Nice story in RIT’s news and events column about the award-winning next generation of creative talent the school is putting out. But the real question is: what can we do to keep these hot shots from performing a disappearing act and instead stay right here in Rochester?
— Kate Sonnick
To all the wonderful members of RAF,
I just wanted to give a big thank you for all the hard work and effort you have done for the creative community in Rochester, especially for us students. From the creative speeDate and portfolio reviews to the ADDYS, you all have provided us with a great opportunity to better ourselves as creatives. Personally, from these events I have become more comfortable in speaking about my work, mainly because those involved in these events have been so easy to talk to, and do not make the process dreadful at all (as you know it can be as a student). I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet all the exciting people I have, and look forward to crossing paths in the future.
I am still sad I had to “pull a Houdini” as I like to call it, and miss the ADDY awards this year due to an illness, but I was ecstatic and deeply honored to have been awarded the student scholarship award along with an ADDY this year. I again would like to thank you all for this opportunity, it really meant a lot to me. I hope future students will too realize the importance of getting involved with the RAF.
With much gratitude,
David Nardone
um….how about a cool downtown, cool cash, cool accounts to work on, uh….cool uncles to live near….: )
Us seasoned creatives miss those days. Complete creative control, no worries of ROI, no clients devaluing thoughtful design. Ahhh the days of student projects.
I’m currently a graduating graphic design senior at RIT. As you can guess I’m looking for a job and while I love Rochester. I can’t find an agency or studio in the area willing to hire an entry level designer. I often here of students who come to Rochester for school and then leave as soon as they graduate. I feel I’m following on that same path.
So like many seniors, I’m looking at the New York City market. Its not only a larger market, but its more welcoming to young talent.
I’m not originally from Rochester but I have fallen in love with the area. Unfortunately I feel I’m being forced to leave because the market is simply not as welcoming to young talent. That’s why I believe Rochester loses such great creative individuals.
Of course I will continue to try to get myself in the door here. I will continue to push open the doors, but this blockade is what really makes others look elsewhere.
good point jon. students can and should push their work while they can. no point in playing it safe in a book that’s totally spec.
I love the sentiment of this blog post because keeping these talented grads in town can benefit us all, but I do have to say, “What happened to the days when young creatives did anything they could to get into a shop?” Seems these days if we can’t promise Gold Pencil-winning opportunities at every turn, the eyes start rolling and the interest wanes. Fast.
Today too many young creatives that I’ve met cringe at the thought of starting at the bottom. There’s a sense of entitlement that I just don’t get. Like many of you out there, I kicked and scratched for my first creative position. All I cared about was making a few bucks to actually be placed in front of a Mac and try to design stuff. Anything, really. Then from there it was mech work and computer backup duties. A few hundred late nights later, I got some of the chances that I had hoped for as a junior designer/AD.
OK, I didn’t mean to rant. Guess my message to any graduating seniors out there is to be open to any position that’s presented to you (especially in this economy). You have no idea how one experience can lead to another. Show tenacity and a willingness to shine in any role you can find. The truth is that you’ll be competing against seasoned creatives that have been displaced by the tough economy. All employers are being conservative with their staffing right now. But if you show persistence, you may just find yourself at the right place at the right time when a new business pitch delivers dividends or a client increases their contract for an agency or design firm.
Keep honing your craft (yes, even after graduaton) and share new work (freelance, spec, whatever) with CDs and shop principals. Show you want it more than the next portfolio-wielding newbie, and I promise that doors will open.
And by the way, jobs in Rochester can absolutely deliver the award-winning assignments you’re all seeking. Creativity does not only flow through our largest metro markets. Your talent and drive are the most important factors in regards to attracting award show trinkets, industry exposure, and personal satisfaction. I hope a few of you do stick around and make some waves. The boat should be rocked from time-to-time.
I second Jeremy’s sentiment: find an organization that’s willing to put great minds to work quickly (not all will, even in NYC). Then take any job they offer. Your first title is meaningless.
Kate: this is a cool topic to address head on. Moderated lunch discussion maybe?