Craft’s Post

Brand design is not easy even though we make it look like it is. To translate strategy into a creative idea into visuals and iconic brand marks, and to do this many times over, takes a divine inspo/vision/creative recharge at every step of the process. Funny how OG designers are seeing design salaries today that are less than what they were 20 years ago, even with longer job descriptions today. Design is a necessity that moves business, and corps out here treating designers like we’re a joke. Also, the antiquated red tape to get into design roles with recruiters and hiring managers (with no design experience themselves) upholding the red tape is wack. I know it's why so many of my design friends have started their own freelance creative studios. (I built Cool Eye Creative out of necessity, not just for funsies). And as I continue to grow as brand designer and founder of Cool Eye Creative, my client list and projects keep getting more aligned as the years go by. (And I'm learning to treat myself better than any employer has ever treated me in the 20+ years since my first ever job.) I know the creative industry is difficult in all areas right now. But I keep it pushing like so many of my peers by doing what I can, and finding the most aligned spaces, projects, and people to help me grow my creative career. #branddesigner #multihyphenate #creative

Manager: "Where is the creative?" Designer: "It's not done yet." Manager: "But you had the whole day?" Designer: "I didn't get the time." Manager: "What were you doing?" Designer: "I was busy." Manager: "Busy doing what?" Designer: "Creating a deck to explain my process of designing the creative to various stakeholders within the organisation." Manager: "As long as you are following the process, screw the output." #process #creativity #advertising #micromanagement #themoraltroll

The number I never I knew I needed... How I beat the Utilisation Trap and gained creative capacity. One of the biggest barriers to growing the Design Studio within a creative agency was the utilisation rates of our designers. (Utilisation = Billed time / Total Employed Time). Does this sound familiar? 🏆 Win a big project but then... Resourcing: "The team is already at capacity - we can start in 6 weeks" 📋 So, let's hire a new creative... Management: "To justify a new higher, you need above target utilisation of your team for 3 months..." ⏰ In the meantime... Creatives: ""I'm burned out - oh and I found a new job - ciao!"" 📋 So you interview... 100 applications and a week later... Potential hire: ""I can start in 12 weeks..."" And so the cycle continues... How have you resolved your creative needs without hiring? #WASSAA #CreativeServices #OnDemandDesign #DesignResourcing

A couple of questions to #hiringmanagers, experienced #creatives, and employed #graphicdesigners: What are you looking for when viewing portfolios from potential new hires? What are key elements or messages that a #portfolio should contain or convey? In a portfolio, are you looking to see a designers growth or process throughout a project, finished work, or a combination of both? Please share any #feedback and wisdom you have below!

"Unfortunately, you lack sufficient experience in our industry." 🤔 Reflecting on past experiences, a common response to rejection from design roles often centred around the feedback — "Unfortunately, you lack sufficient experience in our industry." The thing is, the true skill of a creative is not to create... its adaptability, the will to learn and understand. Like many designers, artists, and creatives, I immerse myself in design in all its forms, adapting to various industries and their unique challenges. So, to all the hiring managers seeking creatives, I urge you to consider taking a chance on those who may come from outside your industries. Their fresh perspective may lead to even better results, untainted by industry biases. After all, most of the industries I've worked in as a Creative Director were alien to me at some point... but I got the job done 👽💪 #takearisk #creative #graphicdesign

"Attention Creative Designers from agencies! We're in search of a talented individual with expertise in concept design to contribute to our dynamic team. Let's create design magic together! 💡🎨 #CreativeOpportunity #ConceptDesign #DesignInnovation #ConceptDesign #CreativeAgency #DesignInnovation #AgencyLife #VisualStorytelling"

In design, there is no universal standard for defining a designer’s experience or expertise. However, common titles exist to describe different levels of designers, which can vary between organizations and industries. JUNIOR / ENTRY-LEVEL DESIGNER — THE LEARNING PHASE - Typically refers to designers who are new to the field or have limited professional experience. - They may still be developing their skills & require guidance and mentorship. - First 2 to 4 years experience. MID-LEVEL / MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER — THE PRACTICING PHASE - They have gained some experience & expertise in their field. - They have a solid foundation of skills & are capable of working on projects independently with some level of creative input. - 3 to 6 years experience. SENIOR DESIGNER — THE LEADING PHASE - They have a significant amount of experience and expertise in their area of specialization. - They often take on more complex projects, lead design teams, & provide guidance & mentorship to junior designers. - 7-10 years experience. ART / CREATIVE DIRECTOR — THE DIRECTING PHASE - These are higher-level positions that involve overseeing & managing the creative direction & design strategy of a project or organization. - They are responsible for guiding the overall vision & ensuring the quality of the design work. - 10+ years experience. It is also to note that in many cases the quality of experience is more important than the years of experience. #design #designer #juniordesigner #seniordesigner #artdirector #creativedirector

It's a common misconception that hiring a cheaper designer saves money. In reality, it ACTUALLY leads to hidden costs and inefficiencies, ultimately impacting your bottom line. Prioritizing quality, reliability, and alignment with your brand's values and objectives can ultimately yield greater returns on investment and long-term success. #hiringtips #designers #graphicdesign #creativetalent

🌟 Understanding the Role of an Art Director 🎨 Ever wondered what exactly an Art Director does? As someone passionate about the creative industry, I often get asked this question. Here's a glimpse into the role: 1️⃣ Creative Leadership: Art Directors are pivotal in shaping the visual identity of projects. They lead creative teams, offering guidance to ensure artistic coherence and excellence. 2️⃣ Conceptualization: They collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders to translate concepts into compelling visual narratives. This involves brainstorming ideas, creating mood boards, and developing visual strategies. 3️⃣ Execution: Art Directors oversee the execution of designs, ensuring they align with brand guidelines and project objectives. They often work closely with graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, and other creatives. 4️⃣ Adaptability: From traditional print media to digital platforms, Art Directors adapt their skills to various mediums, staying updated with industry trends and technologies. 5️⃣ Problem Solving: Beyond creativity, Art Directors are adept problem solvers. They navigate challenges, find solutions, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. If you're passionate about visual storytelling and strategic creativity, consider exploring a career as an Art Director. It's a role that blends artistic vision with managerial prowess, making a lasting impact in the creative landscape. Have questions about becoming an Art Director or want to share your experiences? Let's start a conversation below! #ArtDirector #CreativeIndustry #VisualStorytelling #CareerTips #CreativeLeadership

I met a Creative Director who'd been in the designing industry for 50 years and has taught me a lot. It was funny as I remember an interview few years back from a young recruiter, and I was asked with funny questions. Recruiter: "How long have you been a designer?" Me: "I got 15 years of experience as a designer". Recruiter: "Alright. Next, don't mention your previous experiences until I ask. Let's start with your latest role. "  Me: "I did them branding works with graphic design, videos, and other visual needs for their marketing department". Recruiter: "Do you know Adobe?" I had that in the back of my head when the Director said to me; "Don't ask an experienced designer what designing tool they use. 90% of designers that has over 10 years of experience always have the "never stop learning" mentality... of course they will learn what you need to perform the magic you want from them. Experienced designers are diamonds in the rough, an artist can paint art without paints and brushes. Know them more, get their visual taste, and their rationale behind. 70% of them don't like it fancy. They love it clean and clear. Their priority is usability and sustainability without drastic revamp on an established branding. Always remember to look for a TREND SETTER, not people who knows the trend." #trendsetter #recruitment #designer #branding