Tips for Aspiring Designers
Tips for Aspiring Designers
February 28, 2013 by Taylor Studios
On occasion, we give tours to classes and designers-in-training. Giving a tour to a group of eager faced, passionate future designers is one of my favorite tasks. And I certainly don’t mind when they stop by to talk at tradeshows, so long as I’m not busy with a client. They tend to ask great questions, want opinions on their portfolios, and always want job-seeking advice.
What type of degree or experience do they need? Do schools offer museum exhibit design classes?
I offer some insight and a few tips:
Degree or not, at Taylor Studios we want our designers to have experience in one or more of the following:
– lighting design
– theater set design
– landscape architecture
– industrial design
– architecture
– graphic design
– other related fields
Hands-on fabrication experience is a bonus too. We have a few senior staff members who have been here quite some time and help mentor and shape new designers.
If you’re a student, or fresh out of school, I recommend seeking internships. Make sure your drawing skills are premier. Learn to draft or how to build things. While drafting may not be required, general knowledge of constructing furniture, cabinetry, scenery, etc. is important.
Get involved with industry related associations, such as:
– NAI ()
– AAM ()
– USITT ()
– TEA ()
– SEGD ()
Network on LinkedIn. Get involved with groups on LinkedIn – there are a few that are specific to museum and exhibit design. Read industry publications and magazines. Stay current on industry and technology trends. Attend a tradeshow and talk to companies that design and fabricate exhibits. You don’t have to have several degrees or terminal degrees to break in to this field. Knowledge is power.