» Creative Advent 2008: Jeff Fisher

When I moved to Portland, Oregon in 1980 to begin my design career I thought I was pretty hot stuff. However, in economic times much like today, there were no jobs to be had. In fact, the week I arrived, several ad agencies and design firms closed their doors. Companies all over the city were laying off designers. That’s when I decided to become a “sponge” and soak up as much information, or knowledge, as possible from others in the professions of advertising and design. Instead of asking if firms had available jobs, I basically begged people to talk with me about their jobs and career history through informational interview appointments.

Share What You Have Learned About the Business

John Kobasic, a principal in a Portland ad agency at the time, was one of the individuals that said he could give me about 20 minutes of his time to discuss the industry. He shared a great deal of advice that I still remember very clearly today. After talking with me for over an hour, he brought our discussion to a close. I thanked him profusely, and told him I hoped I could somehow repay his kindness in taking the time to meet with me. He smiled and said, “You can show your appreciation by always taking the time to share what you have learned about the business with others interested in the profession.”

Since then I have tried to always be helpful to those coming up behind me in the design industry. At times I’ve actually been scorned and ridiculed by other designers for doing so, as if I was giving away trade secrets that should only be learned in the school of hard knocks. Through portfolio reviews, speaking engagements, meeting designers for coffee, writing - blogs, articles and books - and more, I have shared my knowledge, experience, successes and blunders with those seeking advice. I would hope that others in the profession would always take the time to do the same.

Guest Author Bio

Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, is the author of “Identity Crisis: 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities into Successful Brands” (HOW Books, 2007). He has received nearly 600 regional, national and international design awards for his logo design efforts. His work is featured in over 100 books about logos, the design business, and small business marketing. Fisher is currently writing a book, with a planned early 2010 release, on the topic of typography in identity design.

12/21

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6 Responses to “Creative Advent 2008: Jeff Fisher”

JoshuaCreative
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:49 am

Keep sharing! We’re still reading (voraciously)
Jeff Fisher LogoMotives
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:39 pm

Thanks so much for the post! - J.
Chris "Dippy Chick" Hanisco
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:31 pm

It’s refreshing to hear that from such a great designer! When I was working as a designer I had run-ins with people like your former colleagues. They wouldn’t even say “Good morning” if they walked by me (or anyone) in the hall! I made it a game to say “Good morning” and kind of force them to say it back. After a while, they started doing it on their own. lol They were so snotty! Giving back is so important! I wish more “elder” designers understood that. I wouldn’t have quit that place so soon if they had shown more basic kindness.
Judy Dunn
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm

That is SO the way it should be Jeff. Good for you for generously sharing what you know. It can only make the profession better.

I, too, like to give newbie copywriters some of my time (maybe it’s the former educator in me) and what’s more. I usually learn a thing or two from them as well.

Thanks for sharing.
Zinni
December 24th, 2008 at 8:07 am

I absolutely agree with Jeff’s advice as well. Every intern I ever oversee or colleague I work with receives some of my personal experiences whether they want to hear it or not. I personally believe that sharing these experiences is part of our responsibilities as a designer, and a very large portion of the reason I started Positive Space!

Thank you for you great story Jeff.
Wambui
January 8th, 2009 at 3:17 am

HI HELP i need some sound career advice

im at a stage where i dont seem to kno what to do, i finished uni 3 years ago n i guess u could see im a newbie designer
im now back in kenya ive been working for the past 2 years as a designer, 1 year for a t.v station but then i resigned the company was not the best to work for in terms of pay, the workload just dint match up and it wasnt worth all the stress

now im at an advertising agency, nuturnbates, but im slowly realising print/advertising is not for me, its seriously boring!

how many banners and logos can one do??? mayb its the company im working for where we dont have exciting, involving, think outside the box projects …ok enuff rumbling

my question is its just my 4th month in this new job, should i resign? i may get an offer with another t.v station ( i like that area of design, motion graphics etc, very exciting and fun) but everyone seems to think im not settling with an employer…

help!!