3. I’m enthusiastic about all things design and have many interests and talents. How do I narrow down what to specialise in?
Kelley: If you are still young and exploring, keep an open mind. Try to get internships at studios of different design disciplines and see which suits you best. In fact, having many talents and being a “generalist” are huge assets as many design briefs now call for interdisciplinary solutions. You need not worry about narrowing down and focus on broadening your skills!
Larry: Easy. Imagine at any given day, you need to wake up and get back to work. What does that day look like?
Astri: You can either be a “specialist” or a “generalist”. If you have a specific calling or interest, you can be a “specialist”. If not, it’s also totally fine to do all kinds of design.
Steve: By the encounters you have in the outside world. For example, commissions, projects and gigs which are offered to you to take (or not).
4. I’m struggling to make my portfolio stand out. Do you have any practical tips on how to find your voice and make your work truly distinct?
Kelley: The strength of a portfolio depends on the works that are presented in it. Focus on making great works that are also distinct from one another. This will help you to see what you do best or what you like best, thus helping you find your voice.
Building a solid portfolio will make you noticeable to potential employers. To achieve great works, you must be willing to work very hard, test new ideas, train your eye and refine your skills.
Larry: Look outside your work for ideas. For example, find
an artist on Spotify, look closely at who they are and how they can be summarised
into a single line/word, i.e. their “essence”. Then look at how they dress, style,
design, carry themselves and perform. Think about how they make you feel. Finally,
imagine you are the artist that you want to be… start from there.
Astri: Think of yourself as a product. Decide what your unique selling point is and tell your story from there. Quality over quantity – only put the work that you’re proud of. Finally, before you hit send: take a double, even triple look, how can you make it better?