Dave Sedgwick Talk

On the 29th October Dave Sedgwick from 999 design came in and gave us a talk about his experiences and what we should expect after we finish University.

Dave is an ex Manchester Metropolitan student, this is where he spent three years wondering what he's going to do after University. During his time in University, Dave was freelancing for his own clients which allowed him to bring in that extra bit of money which always helps.

During his time at Manchester Metropolitan, Dave went on two placements. One was for a company called Flux Magazine in the Northern Quarter, and the other one was called Splinter in Liverpool.

After this he started doing his portfolio, got contacts of people in the industry, rang them and set up portfolio viewings with these people. Dave got a portfolio viewing at Dinosaur, one of the feedback he got was that "you need some Yorkshire pudding packaging added to my portfolio."

After his time on the two placements, Dave had time to reflect on things and question himself on how serious he took things. After a good think to himself he started being more involved and being more determined to be successful. With this he started researching agencies, using the internet to browse through company websites, he kept notes and kept a diary. A tip he gave us was 'find out as much as you can.'

Although his feedback from Dinosaur was like that, Dave ended up having his first placement at Dinosaur (after he finished University.) The feedback Dave us was that the conditions was horrible, he got payed £65 for two weeks work! Also it's hard to get a job there.

After this he got another placement at TCW which is now Love Creative. Whilst working here he got offered a job on a salary of 13k a year. He happily took this, but on 02 January 2003, he was made redundant, nice way to start the year. Although he was made redundant Dave found it a lot easier to get an interview in the industry now that he wasn't a student.

Dave went on to take a full time job at Race. Whilst here he worked with LMDI and The Arts Council etc. He won a pitch at Designersblock and also at 100% Design exhibition, both of these pitches were against at least three other big design companies.

A few extra things Dave went on to say was that it's not as hard as you think it is to get a job in the industry, you just need to be dedicated enough. There's no time like now, you just need to start looking and planning. Don't discount the small agencies. Call up ask who to send a PDF or CV and emails too, never send anything to info@_____.

Last of all SPELL THE PERSON'S NAME CORRECT