5 Things They Did Not Teach me at Art School.

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For those pursuing a design degree, for those about to do so, or for those about to employ recent graduates, here are the musings of one recent graduate, who just entered the “real world”.

Five things they did not teach me as  part of my course work while at design school.

One – No one taught me Personal Psychology or Mind reading or better yet ESP.

With some clients you really feel the absence of a mind reading or personal psychology course here are a few examples:

Example 1:
The client who doesn’t know what he/she wants…
Client: “I want a banner 1m by 1.6m”
Your thoughts: “this size a bit large for a Flash banner, you probably mean a poster”.
You: “oh, YES! a poster.”

A few hours later… you made a great poster and then you realize the client gave you the wrong instructions, he actually  meant 1m height and 1.6m width… Get back to the drawing board…

Example 2:
The client who doesn’t know what he needs…
Client: “I would like to update my site a bit but I don’t need a new one.”
Your thoughts: “Uh, this site was build 6 years ago, Lets try a new concept???”

Example 3:
The one who knows what he wants( but it’s so ugly!)
I want a a new logo for my company, I want it to be official looking,
I thought maybe using the first letter of the company in Pink with dots…
Here, I made a sketch “for you” in… wait… here it comes…power point…

Two – No One Taught  Me  How to Write Up a Project Budget Estimate

Try to ask someone how to estimate the cost of a project: say, building a web site, designing a poster or even creating a small Flash banner.

You would probably get the most annoying reply: “How much is your time worth?”
That answer couldn’t be any more frustrating.
But the client is waiting for your answer.
 So, what do you do?

You have to ask yourself how many hours are needed to complete the project or task at hand.
(The time spent on chitchatting on the phone about your recent trip to Paris should not be included.)
Now multiply time estimate by  your  hourly rate, if you know what that rate is. and…

Woopee!! You did it! You’re sure you did a damn good job with that price quote.
But then reality strikes! You forgot to estimate the time you spent for at least two or three changes, The time you truly tried to understand the client emails  and sometimes the money you spent for much needed yoga classes after the client changed his mind for the 7th time…

Three – No one taught  me  how to budget my time correctly

While in school and working on a “school project” you have a lot of time:
You have time to weight possibilities, fix and upgrade your project, even get advices from your teachers or your fellow students.

WAKE UP CALL!!! That’s not the real world!
Sometimes (well, most of the time) you have to make quick decisions, you have to know how to work fast. (and fast doesn’t mean doing a poor quality job). 
Learn to trust your instincts and manage your time well.

Four – Don’t be a Prima-Dona; Leave your ego at home (unless you are working from home)

With all the raging inspiration and original ideas in your head,  it’s not that easy getting directions from your boss or client. Especially when your boss’ education is in Economics and Marketing. “…what the hell do they know about design”.

Sure, you can always try to suggest your ideas in a politically correct way and if it didn’t work out for you don’t take it personally and don’t make a scene, he/she is still the one paying you.

Five – Don’t forget to have fun and feed your brain

It is very easy to get lost in your work, it can be all consuming.
Design is supposed to be fun and creative.

 So, for your own inspiration and creativity, hell for your own sanity, don’t forget to visit the museum, purchase a good design book, listen to your favorite music or get inspiration online.
This is not a waste of your time! And it will pay dividend on your next project.
I  believe we make a conscience choice to enter this profession,  it is a choice, and a very good one. 
Don’t forget it.

About the writer of this article:
Racheli Bar David is taking her first steps in the world of graphic/web design, in what promises to be a long and prosperous career.