It's about the little things...

As I near the end of my school career and begin the job search, it becomes extremely evident that there is a lot more to being an awesome designer than being able to sketch or churn out an awesome render. You may be saying, "Well duh, Sylvia....everyone knows that!" but sometimes I think people underestimate some of the little things that you can do that can set you apart from the competition. Therefore, I give to you...

MY SIMPLE TIPS FOR STANDING OUT IN THE CROWD AND GETTING AHEAD IN LIFE!

1. Be on time!

This one seems so easy to me, but people seem to have a major problem with it. Want to make your boss frustrated? Consistently show up late to meetings...it sets everyone back and cuts into productivity. I always think of it this way...am I going to upset anyone by arriving on time or a little early? Probably not. But if I am late? Many times it won't matter...but someone who is consistently on time will gain a lot more respect than someone who is consistently late.

2. Be respectful!

You never know who you may meet in life, and where that connection will take you. With all of the newfangled technology the world has to offer, (yes, newfangled!) it is just as easy to make connections as it is to break them. Watch what you say as well as what you do (in person AND on the net!)...you never know which of your classmates, friends, or colleagues you might need to ask for a job someday.

3. Be professional!

I think in school we tend to be too casual, especially in presentations and in class. If you are constantly cursing and being inappropriate in class or in your workplace, people are not going to respect you or take you seriously. You might even be making others feel uncomfortable! No one wants to hire someone who is going to make other employees feel uncomfortable. Someone who dresses nicely and presents their work in a serious and compelling manner is going to leave a greater impression on their classmates and coworkers.

I'm not saying I am perfect at all of these rules...but I observe that people who embody these qualities get a lot further in their academic and professional lives than those who may have more talent, but are unprofessional and disrespectful.

Troubadour

Tomorrow is my presentation of my ukulele bag! Here is a collection of some sketches, as well as the final boards.

Ukulele Bag!

In our Des Comm class, we are working on a short two-week project where we can design pretty much whatever we want...so I chose a ukulele bag! Here is a sneak peek of my concept development...

In the next week, I will be finalizing my design and creating renderings that effectively communicate the concept and its features and benefits.

they arrived!

Behold my lovely new business cards!

And something also awesome...

Full circle??

Wow, this is strange! I was looking back at some of my old blog posts and ran across this one...

I had forgot I even listened to a podcast on this topic! I am probably going to do my thesis project about memorializing loved ones through cremated remains, so I have been reading/thinking a lot about what happens to your body after death. (morbid, I know, but I am actually pretty exicted about where this project could go!) So strange...

Business Cards

A couple of days ago I ordered some "Mini Cards" from Moo. I can't wait to get them and start handing them out! I used the art from my "Best of 2009" CD to make 4 different card varieties.

(The following images include bleed area, so they will be cropped a little smaller than shown.)

I will post a photo when I get the real deal! Check it out if you are looking to make some cards, it was 20 bucks for 100 mini cards (and you can have up to 100 different designs on the front of the cards!)

Mash-Up project final renders

Final renderings for my mash-up project in Des Com. I had a lot of fun with this one!!