Steve and Dan both graduated from Stockport College in 2007, each with a 1st in Graphic Design and also D&AD new blood 'best in show' awards to their names. They recently came in to talk to the second and third year students about their achievements.
One of the main pieces of advice they emphasised was to make the most of being a student and to really seize all of the opportunities that you have. For example; make use of the college facilities and be aware of everything the college has to offer and use it to the max, because in a design agency all you'll really have is a mac and a printer. Also to make sure that you're turning up for college because one of the most important things about being in the creative industry is interacting with other designers and bouncing ideas off one another. They also told us that now is the time to start getting ourselves noticed, by the time we come to start thinking about our careers we'll be fighting off competition from the 15,000 or so other graduates who are after the same jobs. The key is to not be afraid of being different and to have a certain unique quality that makes you stand out from the crowd. They told us to start contacting design agencies and begin networking, getting ourselves out there, attending events, entering competitions etc. And of course, making the most of our tutors experience whilst we have the chance and gaining knowledge from the likes of the great Ian Parkin and James Corazzo.
The advice they gave really helped and made their achievements seem within reach, and as for their success at D&AD New Blood, they said that it is a fantastic opportunity for any student; a chance to meet agencies and contacts that you will have for life. 2,000 of the best students from around the world attend the three day long 'New Blood', and out of only 40 possible prizes, Steve and Dan were awarded one each, which was a fantastic achievement for themselves and also the course as a whole.
The benefits of their D&AD success has allowed them to raise their profile within the creative industry, giving them a head start with job interviews and portfolio viewings. They have done placements at Thoughtful and The Chase and now have steady jobs at very contrasting agencies; with Steve working at McCann Erickson and Dan at the more independent Mark Studio. They both look set to have very successful careers and I wish them good luck for the future.
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