12in12 by Craig Oldham

12in12 was a Project set by Craig Oldham to educate students on what they will learn in their first year of working in the industry after graduation. Craig Oldham explains:

"I decided that it would be more useful to the students to speak of the things that they would really like to hear about the industry they’re entering. Thus, I gave an account of 12 things that I had learned in my first 12 months as a designer. Things that I feel I could have only learned through an active participation in the industry, and not from the outside looking in."

Under the circumstances I was unable to attend the lecture for this event in Preston earlier in the year. This lecture would have been very beneficial with it being my final year at university so I was destined to find out what this lecture was about. Fortunately Craig Oldam also created a nice booklet for the event which I ordered online. After weeks of hesitation this booklet arrived in the mail this week.

Here is a list of the twelve things:

1. Understand what Graphic Design means to you.
2. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses.
3. A portfolio is for life, not just for an interview.
4. Placements matter. Do them.
5. The Design industry is small, everyone knows everybugger else.
6. Participate with other people and share your ideas.
7. Graphic Design is just a job, but being a designer is different.
8. Fall off your bike. If you don't fail then you are not trying.
9. Life and work exist outside of London.
10. Designing is only, about, 20% of your job.
11. Have a life outside of Design.
12. Work hard and be nice to people.

The topics raised in this booklet are very useful. I'm glad that I purchased the booklet because it's a good read and also well designed. My only regret is that I did not attend the lecture. I was glad to read the 'Life and work exists outside of London' section because It was reassuring that not everyone has to go down south to find work. Being a rural person I would prefer to stay up North if given the choice next year because I find London a bit daunting. Also if any one has read this booklet I would like to confirm that I come under the section A (Logical designer.) In the first chapter of 'Understand what Graphic Design means to you.'

For more information please visit: www.craigoldam.co.uk