What’s Next?
The cold wind whipped across our shivering bodies as Chad and I hurriedly crossed from one side of Flinders Street, where our car was parked, to the other side; Jade Monkey’s newish location. I’m referring to the old St Paul’s Complex, where many moons ago I partied nights away listening to some of best DJs in the world.
Just as I have matured since those party days, it feels as though the complex itself has undertaken a similar transformation. Thanks to our government, St Paul’s is now a Creative Centre offering a collaborative co-workspace for our creative industries. We continued to stroll past the Centre and the Monkey’s cute courtyard nestled against the heritage-listed building. Great timing – a guy holding a pile high of pizza boxes was also arriving.
We followed the pizza guy inside this cozy, retro bar last night to attend our second AGDA SA event: First Five Out/What’s Next? The event was a great forum for graphic design graduates and students who might be wondering well ‘what’s next?’, ‘how do other designers carve out their careers?’ and ‘am I the only one who has struggles?’ Since Chad and I recently commenced our creative pathways, we thought acceptance of AGDA’s invitation to hear the evening’s speakers; Lucinda Roberts from Urban & Public/Aspect Studios, Andrew Smart from Parallax and Kieran Wallis from the Voice (no, not the reality singing TV show – the small Adelaide design agency) was a must.
Kieren, the poor bloke, was introduced first – it was ironic, because Kieren is from the Voice, but last night, he had a croaky one. Kudos to Kieren though for keeping his gravelling at bay with a big bottle of H2O at the ready. We learnt that Kieren is a successful full-time brand designer, but rather than talk about his current role, Kieren focused on his journey to now. This is what Chad and I took away:
- You might not feel like a ‘real’ designer once you graduate and that’s okay.
- Be nice to your lecturers – they have connections + are there to help you.
- It’s healthy to try new things and refocus on priorities.
- You will have rough patches and doubt yourself.
- Design is all about confidence.
- Don’t give up, change it up.
- Design is a social activity; emulate and inspire.
- There is no room for haters in your life.
- Quality over quantity when it comes to building your portfolio.
- And the most important tip of them all – HAVE FUN.
The cute cat knit/top I was admiring at the bar belonged to our next speaker, Lucinda Roberts. Lucinda immediately struck us that she had a lot to share in little time – that’s because she did! Lucinda is one of those determined, driven people that anybody would want on their side barracking. And guess what; that is exactly what Lucinda does whether it is via the Hub Adelaide, AGDA, Friends with Benefits or my favourite – The Awesome Foundation. The take aways from Lucinda were:
- There are great support networks for designers.
- Start conversations with people.
- Understand the problem.
- Focus on the solution.
- Focus on an effective process.
- Don’t be afraid to put in the hours, but remember to listen to your body and take time out.
Our last guest, someone dressed very smart (sharp) who had made the trek across the eastern border for work after graduation, but returned to Adelaide under a year later; senior designer, Andrew Smart. This quietly spoken designer gave the following insight:
- Graphic design is a competitive industry.
- Clearly show your workings and thought processes.
- Be nice.
- Don’t turn down freelance work because you’re holding out for something more permanent – these jobs could lead to contacts/permanency/other positive stuff.
- It’s okay to extend your skills outside of graphic design in your workplace.
- There is always room to grow.
- Enjoy the journey.
Who would have thought you could gain so much from a mismatched pendant lighting venue? Thanks for rounding us creatives up AGDA.
Awesome cred going out to my husband, Chad, for doodling last night’s AGDA chairman, Shane Keane and key speakers.