The Pitch

PC vs Mac

When it comes to Mac vs PC each have their high points and each can be considered the better system depending on the users needs.

PCs are very family orientated. A typical TV advert for a windows device will show the entire family using the system whereas an Apple advert will show mainly adults using their device as they are not marketed to younger markets. Outside of the creative industries Macs are typically purchased by people in the 30s-40s age bracket and windows typically attract people in their teens and 20's.

 Macs
+ As Macs are built for designers they typically have more accurate colour and resolution.
+Macs are built  in-line with higher end computers with better components.
+Faster processing speed
+Less likely to contract a virus.
+Much higher customer satisfaction rate.

PC
+ PC's have got a larger consumer base as software developers prefer making stuff for windows
+The vast majority of PC's are much cheaper than the standard Mac
+Windows computers have a wider variety of models with different specs, making it easier to find a PC to suit your specific needs.
+More RAM, hard disk space and USB ports

CV Examples

The previous post shows my current CV however i have research other CV's from people in my field and have discovered many very creative examples. Approaching the creation of a CV as if it were a piece of art would be very beneficial as it would make you instantly memorable to a potential employer whilst also showing your skills as a designer.








The above are some of the most creative examples of a CV which i could find. They show that your CV can essentially look however you want it to and your design skills will be on show before and meeting or portfolio viewing by an employer. A dull CV will automatically send out the message that you lack the skill or creativity to excel in the industry and could potentially ruin your chances of a successful interview before the employer even reads it.

Images Taken From:
http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/170/a/1/cv_graphic_designer_by_roy6199-d69pu69.jpg
http://payload175.cargocollective.com/1/7/253267/5808320/stylerdesign%20cv1small.jpg
http://jasminesmithart.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/new-colour-cv1.jpg
http://www.globalrecruitingroundtable.com/wp-content/uploads/CV-20-Wanted-Zarkaoui-Chourouk.jpg

CV

Liam Matthew Carr

11 Lowdale Lane Hartlepool TS24 9RL Tel. 01429 280781 Mob. 07740 882479 Email. lCarr1991@hotmail.com

Personal Profile

A dedicated, self motivated and reliable person with an excellent work ethic and the ability to work efficiently on my own initiative.  I am very versatile and can adapt to new roles and situations well, learning quickly and integrating into an existing workforce with ease.  My effective communication skills and co-operative manner allow me to work very well as part of a team and I am always willing to support colleagues when appropriate.  With over three years experience within the customer service industry, I have proved my ability to interact with the general public in a polite and professional manner and develop an excellent rapport with customers.  I am also flexible regarding days and hours of work and would be willing to work any overtime required.  In addition, I would welcome the opportunity of any further training available to develop my skills and abilities.

Key Skills & Abilities

·       Excellent customer care skills

·       Effective team player

·       Computer literate

·       Time management and organisational skills

·       Cash handling experience

·       Problem solving skills

·       Excellent attendance record

·       Loyal and committed

·       Diligent approach to health & safety

·       Full clean driving licence and own transport

·       Better than average organisational skills

·       Friendly and Approachable

Employment History

Owton Fens Community Association (2006)
Wynyard Road Hartlepool, Cleveland TS25 3LB
Tel: 01429 287 079

Bensons (2007- present)
123 York Road Hartlepool, Cleveland
Tel: 01429 860122

Painter/Decorator (2010)

Snuggledown Books (2012)
http://www.snuggledownbooks.co.uk

I have spent a short time working for the Owton Fens Community Association, an Association which provides Social, Leisure and Enterprise Opportunities with a particular focus on individuals, education and employment. This was a good character builder and an excellent introduction into working life. I have also spent several years working part time in Bensons, a local business specialising in selling and repairing shoes, handbags, luggage, rugs and a myriad of other things.
I have illustrated several children’s books for a small newly formed company called snuggle down books. This gave me experience in working towards a deadline as well as teaching me the importance of finding a job which I enjoy. I also spent a short period in 2010 as a painter and decorator.

Education & Qualifications

St. John Vianneys RC primary school
King Oswy Drive
Hartlepool TS24 9PA
Tel: (01429) 273273
1994 - 2002

English Martyrs School and Sixth form college
Catcote Road
Hartlepool TS25 4HA
Tel: 01429 273790
2002 – 2010

Cleveland College of Art & Design
Church Square
Hartlepool TS24 7EX
Tel: 01642 288 000
20103 - present

I currently hold 10 GCSE’s and 4 A levels. These Include:

- a B in GCSE Fine Art, Art and Design & Religious Studies
- a C in GCSE Physical Education, English Literature, Mathematics & Information Technology
- a D in GCSE Science and Geography
- a B at A level Media Studies and Religious Studies
- a C at A level Photography
- a D at A level Information Technology

                               

Interests & Hobbies

In my leisure time I enjoy the same hobbies and interests as most people my age. These include socialising, playing video games, visiting the cinema and spending time with my family, friends and girlfriend. I would say I have a relativly active social life which keeps me in high spirits without interfering with whatever work that needs to be done.

References

Available upon request

Exhibitions

There are various Exhibitions, shows, films, workshops and lectures happening constantly in the field of graphic design. From the 13th - 21st of September, The London Design Festival will be taking place across London. This will be the 12th festival which has been an annual event since 2003. It is one of the most important design events in the world and is made up of over 300 events and exhibitions staged by hundreds of partner organisations from around the world. The festival is summised on their website as such:

"The London Design Festival was conceived by Sir John Sorrell and Ben Evans. Building on London's existing design activity, their concept was to create an annual event that would promote the city's creativity, drawing in the country's greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to a deliver an unmissable celebration of design." -  http://www.londondesignfestival.com/

Just over a year ago the UCLA put on an exhibition called "Graphic Design - Now in Production" at the Hammer Museum. It was the largest exhibition on the subject in decades and looked specifically at how graphic design has broadened its reach and become less of a specialised profession and more, something that people use regularly and plentifully. Because of it's scope and the people in charge or conducting the exhibition I imagine it would have been especially interesting to attend. (http://hammer.ucla.edu/exhibitions/detail/exhibition_id/218)

Eye Magazine (http://www.eyemagazine.com/events) and Creativelectures.com (http://www.creativelectures.com/tag/graphic-design/) were a rich source of information when it came to looking for events relating to graphic design and would be a good place to start when looking for exhibitions, lectures and workshops in future as they both provided a long and concise list of all of these things.

Copyright

To make sure your work is safe you must make sure it is properly marked. This will show that it is protected under law. Work is automatically subject to copyright protection under law but displaying a notice shows that you have an awareness of copyrighting and take it seriously. If you register your work you will have evidence in case your claim is disputed by someone claiming the work is theirs.

Keeping your evolution of the idea will also help prove this. This can be early drafts, rough sketches etc. Water marking (inserting evidence into finished documents that can be read using special applications) can also be helpful in this regard.

If the work is a joint venture you must be sure to know who owns the rights to what and what happens when someone leaves the project. Copyright lasts your entire life and for 50 years after you die.

A number of things which are not copyrightable include: 
-       titles, names, short phrases, and slogans;
-       familiar symbols or designs;
-       mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering, or coloring;
-       mere listings of ingredients or contents
-       Ideas, procedures, methods, systems, processes, concepts, principles, discoveries, or devices
-       Common information such as calendars, measurement charts, TV guides
-       Government or legal documents

If someone breaches copyright law...:
1.    You can apply for an injunction (also known as an interdict) to prevent further copying or distribution of your work.
2.    You can ask the court to order the copycat to deliver-up all the infringing copies of your work.
3.    You can claim damages OR a reasonable royalty for the copies of your work that has already been made and used by the copycat.
4.    If the infringement was flagrant and you can prove that the copycat intentionally stole your design, you can ask the court to award additional punitive damages.

Info taken from http://myows.com/blog/copyright-basics-for-graphic-designers-part-1/

Health and Safety

The CCAD's health and Safety guidelines
The College recognises and accepts its responsibilities as an employer and as a service provider for securing the health, safety and welfare of its employees whilst at work, students on College premises, during study visits and work experience and for members of the public who use its premises.

The College will provide and maintain so far as is reasonably practicable:

• Work places, systems of work and equipment that are safe and without risk to health
• Safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances
• A healthy working environment

•Suitable and sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision

•Training in programme-related procedures on processes and machinery which will occur during induction and throughout theprogramme

•To enable all employees and students to avoid hazards and to contribute positively to their own health and safety at work

•Instruction on emergency routes and exits, safe evacuation during emergency situations, and fire

assembly points, which will occur during induction and throughout the programme

Health and Safety legislation placesresponsibility on the individual to make him / herself aware of hazards and to follow recommended safe procedures. The legislation covers all staff and students. Students who behave or conduct themselves in a dangerous manner or do not demonstrate common sense are liable to be excluded from work areas. In particular, it is important that students realise they have a recognised legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act to:

•Comply with all College health and safety procedures to ensure their own safety and the safety of all others.

•Wear personal protective equipment required during College attendance

•Observe all instruction and training as required during College attendance

 
Taken from http://ccad.ac.uk/

 In the printing industry, manual handling (such as using different knives and guillotines), slips and trips, and the use of machinery are the most common types of accidents, contributing to approximately 25% of the overall accidents each, 75% as a group. The number of manual handling accidents can be lessened by proper training and instructional videos.

Given that any activity, substance or tool that may potentially cause harm is a hazard, being a designer is more dangerous than you would assume. Here is a list of hazards, how they could cause danger and how it could be prevented:

• Craft Knife - Can cause severe cuts by incorrect or careless use. This can be prevented by incorporating cutting mats, safety rulers and correctly holding the work.
• Paper Drill - Broken drill bits, incorrect and careless use can cause puncture wounds. This can be prevented by regularly checking and carefully cleaning the drill bits.
• Sanding Disks and Fretsaws - Injury can occur due to flying debris, inhalation of dust and allowing your hands to come into contact with the blade or abrasive surface. Safety goggles, aprons and dust extraction are vital here to combat the danger.

You should be familiar with the above symbols which mean eye protection must be worn, ear protection must be worn, danger high voltage and flammable respectively. 

Info taken from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/graphics/productionsystemrev7.shtml

Career Oppertunities

Through my course i will acquire many transferable skills including:

- Communication
- Organization
- Team Work
- Explaining Ideas
- Effective Writing
- Good Grasp on Various Software
- Conveying information
- Thinking Ahead
- Time Management

When my 3 year course is complete it is not likely that i will immediately fall into a good job at a design house and so I will need a plan to help me through the early period of time in which I will not have a steady income. I could find a part time job in a different field while working freelance to build up a portfolio to get noticed or i could choose to go onto a higher level of education. Currently, 12.6% of people coming out of a Graphic Communications course remain unemployed for a notable length of time whilst 68.5% find some form of work and 9.1% stay in education.

Were I to attempt to find a job relating to my course, the best choices would be:

• Advertising art director
• Animator
• Graphic designer
• Illustrator
• Printmaker
• Production designer, theatre/television/film

Jobs in which my degree would be useful include:

• Fine artist
• Medical illustrator
• Multimedia specialist
• Photographer

If i was looking to stay in education, a masters degree would be a good way to go. It would help develop my work, skills and knowledge.
Some masters allow you to collaborate, with artists from other courses such as fine artists or film makers. Additionally, a Masters gives the student time to build up their  portfolios and create a larger network of contacts which would eventually be invaluable when it does come time to get a job.

Source: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_graphic_design.htm