Professional Topics Week 3- Amy Aschabar

Amy Aschabar

Associate Director of Marketing and Creative at Cycura Inc.
Sheridan Web Design Alumna 2016-2017

aeaschaber@gmail.com

"In-House Designer?"

     Amy Aschabar presented herself as the "in-house designer." The definition of an "in-house designer" is one who exclusively works for one business alone. Instead of being in a design or advertising agency working on different projects, she devotes herself to one company. In regards to this, one would have to have similar values and be very committed to their line of work. Through her presentation, she provides the negative and positive aspects of being an "in-house designer."

     One may think of feeling very limited in terms of getting enough portfolio pieces. However, she states that when starting a project, you are in complete control. In other words, one has complete ownership of a big project, starting off from its process to completion versus an app one creates for another company. Another positive aspect is having control of the company's brand and given the opportunity to define the brand. Overall, being an "in-house designer" is for one who is very passionate about the company and who share similar views.

Helpful Tips

     Aschabar presented very useful tips that provide help in-class and also, in the real world:

• Manage your time!

     This I find to be one of the most useful tips that will keep occurring throughout your life. Time waits for no one; we need to be careful of upcoming deadlines and be ready for any hiccups along the way!

• Build relationships, build your network 

     Building a network is very important. I have previously heard of people getting jobs through recommendations and building relationships is a big part of that. So, hearing this in the presentation is definitely a useful tip to hear as people will know who you are as a designer and know that you can be the right person for a specific job because of your skills.

• Understand the job you are getting into 

     Another great tip to hear as it is natural to first research about the job and company you are applying to. Researching and being prepared for interviews is of utmost importance if one is aiming to get the job. It is also best to ask for a tour to see the working environment and confirm if this is the right fit for you. Overall, knowing what you can offer and knowing your limits as a designer helps you understand where your skills lie and if you are applicable for the job. 

• Get feedback

     Coming from an arts program, critiquing artworks is one I am very familiar with since the purpose of critiquing is getting feedback. Like with design, getting feedback helps the process move smoothly than getting no input from people at all. Its good to let other people look at your work to see what works and what doesn't. Having to look at the same thing over and over again can be tiring, but with a fresh pair of eyes and a new perspective from other people, it can be used as helpful tips to improve on what needs to be done.

Finishing Thoughts

     This presentation was very fulfilling with amazing tips that I will definitely take to heart. I also find it interesting to learn about being an in-house designer. I have never heard that term before, so it was definitely an interesting thought to think about when pursuing a design job in the future. Either to work in an design or maketing agency, or to work strictly with one company and have complete control over the design process of a brand. When thinking about being in complete control of a project, I think I wouldn't fit that criteria, as I like to work with a team and build on that process and get ideas from different viewers. As my very first junior designing project was for building the yearbook in high school, I was working with a team. I wasn't particularly the leader, but I did most of the design work with added feedback from other people. Although, if it were for a company that I share similar values and one I am passionate about, I would definitely give being an "in-house designer" a try. 


Useful Links:

https://www.techtoronto.org/ - Tech Toronto
An event that features classes to expand ones knowledge on the ever-growing technology community as well as a great place to connect with the community.

https://www.linkedin.com/uas/login?_l=en - LinkedIn
Another great place to network professionally online with a professional-looking profile.