Month: February 2023

In this week’s blog assignment we are asked to reflect on a past project that I did not meet the mark on. Whether that is because of my own expectations or the expectations of the other entity.

My story is not about one project as much as it is one specific job. I took a dramatically low paying, in house graphic design job for a museum in the greater seattle area. I took the job out of pure excitement and because a personal connection within the staff at the museum got me the opportunity to get this job and did not want to pass it up.

My first real graphic design job in my eyes, and it went down in flames. My first task was to create merchandise for the museum to sell in their gift shop, a few examples of the specific items requested were an engraved glass cup, stickers, and possibly a shirt. This job was also before I began this program, that is very important. I began work on all three of these items at the same time, while also working 6 days a week, and working on my portfolio for this program. So needless to say my energy to be creative was quite drained. I also was drastically unaware of how to communicate with an actual company and the rules around there properties. I immediatley began making a design that essentially redesigned their current logo because I disliked their current logo, which was not requested nor a good idea. I also, due to lack of free time, was not spending alot of time on these projects. This led to the person who hired me to reach out and ask for things multiple times, with me not having anything to give in return. 

Eventually I had to make the decision that parting ways was the best for both parties. Thankfully i did that because it gave me more time to work on my portfolio and who knows, if i had stayed my portfolio might have never happened and I would not be in this program.

The biggest takeaway’s I got from this experience is to one, never ever take a job that pays as little as that one did. Not only because it hurts me directly but it also brings down the price for other designers indirectly. Second is to not overload my plate, I have been doing that for the last few years and it cuaght up to me finally at that point and i now know tjat is not sustainable. My third and final takeaway is to do everything differently, I now have so much more knowledge thanks to this program and will be much more successful at my next job,

In this week’s blog assignment we are asked to list our top three hard skills and top three soft skills and expand on each. I will start off with my list of hard skills that I have developed throughout my years in the workforce.

My first hard skill I would list is Graphic Design, specifically html and css. I have been able to build somewhat of a passion for html/css and would list that as my top hard skill within graphic design. I would keep the actual skill as Graphic Design to broaden my opportunities. My second hard skill would be Project Management. I am comfortable speaking and assigning roles to others in order to get the job done but also to ensure that people are in roles that give them creative power. Last but not least I would list Risk Management, I have had to weigh out the risk reward in many workplace scenarios, specifically at a super busy coffee shop that I work in. If I am busy but know I need to refill something, is it worth it to make people wait and how much time it would take to do whatever it is I need to do in such a busy environment.

My soft skills are things that I believe would seal the deal for me in interviews and in the workplace. I am a very outgoing outspoken person but also know when and when not to speak up. My first soft skill would be just that, communication. I have worked numerous jobs that require a high level of communication in order to be efficient and successful. I also am a very communicative person when it comes to my peers, I allow others to approach me and give them the attention needed, I do not come to them and hound or look over their shoulder, rather I communicate, let them handle what they can and if help is needed I am here to communicate. Secondly I would list Critical Thinking as a soft skill of mine. I work well under pressure and I do so because I think critically before a scenario and while the scenario is in full swing I am quick on my feet and can pivot if necessary. My third and final soft skill would be Stress Management. I understand how damaging stress is to people, so that stress is ten fold when applied to a job where being creative is a requirement. 

Two soft skills I would like to improve upon are my body language, and Time management. I think sometimes my aura gives off the vibe that I do not want to be approached when in reality I love talking and can do so for hours. Time management is something I constantly struggle with, it is something that plagues me and I know that in order to be successful in this career that needs to change.

Two hard skills I would like to improve upon is social media. I have been off of social media for a very long time and need to relearn how to use it in a way that is promoting my work. Second hard skill would be Data analysis, by that I mean how to gather data and use it to adapt to what is going on.

For this weeks blog assignment we were tasked to create and film an elevator pitch about ourselves. See video attached!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/m8rei57ij1wmczj/Movie%20on%202-6-23%20at%207.58%20AM.mov?dl=0