Extreme sports pigeonhole
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- fiver
Working for a skateboard distribution doing design but took it initially out of school because it was a job. Not that I don't mind it, but it wasn't the reason I got into design in the first place. I find myself getting pigeonholed and not taken seriously by studios and such. Any of you run into problems jumping "genres" of design, let's say?
- horton0
here here
- MSTRPLN0
Better than making banners I would imagine.
- baseline_shift0
yeah. thats a cool pigeon hole.
better than pharma
- roundabout0
Better then a Chicken Factory.
- Better than making banners about a Chicken FactoryMSTRPLN
- skt0
nothing wrong with banner work. they pay for a lot of websites.
- ThePublics0
do some amazing work then climb the ladder, skateboarding is anything BUT pigeonholed.
- Meeklo0
No offense, but I don't think the industry you are working with has anything to do with not being taken seriously by other studios, I would like to think you are not visiting experienced studios... (how is that for being diplomatic? :)
A lot of the trendy designs being adopted by massive corporations to reach the 12-35 action sport target has its roots in the industry you are right now.
One of David Carson's first jobs was at Skateboarding magazine, and back then the action sports industry was not nearly as popular as it is today, and its only going to get bigger.
my 2cts
- fiver0
true, i agree it's a good time, but i'm sure you "creatives" would agree doing the same thing over and over gets a bit redundant. you don't get burned out and want to take on something new? maybe its just the fact that i know i've reached the ceiling at this particular place, so it bugs me a bit.
- or maybe i just don't want to do design anymore. ha.fiver
- dropdown0
Bloody Luxury!
I would kill to be pigeonholed in the action sports community.
- fiver0
well fuck me. i'll just shut up.
- ThePublics0
"maybe its just the fact that i know i've reached the ceiling at this particular place, so it bugs me a bit. "
Until you're working on something like Debacle, I wouldn't worry about hitting the ceiling. Quit, sell drugs to pay the rent and only do totally radical freelance gigs.
- Meeklo0
^
yes, that actually makes better sense, you are a stuck on a company that doesn't offer growing possibilities, your options are:1) Talk to them about you wanting to work on more creative projects (if you are in a AD or CD position the creative part should be up to you)
2) Find another job, but keep in mind, this has nothing to do with the industry, what you are experiencing can also happen at an agency.
- fiver0
^
i might as well be the AD/CD here as we are tiny. and you're right, maybe it doesn't have to do with the industry, but i do feel like there is an us vs. them mentality a bit with studio heads.
- dropdown0
Action Sports by serious design studio:
http://www.area17.com/work/alli-…
http://www.area17.com/work/salom…
- dropdown0
...and have you tried getting into a large company like Burton and working your way to top ranks? I'm sure there are tonnes of great perks, and prolly a great environment to work in.
- fiver0
my point being i don't know how much longer i want to be in this industry. some of it leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but it could be my specific company. burton would be fucking great.
maybe i'm just bitching and should keep my mouth shut. carry on.
- Meeklo0
Maybe should suck your dayjob and start looking for freelance gigs, this way you have the opportunity to work on (my guess will be) more corporate/ toned down/ sober/ kind or projects?
(I feel like you are my opposite, like on that seinfeld episode, haha)
I was working at an agency for years, and I decided to pursue the kind of work you do instead.I think the key is, re-work your portfolio and think of these fancy sober/ classic style agencies in mind, use classic type like ms eaves or clarendon, strong grid, nothing too out there, and most importantly select your more classic looking work if you want to appeal to them, maybe that helps.
good luck mang
- dyspl0
fiver, I've been working for a kitesurf brand fo 4 years, it was my first job.
after the 200th advert, I quit.
things I've learned since :
1.Geting an other job in this specific field is pretty hard.
2. One you've worked in such environnment, working in agencies is very boring unless you find a position in a VERY creative studio.
Cause even if you think you don't do what you want and the way you would like, I can tell you that these small logos you do yourself for a small event, or the little labels for a very cheap part of the products's company are 100times more creative and funny than most regular agencies work.
- fiver0
thanks for the inspiring words everyone. maybe i should pull my head out of my ass and realize it ain't that bad. back to the grind. cheers.