Adrian Shaughnessy - Q and A

Around two weeks ago, D&AD announced that graphic designer and writer Adrian Shaughnessy was holding a talk at the Printworks in Manchester. Before hand, it was arranged by design agency Thoughtful for twelve students to attend a forty-five minute question and answer session at a local bar. As Adrian arrived, their was a great anticipation for what his advice would be from our questions at hand. The experience of meeting an inspirational figure for everyone involved was a great opportunity I was looking forward to it. Adrian began by talking about students getting a job and what next steps to take when leaving university. He advised that contacting agencies, sending letters, making personal phone calls for a one to one chat and perfecting e-mails was just the first steps towards gaining an interview.

When showing your work, Adrian suggested that leaving the designer to go through your portfolio by letting them touch and feel the sleeves was key as it leaves you to explain each project however fast they want to look at it. When contacting an agency, Adrian advised that getting a name was a great first step to building a relationship up with yourself and a designer who in the future, could possibly lead to a job. One important area when writing a letter or e-mail was to never use sir or madam. Adrian explained that your message is sent to a particular individual and without one, it could be easily ignored. Explaining who you are and what projects you have been recently been working on was useful but do not over do it. As the designer will only be reading your message very quickly, keeping your text short and informative is significant.

Making a list of the design agencies you wish to work for was another area the group discussed. When you graduate, Adrian explained that you are part of the design world looking for a job. Standing out in the crowd was the most important area to think about and besides improving your portfolio, sending your CV in a unique way gained many advantages. Adrian told a story of when he was at Intro (his design agency in London), a package was delivered with the words Bomb on the cover. The building was evacuated and caused a huge scare within the workplace. On a closer inspection, the package was infact a recent graduates CV. When sending some samples of work, putting together too much may be straining on the designer looking as they have very little time to evaluate your ideas.

I decided to ask a few questions regarding placements and if they are vitally important towards getting a job within a high standard agency. Adrian explained that when offered a placement, ask yourself if it’s right for you. Will the agency pay for your travel costs? Will you learn one vital area of the industry a day? Are they taking the time for at least five minutes to explain what they are doing? Although I feel placements are vital, Adrian advised that sometimes agencies take advantage of an eager graduate unaware of certain areas within the industry. When on a placement however, showing a willingness to help out around the studio reflects to how well you wish to achieve with that company. Once again, Adrian told a story of how a student on an internship at Intro lifted over thirty heavy boxes filled with paper from one area of the building to the other without being asked. Showing a determination to do any job and show a willingness to help at any level sets good impressions towards the people above you.