A month ago I was asked to speak to the students at my alma mater about preparing for a career in graphic design. I’ve got twenty minutes to speak. For starters they want to know what classes they should take and what sort of salary can they expect after they graduate. My advice? Start your career today, online, and let the formalities of college fall in place. Oh, and no matter what, take as many communication classes as possible.

Graphic design used to be know as Communication Arts and I wish they’d still call it that. After all, design is about informing, inviting and selling. Fonts, colors, patterns and images evoke emotions. They tell stories of origin and aspiration. Design calls out to you…be beautiful, you’re hungry, save time.

I was in the consumer products biz for thirteen years. The second thing they must know: learn how to be over prepared or grow thick skin. The design world is full of critics. From day one your work will be critiqued so you better know how to talk about and sell it.

Lastly, know the culture. Their is an unspoken dress code and vocabulary. All I can say is, for the love of God, don’t wear a ton of perfume. Other than that pay attention - to everything: Blogs, magazines, what you like, what you don’t like, trends, repeats and the competition.

I’ll be speaking on Wednesday 10/28. If you have any great ideas to share, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you!