The American Heritage Dictionary (2006) defines “collaboration” as “to work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort.” Also known as brainstorming, collaboration stems from the ancient Greek practice of group dialogue, an art which follows certain rules. Socrates established three principles of discussion (or “Koinonia” meaning “spirit of fellowship”) in group dialogue: (1) Establish dialogue (don’t argue or interrupt and listen carefully), (2) Clarify thinking (suspend all untested assumptions), and (3) be honest (even if your ideas are controversial – or downright wacky).
Michael Michalco, author of “How to Encourage Collaboration on Your Team” (HOWDesign.com, January, 2008), makes an unbeatable case for collaboration, pointing out that it has produced great achievements in physics, film-making and art. On the other hand, lack of collaboration has produced stifled ideas, fear, mistrust, failure and “nothing of significance.” The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. Why would we not collaborate? Continue reading →
Choosing the right college is a crucial decision as future career opportunities may depend on the quality and type of education received. Today’s job market is competitive in all professions, and reputable and successful companies and businesses are looking to hire top notch employees. Because the education received will only be a good as the college attended, it is essential to research which colleges will provide the best education possible. There are many Graphic Design Colleges across the country from which to choose, but there are several factors that will need to be considered before submitting an application. When evaluating and comparing colleges some things to look for include: the location of the school, class size, faculty, and the availability of career assistance programs. In addition, make sure the desired degree, whether associates, bachelors, or masters, is offered at the college and determine the length of time required to earn the degree as well as estimated tuition costs. By completing a comprehensive assessment of available schools, it can be determined as to which school will best meet the student’s needs and desired career goals.
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There is no doubt by now that video game technology is here to stay – it has already become a multi-billion dollar industry. One of the biggest sources of income to the computer industry is video games. This caters to both children and adults and retail for as much as $60 a piece. Because of this, many students and adults are now pursuing a degree in one of the various sectors of the computer industry. This includes various game design schools around the country. Believe it or not, you can find game design schools’ degree programs closer to your home than you may think.
Because video game development has become so popular in recent years, many colleges and universities now offer various degrees and training programs. In fact, some community colleges offer entry-level courses in video game design. While these are general game design courses, the training, education, and degrees received are just as valid as one you would get from completing a game design schools’ degree program. Continue reading →
Fashion designers have a myriad of career paths open to them. They may choose to work for clothing, footwear or accessory distributors. They may opt to pursue an elite career for high-end stores and specialty shops or fashion salons. Or, they may choose to work in the manufacturing end for pattern, textile, or apparel manufacturers. Whichever path they choose, few will break into the industry without the aid of fashion design degrees programs. With two to four years of fashion design training, doors start opening for the graduate.
A variety of traits are important to those considering a career in fashion design. They should be interested in and knowledgeable about trends in fashion, fabric, and color. A sense of balance and proportion is critical; an ability to sketch is advantageous. Creative flair is essential. Fashion design schools can help the individual learn how to express that creativity on paper via sketches or via computer-aided design. Fashion design schools also help the student learn how to use current trend research to create designs that have the best possible chance of success in the marketplace, helping the designer secure a better salary and achieve greater success in their chosen career path. As fashion design is not just art, but also commerce, fashion design degree programs can help merge talent with knowledge and experience to create a graduate that is in demand. Continue reading →
What to do to reinforce your brand
Even in good years, a unique and clearly developed personality is important for businesses selling goods and services. With money tighter than ever and customers everywhere taking extra time to make sure they really need to spend anything, a good brand strategy is more important than ever. Your company must be uniquely focused and on-target so that customers will choose to spend their more limited resources on you. Here are some tips about how to make your brand recession resistant, without breaking your own budget.
- Set clear goals and know your audience. Learn who buys your products or services and target your marketing strategies to this audience. Once you have identified your focus, your brand awareness strategies can follow. Understand their changing needs as time passes – and focus on changing along with these needs so that you don’t lose consumer interest. Continue reading →
