Following on from Greg’s post about how he got into design we decided to ask our two designers currently in charge of our placement scheme; Paul and Leon, about how students should go about applying for placements at design studios. Here’s what they said:
- What’s the best way for me to get in touch regarding a placement?
Contact a studio, ideally with a name of someone specific and provide three to four examples of your best work with a CV. - How many placements do you give per year?
We have 24 slots throughout the year, lasting four weeks but we can occasionally allocate for longer or shorter periods. - What’s involved in doing a placement?
We treat you like one of the team, not a visitor. We throw you in at the deep end with lots of different tasks and try to get you involved in many different projects. Scanning can’t be avoided and we have high expectations for tea-making but in general we get you designing, but more importantly we get you thinking – it’s why we got you in in the first place! A placement is your chance to shine, so don’t be shy. Ultimately, we want to miss you when you’re gone! - How much does it pay?
Although we expect you to do it for love, we pay £200.00 per week. - Do placements turn into jobs?
Rarely, unless we’re really really busy and you’ve been doing such a great job that we couldn’t bear to let you go. But, in general they provide us with a chance to consider you as a potential future member of The Partners once you’re finished. (We like to think of it as road testing). - How long do your projects take to finish?
It varies, speedboats and cruise liners… - How many people work at the Partners?
In our London office we have around 40 people – designers, project managers, creative directors, strategic consultants, partners, some freelancers, oh and a dog. - Is it all work and no play?
Definitely not. We have a summer barbecue, a Lock In, a Christmas party and pub quiz every year, not to mention the reception turning into a pub every Friday evening… - What’s your favourite typeface?
Don’t be so geeky. - Any general don’ts?
Lie (it’s a really small world)
Point out weaknesses
Moan or badmouth anyone
Pester or be pushy
Seem desperate or over explain your work - Anything else?
Make sure that you check that the designer that you are contacting still works there and you spell their name correctly!
Spell check any letter that you send! - Do you have any interview advice?
Arrive a bit early so you’re not in a flap. Pack your stuff well so it’s easy to reveal. Be enthusiastic and look interested. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see the person you expected. You may also have to go back over your work with some else who’s been called in. Don’t expect an on-the-spot offer (although it can happen). But most importantly, be yourself. - Are there any books that you would recommend?
Plenty but some of the oldies are still the best. Here are three:A Smile in the Mind
– written by the much-loved founding Partner David Stuart, A Smile in the Mind is an classic example of getting ideas rather than just style into any design project, while still having some fun – (we called this book the ‘designers bible’ at uni – Kev)
Problem Solved: A Primer in Design and Communication– by Michael Johnson – Problem: you can’t buy a book about problem-solving? Solved: you can now.
The Art of Looking Sideways– By the late Alan Fletcher, it is a testament to visual awareness which Alan himself describes ‘a journey without a destination’.
