed materials.

6. a normal size
The business card must be the standard size - 3.5" x 2" (vertical or horizontal) - and must be able to fit in a wallet or business card case. What happens if it doesn't? Someone will throw it away or cut it up to make it fit.

You wanna get funky? If you have the money and the creativity, experiment with die cuts. Rounded corners, other shapes or holes. Just make sure, at the end of the day, it fits in a wallet.

7. printed nicely on nice card stock

Should your promotional piece have a gimmick? Here’s an example of how some cards aren’t printed on actual card stock. I really like 120lb stock. Aqueous coating is nice too that gives you a high-gloss, scuff-resistant coating. But it really depends on the message you're trying to give. It's about the whole experience.

"If you're a graphic designer, your marketing piece is your business card. Use the best quality. Spend some money to market yourself. Don't get cheapy tear-apart-cards you get at the local office supply. YOU design it, YOU work with a professional printer."

If you have any ideas or examples of business cards you've made, please share them with me, and I'll post them on the blog. Post your comments by selecting the comments link below.

8 tips for talking to strangers at a networking mixer

Big Huge Summer Mixer - Was it any good? HECK YEAH!

OKAY - so I went to this mixer. Literally hundreds of people there - about the size of a royal wedding!

The idea was that ALL the creative organizations in Houston represent and bring their members to mingle. So, here are the organizations who hosted this summer fest: AMA, AWRT, ADCH, BMA, HAF, HDMA, HiMA, HPMA, IABC, OiH, PIGC, PMI, PRSA, TXMPA, WIFT and AD2. (Try saying that fast!)

Just want to give you an idea of the people I met in just a couple of hours of being there. I collected 22 business cards. (Of course, I didn't say goodbye until they had my business card in their hand.)

Some of the representatives include the following companies and industries: (in no particular order)

Industries
Advertising / Marketing
Graphic Design
Film/Video Production
Catering
Technology
Oil & Gas
News Media
Software Development
Project Management

Just A Few Companies I Met
Immodicus
TerryPro
Six Foot Studios
Lopez Negrete
HP
Harris + Hernandez Advertising
Baker Hughes
Houston Chronicle
Rumbo
Morrison Design & Advertising
Radio Disney
Los Toros Films
JB Knowledge
Eventigy
Women in Film & Television

What's the point in telling you this? The point is, networking is absolutely critical! Can you imagine who else I would have met if I stayed longer?!

I stopped by after work for a couple hours, (first stopping by the Art Institute Portfolio Show), put the sticky name tag on my shirt and with a wallet full of business cards, I took a deep breath and started talking to people. (Drink water when you go to these things. The band was so loud forcing you to get face-to-face just to hear, and alcohol on people's breath isn't the most conversation-comfortable. Not to mention, you won't start sounding like a moron.)

So do you think you're good at networking? Many people use the excuse that they're shy or don't know what to say. Oh bologna! Here are my 8 tips for talking to strangers at a networking mixer:

1.EYE CONTACT (get close to them so they can see your eyes) comfortable distance is one to two feet away. Only after you've done this you can continue to step 2.

2.SMILE nobody wants to talk to someone who mopes - you're just not approachable -- tell yourself to get over it! Why is this so hard for some people? You're not gonna die. (Just make sure you didn't eat any spinach appetizers, or the like.)

3.SHAKE HANDS no wimpy, fishy handshakes. Be strong, even for the women. Don't kill the other person, they'll push harder! When you're shaking hands, be sure to give eye contact. Shake hands when you introduce yourself and right before you walk away.

4.SAY SOMETHING FIRST you should be the first person to say something, it's usually after YOU initiate the handshake. If you know you're not good at this, just memorize a few lines you can use at random. Here are some suggestions: "Hi, my name is Carla, what's yours?" or "Hi, I'm Joe. What is it that you do?" or give someone a compliment <- this always works!

5.COPY BODY LANGUAGE mimic their body language. Sounds stupid, I know. But once you practice this, you'll be a natural, and won't even know you're doing it. For example, if someone crosses their arms -- you cross your arms. If they put their hands on their waste -- you put your hands on your waste. Get it? Why should you do that? Well, it's a body language sign that says I'm really into you and care deeply about what you're saying.

6.EXCHANGE BUSINESS CARDS Exchanging cards is the most critical part of this. Isn't this the point anyway? You'll meet so many people, it's hard to keep up. A good rule (I'm making up right now) is to give your business card to the person FIRST, usually within the first 3 minutes of your conversation. Otherwise, you'll both forget or get distracted by other socialites.

If you don't have business cards - make some. You will find yourself embarrassed saying, "oh, I don't have any" or "I don't have them with me." This isn't professional. Keep a stash in your car. When someone gives you their business card, LOOK AT IT and say their name! "Mark, it is really nice to have met you."

7.KEEP IT SHORT Don't talk to someone for more than 7 minutes. Wrap it up and move on. Even if they seem super interesting, you're probably getting on their nerves. Just get the business card and go on to the next person who looks appealing.


8.FOLLOW UP Follow up with them with an e-mail to let them know you enjoyed meeting them, requesting to stay in touch. Ask them to join your professional network on LinkedIn or something similar. Send them an e-mail once in while and say howdy.

What are some challenges you have faced at networking events? Do you have any advice? Select the "comments" link below to post your response.