The Real Graphic Designers

Wednesday had my designing coworkers and I traveling to Atlanta to meet with the creative firm that our school has hired to work up the new branding strategy. I would tell you the name of this firm but a) I don't want to be listing any companies I'm offiliated with on here, and b) I don't think any of you will be hiring a creative firm any time soon.

We took a trip to their stomping grounds to learn some great techniques they've been using in Photoshop for our new admissions material. We met with Ty and Erica, both of whom actually graduated with design degrees. Ty teaches at a design school in downtown Atlanta called The Portfolio Center, and Erica graduated from SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), where I wouldn't mind picking up a second degree from some day.

Before a few hours in Photoshop learning the cool new tricks and reiterating that there are at least three different ways to do the same thing in that program, we took a tour of their sweet office space. The old textile mill had been completely modernized and looked like a cross between an extremely contemporary design on HGTV and an ad for IKEA. I recall the use of tin roofing inside, some great sky lighting (energy efficient and great use of natural light for the look of a room) and lots of open air. And since it IS a creative firm, there were MACS everywhere. It was beautiful. It was definitely a great place to work if you have to do anything creative. The surroundings would be inspiring. I love my job, but my work space is, well, still set in the late 60s when it was created. Apparently fixing up the administration building at a college looks really bad to donors who want to see their money go straight to the students, which I completely understand. I go outside for my inspiration.

But I digress. Now, one thing I have to say about this creative firm is that it's the land of attractive people. When we first interviewed several different agencies to narrow it down to the one that would give our school a new "brand," the first thing I noticed about this group was that each member was asthetically appealing. Then, going to their office, I realized there were even more of them crawling around. And since they live just a hop, skip and a jump away from some nice boutiques and trendy clothing spots, they all walk around in Forever21, H&M and Banana Republic. Blach!

Then we ate lunch at a nice place called JCT Kitchen (I think). The food was pretty good and the atmosphere was nice as well.

After all this, you'd think I'd be pretty jealous. And don't get me wrong, working at a creative firm some day is definitely a possibility. But there was one huge difference, one huge advantage in my court. At the firm, you walk out and see concrete, construction and smog. At the school, I walk out and see thousands of acres of green trees, water pools and deer grazing. Hm, I think I'll stick with the deer for now.

But I certainly appreciated the tutorial in Photoshop and could have stayed for weeks learning so much from these people. It's nice to be around real designers that have been to school just for that. I have realized, though, that much of design is subjective. So school aside, someone without that four years of focus can still recognize a good design when they see one. It's knowing how to make it look that way that can be tough.

Another cool thing about this line of work is that it is always evolving and always changing, so I will always be learning or always taking a new approach. I like a job that doesn't get boring. Now if I could just finish that scrapbook at home I started two years ago...