How to steal my Job: Designer Sweaty Eskimo gives his top tips

By Farheen on July 24, 2012 - 1:07 pm in Latest Posts / no comments

Original Article by Urban Development. Click HERE to view original article.

Sweaty Eskimo is a designer from Birmingham who has worked for the likes of Boxfresh, Sky TV and Nandos, he’s taken some time away from putting pen to pad to give you some top ten tips on stealing his job and becoming a five star designer…

1) Accept briefs that suit what you do:

As tempting as it is to try and take on any job, it’s best to stick to what you know. It’s best to choose your clients carefully. You will get clients that will look at your portfolio and commission you to do something completely different, kindly reject the commission but recommend someone you will know will do a good job.

2) Understand the brief from the start:

If you don’t understand a brief from a client, rewrite it as you understand it and send it back to the client. This keeps a good understanding between you both and avoids any issues later. Providing the client with regular updates is always a must, especially for larger jobs.

3) Fees:

Negotiating fees can be tricky. Try and work out what you’d like to earn as a salary and then you can work out an hourly rate based on how many hours you want to work each day. If a client has a set fee for a job, work out how long it will take you and decide if the money is worthwhile.

4) Plan the design for the future:

If a client commissions you to create a small design, always check that they won’t need a larger version of the design in the future. As a 72dpi image created for online use, will have to be redone if they later decide to use it for mural or large posters.

5) Brainstorm:

Once a brief is received, I always start with a brainstorm, highlighting key words. I create several thumbnails for each keyword. These thumbnails start as a basis for my illustrations. It’s also important to be clear where and how your design will be used (online, skateboard, mobile device, wall mural, etc).

6) RAM, more Ram and Save!

Whether you use a PC or Mac, get as much RAM installed as you can afford. Photoshop will devour as much RAM as it possibly can. Also save your work regularly (I chose every 5-10mins). This prevents you from having to redo large amounts of work, should Photoshop crash.

7) Use multiple layers:

When working in Photoshop, try to use as many layers as possible and keep as many elements separate as you can. This allows for easy editing should you want to change anything. The design can be flattened right at the end, but always keep an un-flattened version to.

8) Your design needs fresh eyes:

When you feel a design is complete, step away from it for a day or two, then return to it later. While you’re away, get someone else to look at it. Fresh eyes can see things you may have missed.

9) Get rid of distractions:

It’s important when working to a deadline, to get rid of any unwanted distractions. If you work from home, social networking sites, phones and TV’s can be a big distraction. Turn of your TV and phone, and unplug your modem if you have to!

10) Don’t be afraid to ask questions:

Don’t be afraid to ask a more experienced designer for feedback on your current design or ask questions about the industry. Most will be willing to offer advice on pricing, placements, further education and so on. If you don’t ask, you don’t get!

Www.sweatyeskimo.co.uk