Graphic Design

Janet Simonovich left, follow by Chad O'Malley Graphic Designer at INSIVIA: Strategic Marketing, Web Design & Interactive Firm, and Andy Halko, Founder/CEO of INSIVIA 

Graphic Design Student Janet Simonovich has had numerous job offers only weeks after graduation! WHY? I will let Janet field this question!

Life is a choice. You choose where you go to school. You choose how hard you work while you are there. You choose how successful you want to be after you graduate. You may not think that your future is a choice per se, but it is.

Every outstanding effort or lack of effort you put into your projects tells those that matter a little something about you. If you have to plan your next excuse, for whatever reason, well then that should tell you something about yourself.

I made a choice to surge ahead when I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore. I sought out the guidance from the ever-present Mr. Saperstein who was willing to provide both the personal and professional motivation that we all need once in a while. I brushed off the comments that I was an “overachiever” and “always had something good” that was said in an accusatory tone because you know why? I worked my butt off. Of course it’s good. Of course it’s on time. I made the choice that it was going to be good and on time. I had my work on the wall every quarter, won this award here, and that award there, and got that opportunity (which are extremely plentiful at VMCAD) not because I’m special – but because I chose to work for it. And I’ll tell you where it got me.

Several days after I completed school I was contacted – let me say this again – I was contacted – by a well-known agency in town after they viewed my on-line portfolio. I secured several interviews right out of the gate (all of which thought my portfolio stood out amongst the others), some opportunities I turned down, and one I decided to take. I chose to accept a short- term assignment for a worldwide company developing and designing their Microsoft SharePoint 2010 intranet site, and am still getting calls for interviews I am following up on in preparation for when this assignment is over.

I’m in the driver’s seat because of the choices I made, and the guidance of my VMCAD professors helping me along the way. There comes a time when you have to quit making excuses and begin looking at your life—your career—your degree of commitment—as a choice that only you can make. What are you going to choose?

Graphic Design Student Amber Counihan talks about her AAF Education Foundation Scholarship Experience.

First off let me start by saying winning this scholarship was a huge surprise. I’m not a person who wins things, so when I opened up the letter from the AAF saying I won, I was elated!

To enter I had to write an essay about myself and have letters of recommendation. My letters were very complimentary, and it gave me a huge confidence boost to know that people in my industry thought so highly of me. I sent everything in, waited for news, then found out I was a finalist along with 14 other students from the area. I was also told I would have to do a 15-20 min. interview with a panel who would decide if I would get the scholarship or not. No pressure, right? So from the time that I found out, till the day of the panel, I got myself together. I put together my portfolio, and practiced what I would say.

The day of the AAF C4: Create, Communicate, Connect, Career Event (where the panel was held) I had to wait 3 hours from the time I got there, till my interview. I was nervous because I’d made it that far and didn’t want to screw it up at the end. When it was my time I left the event and waited outside the room where the panel was. I took a deep breath, remembered they’re just people, smiled and went in. I had my portfolio with me, so they each took a turn flipping through it. Along with my questions I received some great feedback on my work. I finished the interview pretty relieved it was over and done with.

When I got the letter saying I’d won, I was so happy I took the time to do the work to win this scholarship. I’m also very thankful for all the constructive criticism from the students and staff of VMCAD who helped me improve my portfolio, and speaking skills.

-Amber Counihan, AAF Winner

"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity"    
—Seneca, Roman Philosopher (Mid-1st Century AD)

In Amber's case this was not luck, she works very hard to always be prepared and she understands the importance of every opportunity!  
—Todd Saperstein, Graphic Design Department Chair, Virginia Marti College of Art and Design

I saw this interview as an opportunity to do something different, talk to an amazing illustrator, and get some answers to questions that I had about the industry. My main goal was to produce solid content that the readers could really benefit from. Chris gave me the industry specific insight that I tried to focus my questions on. I have seen a lot of positive feedback so, I would say my first interview is a success!

The article was written for my internship with Go Media, which I managed to get by doing exactly what I have been taught to do…just go for it! Through out my various courses I have been told repeatedly to just "do it" and by doing so, been involved in projects that go outside my comfort zone. These projects are the ones that will allow me to be distinguished from the other designers that just "C" (see) their way through.

—Jesse Jusek

Link to Interview on GoMediaZine: http://www.gomediazine.com/design-articles/interview-with-chris-parks-of-pale-horse-design/

Imagine getting invited to an uber-exclusive retreat where the most successful players in the modern t-shirt design scene would spill all of their secrets (I'm looking at you Graphic Design and Fashion students!).

If that sounds interesting you to, click the link below and come out to Visible Voice Books in Tremont on Saturday 22nd at 7pm for the launch of Jeff Finley's book Thread's Not Dead – The essential strategy guide for dominating the T-shirt design business.

http://threadsnotdead.com/launch/party.php

Saturday, October 22nd

7:00PM

Visable Voice Books in Tremont

Design Room Creative is an award winning studio in downtown Cleveland. Graphic Design Student Chelsea Harris was ecstatic when she earned the opportunity to be their intern for Summer Quarter 2011. Chelsea talks about how she approaches career, success, life, and how Design Room helped her bridge the gap between college world and real world. Graphic Design students should take note, because their future will rely on them taking Chelsea's lessons to heart and acting on them as soon as possible.

Note: This video is also being used to promote the American Advertising Federations 2011 Career Day. AAF-Cleveland has collaborated with VMCAD to creating an event that helps increase graduating students ability to secure their dream career. The event is entitled C4: Create / Communicate / Connect / Career, the new theory of relativity for design and communication careers. December 19th, from 8:00 – 4:00, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

C4 Student Testimonial from Virginia Marti College of Art an on Vimeo.