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Advice from our graphic design alumni
Studio directors, motion designers, illustrators, graphic designers, graphic designers, art directors... alumni of the Graphic Design and Motion Design programs share their best tips and practical advice for getting your career off to a good start!
"It's interesting to start by working for a big agency to understand what you like and don't like, and then be able to develop your creativity by working freelance.
This type of structure offers the chance to create a solid network, to meet lots of people who can change your life later on."
Keyvan Nourian - Creative director and co-founder of River studio
CDNL professional degree, class of 2009
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Take the time to question your skills and desires
"Before going freelance, I spent a lot of time listening to feedback from professionals via conferences, podcasts or interviews.
I also analyzed my strengths and weaknesses, my values, my desires and the opportunities that presented themselves. Taking the time to ask yourself the right questions and learn from the experience of others can help you make the right decisions, avoid pitfalls and move in the right direction!"
Baptiste Lefebvre : Motion designer and art director
Graphic and Motion Design class of 2018
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"When I left school, I didn't really know what I wanted to specialize in. It was only afterwards that I found what I really wanted to do. It's important to remember that your path isn't set in stone once you've finished your studies".
Léa Zhang : Junior Designer at Buck in Amsterdam
Graphic and Motion Design class of 2020
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Diversify your experience to identify sectors suited to your profile
"You should try to vary the sectors as much as possible to find the one that best suits your creativity. For example, if you have a rather patient temperament, 3D might be a good match."
Laura Shariaty : Senior Motion Graphic Designer at France Culture
Graphic and Motion Design, class of 2014
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"Multiply your experience, that's what's most instructive. A graphic designer can work just as well in the private sector as in the public sector, in a multitude of fields. "
Marine Cariou : graphic designer and creator of printed objects
Graphic Designer , class of 2013
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" It's vital to present your work well, and an effective portfolio and showreel can open a lot of doors.
Baptiste Lefebvre : Motion designer and art director
Graphic and Motion Design, class of 2018
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"Enrich your portfolio with personal projects. At school we work a lot in groups, so it's important to keep up your personal practice. This is what allows you to find your artistic individuality and naturally attract projects that appeal to you."
Léa Zhang : Junior Designer at Buck in Amsterdam
Graphic and Motion Design, class of 2020
👉 discover her portrait
Using social networks
"To get known, Instagram is a great tool, it's an international showcase, but it's also a job in its own right. You have to produce content and make sure you remain sincere for it to work. Today it's a real business, and the risk is forgetting that you first have to create a community and share your work with honesty and pleasure before selling anything. ".
"I started out working exclusively in advertising. My first clients were former collaborators I'd met during internships or my first DA jobs. These initial contacts then enabled me to work with other agencies.
You have to besocially intelligent, and your bonhomie will make the difference between two very good profiles. It's very important to know how to make friends, because you're your own agent before you're a creative.
Dararith Pach, multidisciplinary designer
Graphic Designer and Producer in 2014
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"It took me a long time to knock on the doors of the studios and agents I dreamed of working with, because I was afraid I wouldn't have the level. You shouldn't hesitate to do so, as these people are perfectly aware that your level won't be the same as that of a senior.
We tend to forget this, but progress continues after school, and it's normal not to know how to do everything when you leave".
Tom Goyon, illustrator and art director
Graphic and Motion Design class of 2017
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"It's very important to monitor and test new tools, to mix techniques and not confine yourself to the Adobe suite".
Laura Shariaty : Senior Motion Graphic Designer at France Culture
Graphic and Motion Design, class of 2014
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"You have to stay curious, on the lookout for the latest trends, new creative tools, etc., it's very important to stand out and not get left behind."
Clara Merle : Graphic Designer for "J'ai lu" publishing house
DN MADE Graphic Design, specializing in identity design, class of 2022
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"The industry is changing very fast. It's vital to keep a perpetual watch on technology and creativity, and to be able to learn on the job so you don't miss any opportunities."
Dararith Pach, multidisciplinary designer
Graphic Designer and Producer in 2014
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"Having creative and original ideas is all very well, but it 's important to be demanding in their execution. What you deliver to the customer is the signature of your work.
Dararith Pach, multidisciplinary designer
When you do this job, you have to be organized. In the beginning, I was very focused on my drawings, but you can't neglect the practical and administrative aspects of your work. If you don't, you're stressed out and less productive, which is bad for your creativity. "
Demonstrate rigor
"We need to work on valuing our profession, which is not always considered, by charging fair rates. We spend a lot of time developing ideas, researching, formatting, doing and undoing...It's important to assert copyright and the time spent on a project. "
Marine Cariou : graphic designer and creator of printed objects
Graphic Designer , class of 2013
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"You mustn't undersell yourself and work with a day rate that's too low, it puts the whole profession at risk. I know it's very difficult, but there are a lot of studios that take advantage of young graduates."
Tom Goyon, illustrator and art director
Graphic and Motion Design, class of 2017
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