Here at Urban Influence we constantly receive inquiries about additional information on what it’s like to work in the field and in the studio.
So, instead of trying to reply to every request, we’ve compiled a list together and are proud to bring you the first installment of ‘Pigeon Coop – A Peek Inside’. And, bonus, the first one is answered by none other than myself! Enjoy.
What are the duties of your job?
Chaun (Art Director): Haha, you said duties. I’d say make sure all visuals, both the company’s and every client, look top notch at all times and are effective in each medium. Also, I try and keep the mood light and make sure everyone is having fun while getting quality work done—otherwise, what’s the point?
What sort of education / experience did you have prior to landing your current position?
I attended to a two-year design school, with a focus on advertising. I then worked for an ad agency for about 7 years. After that, I started as a production designer at Urban, designing and working my way up through the food chain towards my current position as Art Director.
What is your biggest motivator in your daily creative process?
Hmm, good question. I think the biggest motivation for me is my family, a huge passion for all things design, and making the small businesses run with the big dogs.
How does your approach change depending on the client? Does it change?
Every client has a different story to tell, so we try to change the process up each time. Of course, some things must remain the same, but we really try and partner with every client along each step of the way, so they feel connected with the process as well—also, you learn a lot from them.
What questions are most important to ask the client during the concept phase?
What type of story are they looking to tell? Who are their audiences? Who will we be working with? What sort of feelings are they trying to convey? What type of look and feel do they want to go with (clean, modern, traditional, etc.)? What are their differentiators, what makes them special?
What qualities do you look for when hiring designers?
Great attention to detail, strong thought process and story telling. A love of typography and negative space really can make a difference to me. Also, a positive attitude and the exact opposite of a huge ego will help. And no resumes in Word!
A positive attitude and the exact opposite of a huge ego will help.
When you are hiring, what aspects of the portfolio do you look at most?
I love to see what happens during the process, not just the final result. What worked, what didn’t work? The presentation of the portfolio as a whole is also very important to me. And no portfolios in Word!
What advice do you wish you had when first entering the professional world?
Get used to your ideas/creative not being chosen—sad but true. Have plenty of ideas and the confidence to keep going, knowing that most of them won’t get to the end. All you need is one. It’s a team thing and if one design/concept wins, we all win. Oh, also, you never know what time creativity will strike—so be ready; gain more knowledge in digital design, reach out to your contemporaries, read more books, and go for walks.