12.11.09
Our most recent portfolio visit was with Liquid solution based in Liverpool. We arranged to see senior creative director Karen. Liquid's work is mainly ideas generation and when approaching briefs they look at what it is, who the audience are, and the objective.Re-occurring advice I have received throughout these visits is to think about the next step of a brief and think of where you can take it. I have realised that being pro active is essential and going that extra mile is important.
Karen stressed that she believe's placements paid or unpaid are crucial. She says you should look into different companies to see where you want to be and to know what you are getting yourself into. At Liquid they don't tend to take on many placements and consider themselves to be very selective due to bad experiences. Karen's opinion was that potential work placements need to fit in, be interactive, pro active and willing to learn. As Liquid have limited time she says they don't want to get students in to be sat in the corner. They want themselves and the student gain from the experience. Karen herself, did 2 unpaid placements before and after she graduated before being employed at Liquid 6 years ago. As Karen was our first female designer on a portfolio visit we found this quite interesting. It made us question where were all the female designers?. Karen says it isn't as bad as we actually think and that there isn't actually a issue within the gender area within design. She says that the industry just works that way and that there isnt a specific reason for it.
I asked Karen what is expected of a junior Her response was that you shouldn't feel pressured to know everything. People understand you are learning. Karens opinion of requirements in a junior is enthusiasm, basics on programs, basic layout and typography skills, pro activeness, willing to learn, ideas and understanding.
