PPD workshop one.

We recently had our first ppd workshop and in this session we were reviewing the two ppd tasks we had already completely to see what else we could get from them. It was an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the graphic design working world. I found the whole workshop really useful because on a personal level it made me feel more confident about looking for professional experience and i'm aware of a starting point where this is concerned. We had to write our 'top ten ideas" for each of the questions and the group discussions made us aware that a lot of people hold the same values when it comes to being a designer. It was also really good to know that people share the same worries so you're not alone. 


WHY ARE WE HERE.

1. Who am I as a designer?

2. Contacting re placements - too formal/informal?

3. What is it to be freelance? Is it possible to be freelance straight away?

4. Creating a company/design practice - team collaborations

5. What you're into - focus/specialism

6. How to become independent

7. Networking

8. Creative skills and software development

9. HOW to be a designer- professional practice

10. Feasibility of working abroad (and placements)


EXPECTATIONS AND CONCERNS - INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE
1. Where to start
2. Expect to gain more knowledge about Graphic Design
3. Gives us a chance to experience different areas of design ans see whether we like them/ if it's what you want to do
4. How do you gain experience to be able to do these placements?- Some require you to already have experience.
5. How do you approach companies - what do you say to ask for your placement?
6. How do you prepare yourself for the experience - portfolio, CV, what do you wear?
7. How do professional relationships work?
8. Want to make more contacts/network.
9. Gain confidence in own work.
10. How do you know you're ready?
11. Want proper live work experience- full professional experience, real briefs.
12. Help to discover who we want to work with/how we want to work.


I also took a few notes on certain things that were discussed when the whole group was back together again, these were important points that were made in terms of my own knowledge. 


- You are more likely to gain a studios attention via phone call
- Persistance usually pays off
- Make sure you're prepared for work experience in terms of financial aid 
- Have emails checked before sending them out 
- Writing letters is always really positive if done correctly
- Be professional
- Your portfolio only needs a maximum of ten pieces
- Be realistic about where you want to do work experience 
- Use people you know as contacts eg. a friend of a friend