Short Stories for your Job Interview
Assignment 7
TEAM | GOOD | BAD | SPECIAL | FUTURE | Portal Page
TEAM
1. I have worked in many team atmospheres over the years doing graphic and web design. Most recently I was part of a team as the lead designer along with a writer and art director for AT&T and Carnival Cruise Lines. We were in charge of Direct Response Marketing, Microsite and Landing Page development.
2. As part of Marketing and Communication you are in charge of all development of the company’s print collateral or web development. I have been a part of a few of these where I was the graphic designer along with other designers and writers. Creating over 200 pieces of marketing for print and web at the University of Washington can keep you on your toes.
GOOD
1. Working for the Santa Fe New Mexican Newspaper, my work was chosen as part of the 1998 Newspapers Association’s Best Outdoor Promotion for a Rack Card, We were promoting the city’s Indian Market event that year.
2. Working at the HackerGroup I worked as a member of a small team where we had to produce ideas for the client that had to be shown to the Account Rep., Account Executive and Creative Director. I remember working on Carnival Cruise Lines and we earned all sorts of praise for what we had produced. The client was blown away with what we created.
BAD
1. I have had a good handful of times where I have shown a client some work and the look on the clients face is blank. It is not until the client talks all about what is wrong and you of course need to listen. It is tough to hear but makes for a new challenge to get it right for the next round.
2. A bad day is when the client decides to cancel the event. An example I have, is when I worked at the University of Washington. We had to create all sorts of print collateral pieces for an event, ranging from websites, posters, signage etc. As we were getting ready to send everything to press the client decided that the event was not showing interest and the budget was not there. Without freaking out about this change and all the hard we had done, we were able to turn that project into another event by changing the graphics around some.
SPECIAL
1. What I bring to my team or work environment is my ability to adapt fast to the work at had. When given a new job, I do everything that I can to learn about the client or that particular job. For instance, as a freelancer you are brought in at a moments notice and expected to create as fast as you can.
2. My friendly demeanor is very key when adjusting to hard deadlines and working as a group. As a team member you can not have a bad attitude as the work must get done. The client needs their product released to the public or the newspaper needs their ads built on time.
FUTURE
1. Grow with the industry is first and foremost for my future in IT. With the ever changing world of technology you have to stay on your toes. I will always look for new ideas, follow trends and maybe go back to school if there is an option at the next place of employment. Staying focused with what is happening around you will help me out a lot. Talking with instructors at SCCC, fellow students and clients will help with my growth in this industry.
2. Find a company that has a good product or deals with clients that interest me. Doing background checks on a future place of employment will be key for the interview. Any extra knowledge that I can gain from a future company will help with the new transition from Print Designer to Web Designer. The hope is that where ever I end up next, I will be able to utilize my 15 years of print design and balance it out with web design.