Perk: Sunday Brunch with Debbie Millman

It is a rare opportunity to get meet well-known designers so I jumped at the chance when I found out that Debbie Millman on Mother’s Day. I have met her previously, at an another AIGA LA event last year, however, this time it was limited to only 12 lucky folks. Debbie Millman brought some great insight to the discussion. I found her very inspiring after being able to listen to the discussion and I have always enjoyed listening to her Design Matters.

Some Tips from Debbie Millman:

1. Always have a contract no matter who it is you are working for if consulting on design work

2. Have a deposit of payment before starting work and a payment at delivery

3. Get a good lawyer for contracts and copywriting

As much as Debbie gave us great advice, we got to learn more about her. She always talked about things that is important her meaning she lived through it at some point in her career and/or life.

For the first ten years, Debbie was actively designing, editing, and painting. In 1993, she took a job in branding and it has stayed in her career ever since. She currently one of the partners and President of the Design Group at Sterling. She also does Design Matters and is the former AIGA National and AIGA New York  President. She has wrote several books such as “How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer”, “Brand Thinking and Other Noble Persuits”, “Brand Bible  The Complete Guide to Building, Designing, and Sustaining Brands”, and other books.

If you in the Chicago area, check out Debbie Millman’s Exhibit at Chicago Design Museum Opening June 11 and  Chicago Design Museum Presents Debbie Millman AIGA Chicago Co-sponsored lecture event on June 13.

Resumes are DEAD and your Bio is more IMPORTANT

A quick read about Resumes and how to indulge on your Bio. I think I might take the time to ReInvent my story.

http://the99percent.com/tips/7025/The-Resume-Is-Dead-The-Bio-Is-King

Eike König Skype Chat

As technology has advanced, we are able to interact with people on a whole new level. I spent a 1.5 hour chat at The Art Institute of California- Hollywood chatting with Eike König from Hort about his career. He has a lot of knowledge and experience that I found to be astounding and real life experiences. Eike has Bauhaus roots and was interested in finding in his own way in design.

Some of his experience has come from Disney, Nike, Microsoft, and Xbox, One of his greatest challenges was a campaign from Disney that was going to be internationally seen. As he was working he found that there was a language barrier since some English words do not mean the same from a European background so sometimes there were moments where he misunderstood.

He also talked about the challenges of integrating many cultures for a single campaign.

1. It is quite challenging

2. Possibilities of it being anywhere

3. Melting Cultures

At HORT Eike has an After School program specially for young designers. He encourages them to “find ways to leave your comfort zone,” invites them to try something new, and reminds them that is okay to fail. I think as designers, we can often forget the importance that it is okay to fail since we can set the bar so high to succeed.

An idea is only the beginning and our opportunities are immense. Eike visualizes his idea first and inspired by anything, nothing, or others.

London Design Now is about aesthetics and less about content.

I have learned a lot about Eike König and was very impressed by his experience. I suggest you check out HORT and see what they have done.

Inspiration

Daisy as she has grown up. . .She is inspirational

Daisy (German Shepherd) and Shiloh!