Popular Interview Questions

. Tell me a little about yourself?

My name is Luchia Pike, I am 20 years old and I am currently doing a Foundation Degree in Illustration and Print

. Why do you want to work for us?

I want to work for you because I know I can be a great asset to your business. As well as the fact that I have chosen to company because I have heard many good things about it and I want a piece of the action.

. What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses?

My strengths would have to lie in being able to converse with the public in a general informal way; or, if the situation was different, in a very polite and formal way. I show respect and understanding, I listen to instructions well and I am not afraid to ask questions. I work well in a team and I can work on my own where I use my own initiative if the situation needs it.

My weaknesses would have to be when I am thrown in the deep end and I have not got a clue what is going on. Also with some technical computer skills which I need to catch up on.

. Why should we take you on?

Because I believe that, if given the chance, I can help you and your business become something better and brighter in the future. I want to learn as much as I can so I can help you as much as I can. When I have a passion for something, I put everything in it, which I will do here.

. What are your Career Ambitions?

My ambitions lie in the artistic world, where I would want to either teach art to students, to sell and exhibit it or to be an artist in my own right and make and sell to my heart’s content.

. Why did you choose your College course and what have you

gained from it?

I chose my college course because I am not familiar with illustration and the process of printing, therefore, I wanted to broaden my horizons and seek a better understanding before I get a job lying in either this area, only in Fine Art, or in both.

. How do you deal with problems?

It actually depends on the problem. If it involves something personal and emotional, I tend to ignore it and deal with it in my own time when I am alone; therefore, if it happened in the work place, I would not cause a fuss and continue with my work. If it was from someone else who was emotionally hurting me, I would find the manager and report this abuse, and then sort it out in a calm manner. If it was from an angry customer, I would apologise, calm them down and try and get what they want or a alternative that was satisfactory or better in comparison.

. To make sure we get a good picture of you, what else should we

know about you?

I am a motivated, creative and positive individual that is dedicated to using my initiative and motivation to work hard within any environment. I am also dutiful, reliable and a team player, I have a good sense of humour, whilst performing to the best of my ability. I am fair, intellectual and inspired to learn more in every aspect of every circumstance.

. Tell me a little bit about your work experience, what did you gain from it? Was there anything that you did not like about the company you worked for?

I am currently working along side a company called RIO who specialise in getting money from the government to better the education of primary schools in and around the area of Devon/Somerset.

In this project I am the illustrator who is responsible in designing certain aspects of a garden, in which they want to change into a magical ‘Giant’s Garden’. This will involve things like a giant’s chair for story telling and giant footprint template so that it can be chalked/sprayed on the ground. I have only just begun this, but I have had a meeting with the main person behind RIO and have introduced myself to the primary teachers that want to get involved. We had a wonderful discussion about the garden and exchanged ideas and thoughts upon it. Right now, at this stage, it is wonderful to be out of my comfort zone and to converse with people who I never knew about something I adore so much. It is refreshing and enlightening. At this early stage, I cannot find anything I do not like.

. What skills do you think you can offer?

I can offer so much if given the right amount of training and confidence. All I need is a chance to show you what I can offer. The skills I have right now involve much in customer service, such as waitressing, taking orders, answering the telephone etc as well as artistically where I am currently a screen-printer’s apprentice, specialising in tiles, as well as doing work experience with companies, like I have said, and having experience in mentoring/helping out teachers of art with their class. I have many skills that I can offer in many general areas.

. This is a busy job, how do you think you would prioritise?

I would prioritise myself by the routine of the business and to slide in without disturbing this; only when everyone and everything is satisfied by my presence will I make suggestions and present ideas that will ultimately make the job easier.

. Give me an example of when you worked using your own

initiative?

When I was working in a small café that was connected to a small shop near where I used to live, I was the head waitress as well as the shop assistant (where I would be left with customers on my own). Under my team of waiters was the cook’s husband, who was happy to converse with the customers but not too quick with orders. One day, the place was completely full. Overall, there are about 30 tables inside and outside of the café and I was waitressing them all as well as now and again, going into the small shop and seeing if anyone needed serving. I took my own initiative by going over there when things were quiet or when I noticed people going over there. As well as that, I would make a mental list of requests from the customers and do them in order, so people were not left out and kept waiting. This was a very demanding job, especially in the summer.

. Give me an example of when you worked as part of a team?

In another job, I was a Sales Assistant where I was part of a team of Sales Assistants (there were usually 3 of us) who were responsible of filling up the shelves, keeping the shelves tidy, cleaning up any general mess but most importantly serving customers in the front two tills that were closest to the doors (there was another team of about 10 people who worked in and behind the pharmacy at the far end). Within this little team, we would generally ask each other business related questions, such as if something has been done or not done etc, as well as help each other on the tills. In the last year of working there, the Sales Assistants I knew have all gone to college/university, therefore, there were different people all the time. This, however, did not affect the teamwork that I have said about before.

Three Illustrators, Three Websites...

The three websites that I have chosen to investigate and compare in relation to what I want to do in the future are Micah Lidberg, Beatrice Alemagna and Israel Sanchez.

In relation to what I want to do in the future, I wanted to become either a fine artist or a freelance Illustrator that uses more of a Fine Art basis within her work.

Micah Lidberg

was first introduced to me when I was doing my Palaeontology reconstruction illustration and I have liked him ever since. His style is very detailed and arranged primarily around the indication of colours and how they compliment each other. His inspiration comes from nature itself, which one can adapt to within his work. He shows another side of a naturalistic world bent around his creativity and line.

His website shows his work in picture frames immediately on the first page. His name, on this website has been deemed ‘ML’ obviously shows he needs no introduction, completely relying on his pictures, where the audiences eyes go to first, then to the fact that there is a list of different pages of the website in small print right at the t

op.

If one scrolls down, one can get more

of a grasp of his work, that he does more in many different areas of illustrative work and practise.

After the pictures, the information presents itself. He then introduces himself, then his clients, then his exhibitions etc in small print. What I also noticed is that his initials and the bar naming different pages of this websites follows one as you scroll down. Scroll down some more and one sees an insight into his blog, which I know has not been updated. There is at least a page of white space before I am introduced to his shop and merchandise. This website, for someone of Micah’s persona actually suits him quite well; there is no need for background colour and the type is small so one can see his work and remember it rather than be swamped down with information. The menu bar shows easy access if one does not want to scroll down, and it is obvious that Micah has written all of the information himself, as it is in an informal good-humoured manner.

If I was to create my own website, this format, for me, is too formal (even

though his writing was not) and clean. I say this because there is an absence of colour and excitement. His website does not give me the impression of coldness, but simplicity in the sense that pictures dominate it. For my website, I would take the way he has presented his information in his order of things, but mine would be more colourful, more interactive and there wouldn’t be any scrolling down or any room for blank pages.

Beatrice Alemagna, with the colours that really compliment each other, introduces herself by a menu bar that looks more like a spider diagram. Compared to Micah’s, there is no need to scroll down and the menu bar is presented in a more eye-catching format. Beatrice, with her colour theme and use of one page linking all of the other pages, shows a different format of presenting her work. If I go to the page called Posters/covers, there is an immediate link to all of the other pages on the left hand side, therefore, this website is connected in every which way. Her artwork is obtainable through a ‘picture book’ layout, as in; there are 20 examples of her work and only clicking for the next page will it open.

She does not write her information since it is written in the third person; however, at least the

re is a picture showing her face, unlike Micah who hides his face behind his work. I instantly approve Beatrice doing that, as illustrators, artists, etc have to be consciously aware of copyright and theft of their work, as well as the fact that most of the time, people need to see the face behind the art in order to get a better glimpse of the reality of the situation-that this person is real and that means she is the one behind doing all of the work. If I were to scroll down on her information, it is amazing to see that she has presented it in two different languages. This shows diversity and a clearer perspective of her work. I have also noticed that on her website there is a page named ‘leave a message’. I clicked on this and found that it was constantly updated. I cannot understand it since it is in French, but all Beatrice requests for is one’s name and their message. I am guessing that is where one can appraise her and ask her for work. If comparing it to Micah’s, where there is no contact number or email address, Beatrice is much more intelligent in the fact that people can actually contact her, again giving the sen

se that she is more humanistic compared to Micah who hides behind his work.

From her website, I can get a better understanding her as a person as well as her as an illustrator/author from the impression that she gives right at the start. Her introductory page gives one a sense of her art because of the colours that she has chosen. With Micah, there was no hint, the pictures were immediately there. Therefore, from Beatrice, I have learnt that an introductory menu page is better than having it all on a scroll down menu, and it is

better to give a picture of oneself to help people understand that you are a person after all.

Israel Sanchez’s site is simpler than either of the other two artists/illustrators. Immediately, as if like a reminder, there is ‘Israel Sanchez.com’ at the top of the page. The first image of his work is one of his cartoon pieces, and under it is the menu. The website is a simple boxed format with a brown background and foreground, emphasising the picture.

If one was to click on ‘Illustration’ bar, it would take one to the ‘picture book’ menu that presents his illustrations etc. I have found a typo, where instead of ‘Illustration 2’ on the first menu, it should be called ‘Children’s’ because that is what it is called on the second menu. So, therefore, I must keep in mind about website designers and constantly ask for updates. On the ‘Contact’ page, the menu bar is presented on the bottom of the page, which I find most helpful. All of his contact details, as well as his clients and exhibitions are shown in a simple font, bigger than both Micah’s and Beatrice’s, making the reading simpler. Going on his blog, opens up another tab on ones computer, which is the same scroll down format as Micah’s. However, the difference here is that, here, one can actually see what he looks like as well as have a sense of him as a person because he writes all of the information in again, a informal way.

On his blog there is another link placing back to where one was on his website. His blog in general is like another ‘picture book’, more pictures and less writing, which always seems to be more favourable.

From Israel’s website, I can get a sense that he is trying to place his art first, and then him as a person second. The first page is very bland but simple, this in a sense, is in the middle when it comes to information and comparing it to the other two. Israel, like Micah, shows his work first, whether or not it is lots of pictures or just one, and like Beatrice, shows his personality through a picture of himself and the easiness of getting in touch with him.

Therefore, I were to create a website, a mixture of all of the aspects that I have gained from researching and exploring the process of three different illustrators/artists websites would come in useful. Such as:

- An introductory page (Beatrice) with the colours that actually show some aspect of ones creative style (Beatrice)

- More concentration of ones pictures, instead of being swamped with information (Micah)

- A picture of oneself that shows a personality behind the work (Beatrice and Israel)

- Informal introduction in words, explaining oneself (Micah and Israel)

- A link of all of ones work within the website at the bottom/side of each page (Beatrice and Israel)

- Easy Access to contact details (Beatrice and Israel)

Self-promotional stuff...

Things that can help you self-promote yourself:

Graffiti, Merchandise, T-Shirts, Websites, Fireworks(?), Organised Events, Festivals, TV Advertisements/Cinema/Film, Megaphone, Billboard, Flags, Freebies, Agencies, Posters, Postcards, Word of Mouth, Livery, Window Displays, Tickets, Body Art, Hot Air Balloons, Badges, Leaflets, Banners, Business Cards

ETC.

Self producing is better because you get more money from it, and you get to copyright your ideas, however there is need for thought about the safety when storing it, as well as the fact that with smaller orders and longer returns.

The idea of self promoting is about not using other people’s ideas, to perceive yourself as real, and to produce good content. It is difficult to promote with small press and the constancy of promoting goods really need to stand out and can be expensive but it is all about staying on target and by using your passion as a sense of focus.

Info about some of the self-promotional products:

BLOGS

• Blogs are free
• Assessable to everyone
• Easy to use
• Can upload anything
• You can follow people who inspire you
• You can control the layout and the design
• The blog is connected to facebook, twitter and flickr so people can access it that way
• Blogs have to be more of a visual diary because too much writing can bore the audience
• People may breach copyright
• People may voice bad opinions that can upset you
• Content that you might find interesting/amusing might offend others
• People who want to know you cannot unless they have a blog too

AGENCIES

• It is free to sign up and use
• Sites like deviantart.com have too much content
• Sites that have too much content are good for feedback/constructive criticism but it is not professional
• Sites like handsomefrank.com is more professional on the basis that artists etc have to be chosen

WEB COMICS

• It is easy to use
• Goes out to a wider audience
• People who produce work online do not have a publisher
• Bad artists tend to flood websites
• There is no quality control
• No-one really promotes websites
• People like to read comics in their hands, as it is bad for their eyes

COMPETITIONS

• Students competitions: lots of prizes
• Gives a good reputation for the college
• It’s a good opportunity to get noticed
• Good for your CV
• Time management, on top of coursework is difficult
• It has to be independent work, so the cost of materials would be expensive

BUSINESS CARDS

• Promotion of self
• Can promote your work as well as your information
• It can be produced in mass numbers cheaply

POSTCARDS/FREEBIES

• One image can lead the audience to wanting more
• Imagery on small paper needs to stand out
• Paper quality can be expensive

A Commission...

This is a commission for a cafe in Plymouth. The cafe is called Jacksonz and is located 72 Cornwall Street if you want to take a look!

The owner, Jackson wanted something that fits into his theme of white, red and subtle brown layers of thick wavy lines that are shown on his walls, menus and website.

I stuck to the colour theme, adding a little of my own imagination (bubbles).

Overall I asked for £50 because he gave me the paints that he painted the walls of the cafe in, which left me to buy the canvas and to give it to him. Also for time management, he let me take my time, which was good. :)

Potential Work based learning opportunities research

Arcadia Group Ltd.

Store Design Placement located in London

Role Responsibilities: Provision of 3-D visuals & design intent drawings

-Supporting design of new stores and remodels, including co-ordination of shell design information
-Supporting design & sign off of lighting plans, signage packages, shop front construction, glazing details and shop fit details
-Provision of design details for site-specific conditions
-Support with creating and compiling design and detail submissions
-Undertake fixture coding of store plans, including general arrangements, elevations and reflected ceiling plans
-Maintain and keep up to date Brand Standard Details Manual
-Provide general support to the Store Design team

Degree Requirements: Studying towards a relevant degree

-Experience using Vectorworks
-Experience of 3D visualisation / animation beneficial
-Flexible, adaptable with a confident and friendly approach
-Accurate with high attention to detail
-Able to work in a demanding environment to pressurised deadlines and prioritise projects
-Professional approach Ability to communicate with different levels
-Strong time management skills
-Good presentation skills

This is a good placement in a company that is in the same country as me; the work includes more 3D design, mostly computer designed so I would need to learn more Illustrator and Photoshop as well as Vector (which I have no idea what that is). It shows a need for good presentation as well as to have deadlines in under pressure; this image projects an office job which is good because of the pay but knowing from recent experience by doing some work experience for a self-employed web designer that this is mundane and is stressful at the best of times. I do believe that I would rather do a placement where I am communicating with people more on a face-to-face level, as well as getting out from the stuffy office and doing things by hand/hands-on jobs that need my full attention, since being at a computer, my mind tends to wonder.

(from http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk)

Potential Work based learning opportunities research

This is an investigation on worked based learning/internships/placements that are within the area of illustration, design, fine art etc. This is the area that I want to have a career in, so, therefore, this is some research upon what is available in the working world.

Most of these placements etc are either in the UK or worldwide and are mostly asking someone experienced (at least one year of college/uni in a degree specifying the subject) in a job recurring for minimum the summer holidays, to the maximum of 12 months.

It is obvious that these employers want a placement th

at is beneficial for their company but also gives yo

u valuable knowledge and first hand experience.

First Example

Intern Options-Australia and New Zealand

Application Details: Have to download CV and cover letter template from their website and email it to us.

No closing date, needs 6-26 weeks before you plan to start.

www.InternOptions.com

Subjects of study: must be a graduate or have completed at least one year at uni/college in that subject

Work offered: Hospitality, Tourism, Fashion, Events, Accounting, PR, Media, IT, Computing, Business, Marketing, Design, Finance, Film, Advertising, HR, Graphic Design, Agriculture, Horticulture, Event Planning, Law, Journalism.

Company Profile: Intern Options is a specialist UK based internship company that focus solely on work placements and internship opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. We are the only internship company in the UK to deal exclusively with Australia and New Zealand. Everyone at Intern Options has lived and worked in Australia or New Zealand.

Print Fabric Design Internship – Company & Position Description

Company Profile

We a are a Sydney based design trio of print and fabric surface treatment specialists, whose primary focus is to deliver original, exclusive and bespoke designs for a broad range of visual applications, particularly textiles. We established the creative boutique in 2006 and combined fashion, textile and graphic design backgrounds to produce comprehensive design outcomes rich with edgy originality, beauty and distinction.

We are committed to uncovering and servicing client’s needs while promoting environmental sustainability and Australian based production in an inspiring and creative way.

‘We also have a design library, seasonally updated with a range of original artwork that is available for purchase on an exclusive basis for use in fashion, interiors & lifestyle product design. We provide our clients with the textile concept as artwork [99% illustrator files] and leave the production up to our clients discretion. We provide technical services also in making the files production ready if suppliers need this.

We forecast trends and colour and pursue original concepts with stylistic diversity to produce hand-worked and computer generated croquis. these include designs for placement, engineered and repeat print for yardage as well as treatment and application concepts for fabric and other surfaces. We also do a lot of custom design development as well as our seasonal collection.

Internship Duties

§ Prep artwork files for printers/production

§ Scan and compile editorial of our prints from clients websites, magazines etc

§ Chasing samples & editorial photos from clients.. wholesale garments or fabric

§ Research products & services when needed [think green first]

§ Sourcing & developing suppliers that meet company requirements where needed

§ Developing close working relationships with suppliers and handling new & existing day-to-day supplier communication.

§ Manage studio stock/ supplies

§ Follow-ups and monitoring clients files client buying calendar updates

§ Researching/sourcing new client relationships through the retail environment, magazines etc.

§ Sourcing contacts for special projects/collaborations.

§ Artwork design and composition of press release text & images- send these out to press contacts

§ Artwork design and composition of range release invites /other email outs

§ Packaging design for our new interior collection

§ Attend sales meetings, take orders etc. schedule of potential interior clients

§ Liaising with retail managers & suppliers for our range

§ Researching textile applications –design & production development

This type of job placement is more fashion based, but looking at it closely, their requirements want a person that is good with people, packaging design, as well as artwork design for many things. In certain aspects, this placement is very good and useful in the fact that my confidence in many areas will be uplifted, as well as my love for doing artwork and understanding the entire process from start to finish (as in, to have initial ideas, make the final outcome, whether 2d or 3d, present it to the client, go through it step-by-step, gain a business relationship which will become the selling and making of that product). And, its including areas that I am not so comfortable in, such as fabric design and manipulation-but I am willing to learn.

However, the problem, I think, is the fact that it is in another country (the furthest country to the UK!) and the payment of it is not in much detail. The company, as in, Intern Options is the one paying for the transfer. Should I believe that? Should I trust a company that I know nothing about?

If I was to consider this, I would research the company, what is paid, what is not, and the people involved within the fabric and design area.

(from http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk)

Third Experimentation

This is more to what I wanted as a final design. Sin the dinosaur is now more recognised and looks as though it is in the foreground. The text is in negetive, which contrasts with the background colour, but again, in some places, it is difficult to read. All in all, this is a vast improvement.