Redesigning my CV

Over the three years, I have had several CVs. As my layout skills have improved, it is inevitable that I will see fatal flaws within previous efforts and want to rectify my integrity. Recently I have updated it once again. While I have looked at many CVs to pinpoint exactly how much information is required, it struck me that creating one that looks different to the others is incredibly difficult. It will presumably turn out that the excitingly original layout or content will render the CV unprofessional, thus making me appear unemployable. For this reason, I have chosen to lay out the work with pragmatic style. I have concentrated on using the white space to make the information flow, ensuring that it is digestible. The content is minimal, but contains the important information. The nine/ eighteen (landscape) column grid system is relatively rigid to obtain order and not detract from the legibility of the copy text. I had to remind myself that the employer does not want to see a work of creativity; that is what the portfolio will showcase. The emphasis is on communicating pragmatic information in an efficient manner. For this reason, the CV is in black and white, with the only decoration being typographic. I have created both an inital landscape and subsequent portrait variation as I could not decide which was more effective. It may be that I use both formats depending on how appropriate each one is in relation to the recipient. Here is the landcape version below.

Passing By

I have heard so many times that one of the most rewarding elements of the design career is seeing your work out in the commercial world. During my time at Elevator, I was working on the web banners for the Principality 'Diolch' campaign where I came into contact with the typefaces and commitioned photography for the print work. Although I was not involved in the conception of the campaign, I feel somehow a part of it having seen it in its design elements and having worked briefly with the designers behind it. For this reason, it is strange seeing the work outside as opposed to on the computer screen, so when I passed a bus stop with a large print poster, I had to take a photo.

Having spent time in the past wondering who designs the large posters that we see in the bus stops, it is particularly satisfying to have witnessed the incarnation of this one. Hopefully one day it will be my work that I am walking past on the way to the gym.

Translating Skills

Recently I have recieved requests for web design. It is immediately clear at this early stage in my career that web design is where the demand is. With Adobe software now a household name - particularly photoshop - it is possible for non-designers to put their own print work together. Although often crude, bitmapped and poorly layed out, this work is a possiblility whereas the prospect of making a website remains unfeasable to the untrained person. It is certainly a technical process, where many will attest that they 'are not web designers', that they 'love print'. I see this is an admission that they are unwilling to put effort into overcoming the technical unknown and becoming the complete designer. I can't say I am unhappy about this as it gives my web skills extra prominence in an interview situation.

I was asked by photographer to create a slideshow portfolio website. He had a logo, but I offered some mock up alternatives (below)

Although not my most refined piece of work, it was a chance to play around with a logo. I noticed that Rob can look a bit like a camera, which is really the concept that these roughs demonstrate. He opted to keep his original which I did not like much, but it is important to remember to put the client's needs first.

The website was intended as a portfolio first and foremost, so the work is the focus. I built a flash slideshow that allows the user to pause on a photo by rolling over the image, and resuming by rolling off. It is relativiely simple as a flash piece, but it offered unique learning experiences and difficulties that can only help me grow as a rounded designer.

Here are some screenshots of the site: