As we are all preparing to graduate, many of us are in the process of applying for jobs. This process can be frustrating and time consuming, but there are certain things you can do to help you stand out more to companies. I am no pro at this, but in my search here are a few things I have found to be particularly helpful:
1. Reach out to a Person - Many large companies, and even some small ones, often times require you
to submit your application online. However, they receive massive amounts of applicants and often
don't even look through everyone. When you take the time to reach out to someone in the company
personally it shows real interest and can often times get your stuff to the right people for
consideration.
2. Follow Up - Professionals receive a ridiculous amount of e-mails on a daily basis, so if they don't
answer you right away, don't get discouraged. Give them a week or two and then follow up as a
reminder; sometimes they just forget to respond and your follow up shows initiation.
3.Use Social Media to Your Advantage - Social media can be both a blessing and a curse when it
comes to applying for jobs, so be careful and make the most out of it. LinkedIn is a great tool to use
when you are trying to get noticed by a company. Professionals can see when you view their
profile, so to initiate a conversation or to follow up with an individual view their profile and send
them a personal message when you ask to connect with them. This shows interest and will often
times yield a response.
Good luck everyone, I am confident that everyone will find something great!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
5 Tips to Boost Creativity
In our field, creativity is essential to cohesive and innovative design solutions. Therefore, it is important to maintain and protect our ability to be creative. If we don't, we'll find ourselves in a slump or simply dissatisfied with our designs. Often in school we are asked to focus on many other tasks simultaneously and we can become tired and we wear thin. So I thought I'd share some tips that I have experienced for myself, and ones that others have shared.
Tip #1: Spend Time in Nature
There is a big push these days to incorporate themes of nature into our designs and it can seem cliche at this point to keep saying it. However, I have found that when I am outside I am able to relax and can put aside the things in my mind that are causing stress. Stress is often a source of mental blocks when it comes to creative thinking. Therefore, I am still a proponent of spending time outside. It could be as simple as a short walk or eating lunch outside when possible.
Tip #2: Take Care of Yourself
Many of these tips relate to mental and emotional health. However, it is important to stay physically healthy. Low levels of energy and a lack of sleep can often hinder the creative process. Studies have shown that the creative and problem-solving portion of the brain's ability is significantly reduced when the body is tired. In addition to sleeping enough, drinking water is another practical (and potentially more feasible ) way to easily help keep yourself healthy.
Tip #3: Collaborate
Once again, I am using another buzz word, but I do believe collaboration is very useful to help sort through your fragmented ideas. Simply talking to another person at the start of your brainstorming can be beneficial. Even if it is an individual project, just talking out loud can help you follow your train of thought and create a cohesive design solution in the end. Not to mention that you get feedback and some ideas from the other person that you can take and merge with your own ideas which will in turn result in a stronger, more diverse, and creative design solution.
Tip #4: Move Around
Whether it is as simple as changing the room you are in, or it is going to the gym, movement helps rid the body of stress, and helps you get your mind off of your project. I have found that when I can't come up with anything I get up and move around I can think more clearly arfterwards. I have also noticed that sometimes my inspiration and ideas come from the strangest things. Inspiration can come from anything in life so don't assume your best ideas will come while sitting in the studio.
Tip #5: Keep an Art Journal
This could be a notebook your carry around with you in your backpack or purse where you jot down ideas, sketches or motifs that you like. Another version of this could be a folder of pictures on the computer of buildings, rooms or even landscapes that you find inspiring. Also, Pinterest is a really easy and quick way to keep track of things that you like. Compiling ideas and other peoples' work is creativity boosting because you don't forget your "light bulb" ideas that come from everyday life or seeing other peoples' work. Another great thing is you can always look back through it to help get the "creative juices flowing."
Tip #1: Spend Time in Nature
There is a big push these days to incorporate themes of nature into our designs and it can seem cliche at this point to keep saying it. However, I have found that when I am outside I am able to relax and can put aside the things in my mind that are causing stress. Stress is often a source of mental blocks when it comes to creative thinking. Therefore, I am still a proponent of spending time outside. It could be as simple as a short walk or eating lunch outside when possible.
Tip #2: Take Care of Yourself
Many of these tips relate to mental and emotional health. However, it is important to stay physically healthy. Low levels of energy and a lack of sleep can often hinder the creative process. Studies have shown that the creative and problem-solving portion of the brain's ability is significantly reduced when the body is tired. In addition to sleeping enough, drinking water is another practical (and potentially more feasible ) way to easily help keep yourself healthy.
Tip #3: Collaborate
Once again, I am using another buzz word, but I do believe collaboration is very useful to help sort through your fragmented ideas. Simply talking to another person at the start of your brainstorming can be beneficial. Even if it is an individual project, just talking out loud can help you follow your train of thought and create a cohesive design solution in the end. Not to mention that you get feedback and some ideas from the other person that you can take and merge with your own ideas which will in turn result in a stronger, more diverse, and creative design solution.
Tip #4: Move Around
Whether it is as simple as changing the room you are in, or it is going to the gym, movement helps rid the body of stress, and helps you get your mind off of your project. I have found that when I can't come up with anything I get up and move around I can think more clearly arfterwards. I have also noticed that sometimes my inspiration and ideas come from the strangest things. Inspiration can come from anything in life so don't assume your best ideas will come while sitting in the studio.
Tip #5: Keep an Art Journal
This could be a notebook your carry around with you in your backpack or purse where you jot down ideas, sketches or motifs that you like. Another version of this could be a folder of pictures on the computer of buildings, rooms or even landscapes that you find inspiring. Also, Pinterest is a really easy and quick way to keep track of things that you like. Compiling ideas and other peoples' work is creativity boosting because you don't forget your "light bulb" ideas that come from everyday life or seeing other peoples' work. Another great thing is you can always look back through it to help get the "creative juices flowing."
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Higher Education Trends for 2015
This week, I decided to blog about trends in higher education, seeing that our final project is focused on such design. The February release of NMC Horizon Report stated higher education trends for 2015, and below are 3 that I felt we could utilize in our own projects.
1. "Redesigning Learning Spaces"
Technology as we know has become a major factor in learning environments, therefore, higher education is adopting educational technology. With this, more and more institutions are promoting active learning spaces that emphasize collaboration.
2. Focus on Collaboration
Ways to allow more focus on collaboration within learning environments include specifying long tables instead of the traditional individual tables, furniture formations in a circular pattern, moveable furniture that can easily transition into new formations as activities change, and comfortable meetings that both students and instructors can utilize. Also, as previously stated, as technology progresses to be a top trend, placing outlets through the space allows for both students and staff to not be limited on where and when they can connect.
3. Formal and Informal Spaces
Formal spaces of lectures and the traditional classroom remain important, but informal spaces such as lobbies and hallways are now being seen as places for collaboration and academic work can be done as well.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Top 10 Trend Predictions of 2015
As I was watching the HGTV 2015 Dream Home show today I started thinking about what some of the trends were going to be this year. Even though I am more interested working in commercial design I still like to know the latest trends are for residential. I came across the Top 10 Trend Predictions of 2015 and really liked the list so I thought I'd share with you. My favorite trend of this year would have to be the black window sashes. The black trim draws your attention to the beautiful molding and to the leafy trees outside.
What's your favorite trend prediction of 2015?
1. Big Comfy Sectionals
2. The deep blue
3. Old table, Mod seats
4. Black Window Sashes
5. Vintage Tubs
6. Libraries as Decor
7. Pale Driftwood Finishes
8. A Taste of the Hive
9. Four-Poster Beds
10. The Statement Light
www.details.com/culture-trends/home-interiors/201412/interior-design-trends-2015?slide=2#/slide=2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)