WBL

Tuesday, 5 April 2011

International design agencies

Short list of international design agencies which cought my attention

FICC

Location Japan

Website: http://www.ficc.jp

North Kingdom

Location: Sweden

Website: http://www.northkingdom.com

Attik

Location: USA & UK (Leeds, NY, San Fran, LA)

Website: http://www.attik.com/

Freedom & Partners

Location: USA (NYC)

Website: http://www.freedomandpartners.com

Juxt Interactive

Location: USA

Website: http://www.juxtinteractive.com/

Ogilvy Interactive

Location: Worldwide

Website: http://www.ogilvy.com

Raise Media

Website: http://www.raise-media.com/

Critical Mass

Location: Worldwide

Website: http://www.criticalmass.com/

Agency Interactive

Location: USA, (NY & Florida)

Website: http://www.agencynet.com/

National Design agencies

This is a short list of national design agencies, whos work i find stimulating

Blue Marlin
www.bluemarlinbd.com

Bostock and Pollitt
www.bostockandpollitt.com

Chase, The
www.thechase.co.uk

Coley Porter Bell
www.cpb.co.uk

Design Bridge
www.designbridge.com

Elmwood
www.elmwood.com

Johnson Banks
www.johnsonbanks.co.uk

Lewis Moberly
www.lewismoberly.com

Love Creative
www.lovecreative.com

Poke
www.pokelondon.com

Rufus Leonard
www.rufusleonard.com

Start Creative
www.startcreative.co.uk

Local Design companies

Local design companies and contact info

L Mitchell Design

66, Kensington Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL4 7QJ

· Tel: 07875 764418

Four AM Graphic Design

5, Meadfoot Terrace, Plymouth, Devon PL4 7AH

· Tel: 01752 310114

K Design Group

44, Union St, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3EY

· Tel: 01752 203362

Denham Design

39, Salcombe Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL4 7NE

· Tel: 01752 215325

Biggulps Design

6, Wilderness Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL3 4RN

· Tel: 01752 229956

Shred Ltd

New Victoria House, Weston Park Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL3 4NU

· Tel: 01752 663666

Cornerstone Vision

28, Old Park Rd, Peverell, Plymouth, Devon PL3 4PY

· Tel: 01752 225623

Creative Aid

143, Plymstock Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL9 7QD

· Tel: 07968 575094

Versomedia

258a, Old Laira Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL3 6AF

· Tel: 01752 426211

Art Design Services

Unit 6, Creykes Court, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3JB

· Tel: 01752 209273

The Design Worx

43, West Down Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL2 3HF

· Tel: 0845 3102427

Dot Design

116, Alexandra Rd, Ford, Plymouth, Devon PL2 1PH

* Tel: 0870 8966678

Cove Design

65, Greystoke Avenue, Plymouth, Devon PL6 5UN

· Tel: 01752 771288

Blend Media

31, Stanborough Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL9 8SU

· Tel: 01752 484182

Roadeater Graphics

19, Kedlestone Avenue, Plymouth, Devon PL5 2NE

· Tel: 01752 360853

Pushed Ltd

43, Merafield Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL7 1TL

· Tel: 01752 346507

Pushed Ltd

43, Merafield Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL7 1TL

· Tel: 01752 346507

Real Fusion Ltd

I T T C Building, 1 Tamar Science Park, Davy Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL6 8BX

· Tel: 01752 764480

Crunch Creative

I T T C Building, 2 Tamar Science Park, Davy Rd, Plymouth, Devon PL6 8BX

· Tel: 01752 764228

Design 11

7, Chelmer Close, Plymouth, Devon PL7 2YE

* Tel: 07780 680245

A.M Graphics

48, Redwood Drive, Plymouth, Devon PL7 2FS

* Tel: 01752 345665

This is far from a complete list as there are far too many companies to mention

Interview techniques

Preparing for a Job Interview

POSITIVE THINKING

If the idea of being interviewed rates with having your teeth extracted (without anaesthetic), try to bear in mind the following points:

The employer has seen your CV and covering letter and wants to know more. You have got further than many others, and now have good odds for success.

Employers do want to employ someone- you could be just what they're looking for.
As with exams, the more preparation you can do, the better you'll feel on the day.
Interviews are two-way streets. You can take some control over the course of the interview, as we'll be explaining below.
Interviewers are human too!

THE PURPOSE OF AN INTERVIEW

Now that you can face thinking about it, it's a good time to consider the purpose of an interview. For you, it's a vital opportunity to show the employer that you are right for the job and to get a feel for the company you are seeking to join. The interviewer will be using the interview to:

verify the accuracy of your CV and delve deeper into the information you gave
evaluate your verbal and interpersonal skills
establish the relevance of your experience and achievements
see how you respond in the situation
give you information about the position
determine salary requirements

The best interviews leave both candidate and interviewer clear and satisfied about what each has to offer.

PREPARATION

You must spend time preparing in order to maximise your impact in the interview. Lack of preparation will leave you at a distinct disadvantage.

FINDING OUT ABOUT THE COMPANY

The best candidates present themselves as interested and well informed. Think about information you should know:

the nature of the job
the company's products and / or services
the position of the company within the industry
any changes or restructuring it has undergone

Your careers service is a good starting point for information. Also you can ring the company itself for additional information.

YOURSELF

The interviewer will need to find out more about you to be able to decide if you're the right candidate for the job. They will therefore be asking you lots of pertinent questions. Some of them may be tough to answer so be prepared.

Review your CV -

Check it's complete and consistent- if there are any gaps make sure you have a good explanation for them.
Run through your list of skills, experience, etc and work out why they are particularly useful to this employer.

Anticipate some possible tough questions, or areas they might concentrate on. Prepare convincing answers to standard interview questions such as:

Why are you interested in a career in...?
Why did you apply to this firm...?
Why did you choose a degree in...?
What skills do you possess that would be useful for a career in...?
What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses...?
Tell me about your work experience in...?

Knowing what answers you could give to questions such as these will make you much less likely to panic and much more likely to give good answers.

The interviewer may also ask you to say something about yourself generally. You should structure a couple of paragraphs on yourself and your achievements and become confident in talking about yourself.

Try practising your answers to all these questions with someone whose advice you trust. Also your careers service probably runs interview practice sessions. These can be invaluable- the more practice and feedback you get, the more confident and capable you will become in an interview situation.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COMPANY

Towards the end of an interview you will usually be asked if you have any questions. Resist the urge to say no and run! This is an opportunity to find out more and to show an employer what you already know about their company. Asking questions lets the interviewer know you're interested, and are a good listener as well as a good talker.

DO ASK:

about the prospective job's duties in more detail
about such issues as potential for career advancement, the company's plans for the future, and so forth
any issues from the interview you need clarifying
bring in any knowledge you have of, for example, recent changes in the company, its working practices, market strategy, etc

DON'T ASK

about perks or your salary (unless specifically asked- in which case give a range)
for information that has already been clearly given during the interview

PRACTICAL PREPARATION

Check these simple points:

You know exactly when and where the interview will take place.
You've planned how to get to the interview and how long it wills take- give yourself plenty of time.
You know the interviewer's name and job title.
Your interview outfit is smart, clean and looks businesslike.
Check that the same goes for you!
Remember, however much we might disapprove, first impressions are very important.
Remember to take a copy of your CV and application form, the job advert and a pen and paper for any notes you might want to make during the interview.

THE INTERVIEW

Now that you've prepared thoroughly for the interview, here's some advice for the day itself.

Dealing With Stress

While most of us are never going to find an interview a relaxing experience, we should be able to

keep the stress and strain to manageable levels. Bear in mind the following:

Try to remember the interview is human too and may even be nervous they.
With all the preparation and practice you're in a good position to do well on the day.
Try taking deep slow breathes to relax you before the interview.
Be positive!

Different Formats

Bear in mind that interviews are not always "one to one". Organisations such as the Civil Service often use a panel to interview candidates. This presents additional challenges:

Try not to be daunted.
Try not to aim your answers exclusively at one interviewer- include all the panellists in your answers and eye contact.
Tailoring your answers to fit a diverse panel is a difficult skill to master.
Remember that panels may be fairer on candidates- even if one of them doesn't like you there are the others who may well disagree. Personal clashes are much more significant in one to one interviews.

Another possibility is facing an interviewer who deliberately attempts to place you under stress. They may use an aggressive questioning technique, or ask very tough questions. This is designed to see how you cope with pressure. Remain calm and answer each question rationally. Do not take it personally! If possible find out before the interview what format it will be taking.

Directing the Interview

Many people leave an interview with the feeling that they haven't "sold themselves fully". It is possible to take more control in an interview so that at the end you can feel you have put yourself across in the best light. The interviewee can take a more active role:

If you find a question or point unclear then ask. A simple request for clarification is far more preferable than waffle.
If you're given a question with a simple yes / no answer, try to expand your answer into a reply which stresses your skills and achievements.
Any questions about your weaknesses, or that reveal any weakness- try to turn them round to highlight some strength you possess.
Watch for feedback from the interviewer and try to respond to it. If there are signs that the interviewer's interest is wandering- shorten your answer or switch to another subject.
Don't say you agree when you really don't. As long as you express your difference of opinion in a reasonable and reasoned way it's perfectly acceptable.
Listen carefully- the more you know the more directed your responses and questions can be.

Body Language

Be aware of any nonverbal signals you may give out during an interview. Posture and body language can be important in determining what people think of you. While too many hints may confuse and be impossible to remember, there are a few simple tips to ensure you make a good impression:

Look at the interviewer- avoiding eye contact can make you seem untrustworthy and lacking in confidence.
Try not to fidget.
Avoid crossing your arms- it seems defensive.
Lean forward when answering- it makes you appear interested.

Monday, 4 April 2011

Portfolio sites

http://www.bigblackbag.com
pay n display portfolio site.

http://ftdesigner.net/

This is a simple vertical scrolling website/portfolio by Alexey Chernishov,
Chernishov's website is simple yet beautifully design showing off his unique style and web skills

this format is rather simple but Chernishov has used the space very well enabling the veiwr quick and easly accesses to all aspects of his portfolio, intrestingly even though he is based in the ukraine his website is entirly in english this enable access by a greater audiace.

On his site he has carefully and cleanly laidout his work into cattagouries as well as listing his resume, skillsets and even his likes and disslikes.
another very nice touch is the inclution of some free to download desktop wall papers of Chernishovs work

I like this site its simple clean and does its job.

http://www.teoskaffa.com

Love this site by Teo Shaffa,

Shaffa has a quirky illustrative style which he complements perfectly with this really fun website, brillient idea his website is based on the 8bit games of the 80s this really appeals to me due to my age but i have noticed a strong reassurgence in both the popliarity of these games and their retro feel, which makes this a very upbeat vessel to carry Shaffa's work.

There isnt a huge amount of infomation here, a brief About me page a link to his myspace and flickr account, there is also a home page with a brief message a gallery page and a short list of exhibitions.

great peice of self promotion which perfectly represents the artists witty style.

http://mnatwork.com

Based in the UK, magneticNorth (mN to our friends) is a design company.

right htese guys are pretty big so I dont know where to start but i will say this is an exciting and inutive design and you should visit the site just to play.

http://www.zupadupa.ro

Spanish website so cant say allot but beautifull layed out and constructed.