Six IDEA alumni at Rethink Communications Vancouver offer career advice to IDEA students as they prepare for industry internships and practicums
Six of our grads work at Vancouver’s Rethink Communications, an independent creative agency. Many thanks to our talented alumni for sneaking onto a set during someone else's shoot to provide us with this amazing group photo and for giving our students invaluable career advice!
Shown left to right: Alex Bakker (IDEA Grad 2014), Charmaine Cheng (IDEA Grad 2019), Max Littledale (IDEA Grad 2018), Jake Gauthier (IDEA Grad 2013), Pamela Rounis (IDEA Grad 2010) and Ashley Visvanathan (IDEA Grad 2018).
“I think the best advice for someone starting their career in any field is, don’t bring up a problem unless you’ve already thought of a couple of solutions. This gives your CD a starting point for feedback and also shows more initiative than waiting for instruction. Don’t be afraid to be wrong just tell your inner critic to STFU and put pencil to paper. This proactive approach will eventually lead to you having more responsibility and respect.”
“Edit your portfolio, then edit it again. If you don’t feel like the work reflects who you are or what you want to be doing, then edit your work until it does. Revisit projects and keep pushing them, ask for focused briefs from your teachers, or make your own briefs. Chances are you won’t have met the people who are reviewing your work and are considering you for jobs or internships - so your book needs to make a good first impression.
Also, fall in love with your sketchbook. Everyone has access to the internet, to the Creative Suite, to the fonts - but only you have access to your brain. Get all your ideas out on paper first, craft them second. Good, smart work wins every time.”
“Put a piece of paper in your hand and walk around the office fast. Everyone will assume you’re busy and never questions your value. It also doesn’t hurt to have a positive attitude and jump on any project you can get your hands on. But ultimately your career trajectory will be determined by the speed at which you walk.”
“Show people what you’re working on, try and get lots of eyes on your work. If you covet something too much and don’t show your work until it’s finished, you may be missing a key insight or looking for solutions in all the wrong places. Don’t be afraid of your favourite direction getting killed.”
“I think about a tip from one of my Creative Directors almost every day and it’s that ideas will never come to you when you’re in front of the computer. You really do have to put in the time with your sketchbook and strive to look at the problem 100 different ways. It also means taking a break from the brief after you’ve immersed yourself in all the raw materials and trust that your subconscious will chew away at the problem while you make dinner or walk the dog. Then, all you have to do is be prepared to jot things down when lightning strikes.”
“The most valuable and influential thing I did during my time in IDEA was reaching out to people in the industry. Ask for portfolio reviews, studio tours, coffee dates, etc. with people you admire, because most people are more than happy to meet with students and give them insight into “life after university”. It shows that you’re keen and proactive, and gives you valuable connections that can last as long as you maintain them. PS: Past IDEA grads usually have a soft spot for IDEA students. Just saying.”
For more on Rethink Communications see rethinkcanada.com.
