15 Comments

With the thousands of graduates hitting the job market again this summer and the current climate how it is.
I'd like to see some sort of course/workshop/development plan, call it what you will, but something to really get the new career starters into thinking about setting up their own companies/studios.

There are quite a few courses/workshops already out there helping with "out to get into advertising" "Design" etc... etc... But none seriously aimed at getting this new blood thinking and taking action for themselves.
It's times like these when you need to take proactive decisions.

Therefore, i'd like to see more emphasis on "Building your own" Studio/Agency.
More support to the individual Freelancer.
Cross industry collaborations with Design & Advertising.
Mark Brereton
2009-06-29 11:39:44

I think thats a great idea Mark has suggested. Ive just graduated this time and have thought about setting up myself, getting a few of my course mates in with it. But the lack of help starting up from scratch has led me to make up my mind to get experience out there first, build contacts and then think about it.

Im quite lucky in the fact i have been nominated for a student award. Their site this year is great showing all the work, which is really good for exposure and great for employers. but this is only aimed at a select few. Maybe a site like Behance aimed at all graduates would be a good idea, It could be broken down into types of design and university's too, helping employers finding the designer they are looking for in the right area of the country.
Phil McNeill
2009-06-29 12:03:52

Sounds like Mark Brereton is spot on. It's a tough world out there but there are tons of great and enthusiastic graduates out there. Just need a bit of business no how and some mentoring and great things could happen!

Michael Murdoch
http://www.studio-bodhi.com
Michael Murdoch
2009-06-29 12:20:54

There's a whole raft of websites and collectives trying to showcase graduates and talent and portfolios online (not least the CR Talentpool thing). While I agree that having some structure might be a good thing, the better agencies have no need to look at such websites because they've got a queue of 50+ grads lined up waiting for a job who've contacted them and shown their portfolios. In that regard there's no substitute for (politely) elbowing your way in and making your work seen by people.

Somewhere for potential clients to view work directly (which could be 'rated' by industry types like the D&AD on a recommendations basis) might be more appropriate in terms of freelancing/building contacts for startups rather than trying to get your name heard solely within the industry. But then that might just be retreading companies like YCN.

Essentially, D&AD using their influence on clients rather than designers more effectively to create opportunities for startups I think is a great idea.
Ed
2009-06-29 12:27:22

1- Listen to the people.
2 - Listen to Mark (above), he's got some interesting points.
3 - Start wearing different shirts.
4 - Sort D&AD out.
5 - Write a book about sorting D&AD out.
6 - Hand the job over to someone else.
7 - Retire and be very happy.
action man
2009-06-29 12:49:08

1- How can I, as a "3rd-world-country" designer be involved in international competitions, seminars and exhibitions without being ripped off?
2- Is being a Lebanese an eternal curse for any any designer wanting to be part of the european/international scene (knowing that EU/American graduates get most of the chances)?
samah
2009-06-29 14:01:47

D&AD's "global" reach happened accidentally. D&AD now receives the majority of its entries from outside the UK. (Although the UK, if we call it a country, is still the biggest single source country).

In return D&AD gives these entrants from abroad precisely nothing. The strategy to give back – to deliver education and development globally – has not matched the income. No lectures, no exhibition, not much on the website, an annual in English only. (Not good if you only speak Mandarin, like most Chinese designers and clients.) D&AD seems only to take from Johnny Foreigner.

This is obviously inadequate, and if D&AD doesn't move, local organisations will spring up, losing a very special opportunity to create a genuinely global, designer-owned-and-run competition and development organisation.

Does D&AD have any plans to respond to its (temporary) global popularity?

I just came back from giving a lecture in Cornwall. Since D&AD gives so little there, they have formed their own Cornwall Design Forum. It struggles, but if it were a regional branch of D&AD – following the RIBA structure – it would thrive, being of huge benefit to designers who happen not to work within 10 miles of Vauxhall.

Does D&AD have any plans to develop designers in the UK but outside the M25?

(By the way, Mark, check out the DBA, they provide courses and advice that match what you ask for. D&AD has never been about nitty-gritty of running a studio, but about doing excellent work.)

(And Michael, I think you'll find it's "know how".)
Quentin Newark
2009-06-29 14:29:21

I would like to see Tim connect the D&AD with the design and advertising industry in a wider context.

Many believe the D&AD in it's current form is too firmly focussed on the needs and whims of the agencies on it's doorstep. If Tim can take D&AD out to the people (who make up the majority of members) he will be able to address nation-wide issues and create events and initiatives that effect the country as a whole, rather than just East London.

I guess I'd like to hear from Tim how he plans to assess the industry across the UK in order to decide on his first tasks. I'd like to know how he imagines making the D&AD's hard work felt beyond the M25. I'd also like to know if he could swing me some tickets to next years bash ;)
martyn reding
2009-06-29 15:23:58

I have spent my working life as a copywriter and creative director in Asia and Africa. 35 years in Africa.

1. Be the BBC World Service of advertising, awards, training and courses
2. Reach out to the developing world as the British beacon of creativity
3. Offer courses for creative people from all over the world
4. In two words - Go Global

Addis Ababa
Paul Sullivan
2009-06-29 15:25:00

I'd like to see the awards cleaned up. I am bored senseless with seeing bogus ads and charity campaigns winning awards. Lets see real work that actually helps sell products and shift brand perception. I think effectiveness and sales should be a criteria for creative awards as well.

Also I would like to see a means tested entry fee, small agencies shy away from entering awards schemes because of cost and then the big networks flood entries and hedge their bets to get a good conversion rate.
This system has to change.
G Hoff
2009-06-29 16:22:32

D&AD has a fantastic archive of the best creative communications from over 45 years; there's an opportunity to support the design and advertising industries by running programmes for clients, encouraging investment in creativity and some risk-taking - especially relevant in times of recession, when the temptation might be to stop commissioning brave work.

The DBA run the excellent Design Effectiveness Awards and the Design Council build capacity through Designing Demand but there is room for more - inspirational case studies and promoting collaboration between the best marketing and creative minds so outstanding advertising and design continue to be produced.

I agree that D&AD needs to do more for the creative industry beyond London and the UK too and re-connect with designers.
Louise
2009-06-29 16:40:00

I would like D&AD to embrace what an 'educational charity' could be. I really enjoy the lectures and the Awards each year are a great exercise. Sure there is a graduate talentpool and student awards, but is this enough?

Our professions for better or worse help shape culture and quality of life. D&AD is an educational charity, and from them I would love to see more of how D&AD 'gives back', there should be innovation for both students and working professionals to really invigorate what design and advertising is, and what it could be. Of course this is happening in pockets everywhere, studios, classrooms, conferences, but what if D&AD could lead this centrally?

As an educational charity to keep up the great work but I would also ask D&AD to 'give generously'.
Robin Howie
2009-06-29 16:41:14

Love the points from Louise and Robin Howie above.
There have been many recent articles and news feeds stating that creativity and innovation could and would help the governments and lead the way out of the global recession. Therefore, i think D&AD could also use this to their advantage by positioning themselves as brand, educational and world class leaders in Design and Advertising. Place more emphasis on the value of what it's members and it's projects have to offer to potential clients. Not just another members ego service.
Mark Brereton
2009-06-29 22:07:43

Well, hello everyone. These are great and relevant questions - keep them coming.

I think Paul Sullivan's World Service analogy is on the money, but my personal belief is that what makes the World Service work is not British-ness, per se, but rather its deserved reputation for impartiality and the highest editorial standards. Just like D&AD, funnily enough.

I also think that G Hoff's post relating to means testing is worth looking into: Garrick Hamm and Paul Brazier (current and incoming Presidents) have both raised the question of whether D&AD is actually seeing all of the best work in the world, and the entry threshold is one reason we might not be. Tricky, but worth looking into, and we will.

Anyway, great to see you all caring enough to write: D&AD is special, and it is fully deserving of this kind of attention. I will be doing everything I can to reach out to the world beyond the M25 (London's ringroad, for overseas readers): if you'll see me, I'll see you.

Bring it on!
Tim O'Kennedy
2009-07-01 19:55:55

Hi there,

Following on from some of the comments above, I just thought I would mention that Ravensbourne College is just launching it's new incubation spaces for creative design and media businesses.

There will be work-spaces, use of facilities and a series of workshops for start-ups, sole traders and young businesses. Best bit is that it is all for free! As a result of the funding from the European Regional Development Fund. If anyone is interested, please drop me an email on c.wootten@rave.ac.uk

Thanks,

Carrie
Carrie Wootten
2009-07-09 16:37:50

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