career decision
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- piperboytoy
I'm confused at this point. i have an opportunity to work for a really creative shop. They encourage experiementaion of designs and technology but are not interested in working on big brand stuff. I really like them but want to work more on bigger brands.
They don't allow freelancing for competitors either.
I've done brand work before but have opted to doing more art's related work.
I guess it's just a personal choice but i am so confused as to what to do with my next step in life/career.
Does anyone else share similar feelings? is working on big brands really that important?
thanks
- e-pill0
i think it can go both ways.
big brands are great for name dropping or good for your resume or maybe its a personal thing as you can relate to a known brand that the collective of the industry respects.
the bad part of a brand can be that its very strict and it has its limitations set upon you the designer and makes you keep within a set parameter.
the other part is you really need the experience and the knowledge to work with the strong brands and really making mistakes for companies that arent so powerful may be your best bet when just starting out as its your reputation on the line everyday, why not learn on some other companies dollar and make a gola that in a few years you will work for those brands that you so desire!
another aspect is that when working for a large branded company the rules and employee regulations are very clearly laid out and the employee knows their limitations, while a small company may give its employees freedom to work on the side or maybe make up rules as the days progress.
i think you should go for the most comprhensive learning you can possibily achieve.
good luck!
:)
- sect0
making a solid folio would really help you, career wise. either way, whether your handling big name clients or not, the only important there is to make each project of yours a masterpiece. experimental is good, it gets you out from the mainstream, open new doors and surprises. it exercises your creative touch and be able to come up something unique. to handle big names, and given the responsibility to work on those big name projects would also reflect your character as an individual. it gives the ppl more and clearer idea about how reliable you are. its your choice actually, listen to what you heart desires. if you want to secure yourself financially, go commercial, if not, then go experimental. if you could do both, so much the better.
- sect0
e-pill - well explained... =)
- okaybro0
always always go for the good work, the money and big brands will follow.
- ricstultz0
take the job, get the experience, drop it when you get tired of it... simple.
- lvl_130
i feel i am very lucky in the simple fact that i did work for big brands that allowed me to have almost full creative freedom. the best of both worlds really.
all in all, i would say that the creative aspect is much more fullfilling than the big brand name behind you. it's why you do what you do, right?
- -sputnik-0
i wouldn't knock the big brands too much. learning to be creative within brand standards can be a challenge, and you sometimes get to work with shit hot assets, which isn't bad.
- lvl_130
very true sputnik. good points
- sect0
big brand names are good for design firms / companies
solid portfolio is good for you
design firms / companies needs designers who has solid portfolio
=)
- e-pill0
both of you guys gave great points!!!
it basicly comes down to you being able to do the job and you will never know til you try!
go for it!!!
:)
- erokcom0
I say... It all depends...
big brands help your book.. And, it's all about the work...
Small shops might have more freedom, but you could end up working on trash...
- piperboytoy0
thanks for the advice. they are all very good and helpful. i have agency experience and have opt to explore more creative route the past year.
The shop that i was talking about does really good work, so i'm not worried about my portfolio part. i am just scared that if i don't go back into working with brands again, i will not be able to move forward to working in other agencies.
why is life so hard.
- -sputnik-0
well, depending on where you are in your life, stability plays an important role. i was able to move around more easily 5 years ago when i didn't have mortgage & more responsibilities, so i got to take some chances on smaller places.
if you are financially flexible, going to the smaller shop may have some great rewards.
- piperboytoy0
yeah that is true. I'm still single and don't have a mortgage anymore.
I really like where i am now, it is really creative and i deal with artists all the time, which i love. but i will have to leave soon because we are only allowed to stay for 2 years. The pay is shit though but great experience.
I will have to really think hard the next few months.
thanks for your great advice!