Finding Myself On Google

Recently I was searching a topic on Google, when the results came up I noticed that I came up on the results, due to my blog.

When I realized this I was rather impressed because for two reasons,

1) It was on Google's first page of results

2) It was through my blog that I was getting promoted.

This links in with my debate 'Blogs - Good or Bad?' because this shows how you get publicity from having a blog - even if you don't think you do.

Steve Leard - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Recently there was a post on the CR blog regarding blogs. After reading this I decided to contact a few people who have posted there thoughts about blogs.

One of these was Steve Leard. Steve runs his own blog also so the feedback should be interesting.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

I would recommend it, I believe it's a good learning exercise, especially if you were analysing and presenting your own work. Being self-critical is an important skill to learn as a young designer, it's how you learn and develop.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

So what? I wouldn't give it much thought really. As a creative person, you'll come up with an infinite amount of ideas, no one can steal that ability. Ideas get stolen, it's an irreversible fact, you can't let that deter you.

3. People see a way to publicize themselves and their work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what should the purpose of a blog be?

It's there if you need it. You might not get a lot of hits, but I think it's still a positive thing for a designer to do. It makes you analytical, critical and open to what's around you. If you go for a job interview and tell them you write a blog, that's going to make a good impression, it shows you're inquisitive.

4. Finally, what's one positive and negative about having a blog?

Positive - Makes you a better designer

Negative - I can't really think of one, what's the worst that could happen? If it's not for you, just stop.

Ted Howell - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Recently I got in touch with Ted Howell regarding blogs. Ted was recommend as someone I should get in touch with regarding blogs by David Sedgwick. Ted works for 999 Design in Salford.

Question and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

Yes. If only as a way through your experience as a student to quantify what you've actually done, looked at and posted on the internet. Speaking as a student who 8 years ago had to hand in lever-arch files of research/photocopies etc to be subjected to some kind of marking process - surely a blog which documents everything you've done for the last 12/24/36 months can only be a useful tool for you, and your tutors.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

Ideas do get stolen, it's a sad part of the business - but I wouldn't let this deter you from starting a blog. They were stolen in every decade before the 90s from books and print, and they're being stolen now. But, if you want to start a blog, then do it. It is better to share than to sit on your ideas. I've seen many blogs dry up quickly though, so be upfront if it is simply going to serve us as an online portfolio.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what should the purpose of a blog be?

The web is awash with blogs and 90% of designers look at 90% of the same blogs - unfortunately this means getting a new blog noticed, and more importantly read, is a tough hurdle to get over. A blog to me should simply be interesting. How that is defined I suppose is in the mind of the reader, but an interesting and indeed interested blogger is a great start.

4. Finally, what is one positive and negative about having a blog?

A positive: It gives you a voice, and if you shout loud enough your audience could be immense.

A negative: You're just one in a million...

Creative Review - To blog or not to blog

Recently Creative Review have been holding a Question of the Week on there blog.

This weeks questions was: To blog or not to blog?

Neil sent me the link letting me know about this weeks question as this will tie in with the debate about blogs which I previously got in touch with him about.

To read this article, read the responses, or even posting your own opinion (should do that on here) then visit;

http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2009/september/question-of-the-week-080909#feedback

Gareth Dunt - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Another student I emailed regarding blogs was Gareth, and yes Gareth went to the University of Wales also.

Questions and Answers;

1. When participating in a group/individual blog, how do you find it? Do you enjoy it and why?

Regarding individual blogs, I have found is massively rewarding as it acts as a sort of reflective journal for me as a designer. There's been many times that I've stumbled across a gem of a website, written in the URL down on the back of a book, only to loose it in the vastness of a mess at my desk. The memory rolls out of my brain and is lost forever and a potential love affaire with that website is stopped even before it has begun. Keeping a blog is the quickest, easiest and by far the most logical way of keeping track of finds on the internet.

2. I've found that a lot of student's aren't safe with putting there design work up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. How do you find this? Are you happy to put your work up?

Yes I've no problem in putting my work up on my blog. There's been many cases when I've posted progress reports concerning my projects to act as a personal account of how things are going. Thing is, the work ultimately gets put up on my main website garethdunt.com and if they really want to steal material then it's there for the taking. I've no problem with it really, I feel idea recycling is a major factor in how we develop.

3. Are you pressured into doing a blog, or do you just want to do it to get yourself noticed and more involved with topics?

Originally the pressure came from my course. We were instructed to keep personal design journals which could be in either physical book or blog format. I tried keeping a book but I found it laborious, far too precious, and most importantly selfish. I didn't like the fact that all the interesting finds, thoughts and philosophies I'd collected over a limited of time were limited to a book that only myself and a few lecturers would read. I wanted to share my findings with fellow students and anyone else that wants to listen. With regard to keeping a blog to get involved with debates, I guess that is also a factor. What's great about this media is that it can bring people from anywhere in the world into the same discussion. Something you can't get with a moleskin sketchbook.

4. What do you find positive and negative about having a blog?

The main positives I have found with blogging is the ability to share you're content with other people in a way that is more subtle than public broadcast. Blogs are quiet, controlled things that people can visit when they wish to. Not loud, brash, invasive websites that preach. Having said that, I guess some are. Also the ability to file and organise content with labels and catagories - my reflective notes are at hand almost anywhere in the world, without need for numerous dog-eared notebooks. Within 10secs of searching I've found that entry I made on that awesome typographer from Brazil who's letter E I really like on the 23rd April 2006. Try doing that with a moleskin!

As for negatives, I can't really think of any... there's plenty of databases of good blogs out there such as thestrangeattractor.net and typeneu.com that keep me ticking as a designer. I don't really have anything negative to say about them!

Blogs = Good

Richie Evans - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing emailing students regarding blogs, I got in touch with a student called Richie Evans.

Richie, like the other two, goes to the University of Wales. 

Questions and Answers;

1. When participating in a group/individual blog, how do you find it? Do you enjoy it and why?

I usually come across interesting blogs when I see links on sites such as psdtuts.com or other design tutorial sites, just to look at what other work they've got to show, or what great music videos or animation that are out there that some people will never get the chance to see on MTV or of course be quite difficult to find on youtube, also what designs or designers interest them in the world of creative communication. But most blogs sites I usually visit do cause a spark of inspiration that I use in my University work or freelance work.

2. I've found that a lot of student's aren't safe with putting there design work up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. How do you find this? Are you happy to put your work up?

I'm always happy to show my work, but if other students think they've got a design to good 'they must COPYRIGHT it' then expose there great idea/design upon the world which will give them good marks with other designers and bloggers of the world - that is a number one rule in my book and students shouldn't think of it as their work being 'stolen' but 'to inspire others'.

3. Are you pressured into doing a blog, or do you just want to do it to get yourself noticed and more involved with topics?

We are not pressured into doing a blog in Uni but our lecturers do tell us to do a 'reflective journal' in any form of media (PowerPoint display, a book or even a blog) just to show everyone in our year that each individual likes world of design.

But blogs are not the only way to get noticed online, there are many ways to get involved with topics such as

- Competitions on psdtuts.com that somehow all the work is submitted through flickr.com for all the designers to keep in contact with each other.

- www.logosauce.com - a site where designers come together and compare simple brand/logo designs and other interesting competitions that help designers get noticed for their hard graft.

- designerscouch.org - a site that is basically free, the facebook of designers - this site is great to show off your work and get great advice from professional designers across the world.

Apart from entering competition, you can find jobs suitable for your taste of design but my favourite part is when you apply - you don't simply apply like any other site but you have to send them 5 pieces of your work before you are accepted on the site... basically these guys are professionals and they want talent.

4. What do you find positive and negative about having a blog?

I don't think there is anything negative about blogs but you can have negative bloggers which are always amusing (well maybe for me) but blogs are inspirational, creative, and communicates well to the world of design. Maybe the only thing negative about blogs is top up the pages with more work that can kill off alot of time haha

Julian Wiedemann - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Another student I got in touch with on the agenda of blogs was Julian. 

Julian is another student that goes to the University of Wales. Although Julian mentioned how he found it hard to speak English, due to being back in his homeland as he finished University for a few months, I was very grateful for him answering the questions.

Questions and Answers;

1. When participating in a group/individual blog, how do you find it? Do you enjoy it and why?

- I do enjoy to work in a group of creative people and providing interesting stuff on the web.

- Also I find it cool to publicate your own interests and attitudes as well as designs and approaches.

2. I've found that a lot of student's aren't safe with putting there design work up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. How do you find this? Are you happy to put your work up?

- To be honest I've never heard of one telling me that this has happened to them, but I can imagine, I always state the copyright stuff to my pictures... the little c is my friend (copyright symbol)

- I would never put up some work which is still being processed or which hasn't been discussed with the client.

3. Are you pressured into doing a blog, or do you just want to do it to get yourself noticed and more involved with topics?

- It's a really cool thing to have a blog, hardly every design student do have one and keep them up to date. But I don't feel that I'm pressured doing this.

- Maybe a bit. but only to match up with 'em.

4. What do you find positive and negative about having a blog?

Positive: 

- To keep your audience up to date about your stuff that you're doing.

- To publicate all your thoughts and things that come into your mind.

- It's a cheap way to communicate.

Negative:

- I do find it hard to keep it up to date and writing new articles and pages.

Ideas being stolen (as you mentioned before)

Ruth Lucas - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing with the debate about blogs, I decided to get in touch with a few students regarding blogs which enabled me to see what they thought about producing a blog.

The first student I got in touch with was, Ruth Lucas. Ruth goes to University of Wales, which is the same as Tom Harle, this is where the link comes into it.

Question and Answers;

1. When participating in a group/individual blog, how do you find it? Do you enjoy it and why?

I enjoy updating my individual blog when I know people are reading it, hopefully people will discover something they didn't know or something they like. At the moment though I suppose I don't really update it enough to get too much enjoyment out of it. I hope this will change in the next few weeks though.

2. I've found that a lot of student's aren't safe with putting there design work up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. How do you find this. Are you happy to put your work up?

Hmm, good question. I haven't really thought that much about it before - I haven't personally known of anyone I know having their work stolen, but I think you have to be cautious. It'd be a shame if it stopped other students putting their work up on blogs and things as I like browsing other students work to see what they're up to and to get some inspiration. And it's helpful to promote your work whilst you're still studying.

3. Are you pressured into doing a blog, or do you just want to do it to get yourself noticed and more involved with topics?

Bit of both really, my course requires us to produce an on-going 'reflective diary' of the projects we do and I thought it made the most sense to do mine online.

For the first few weeks I kept that up, but soon realized that when I'm forced to do something it sounds really unnatural, so have decided to just post stuff that I like, and things I notice - which is much more interesting and fun!

4. What do you find positive and negative about having a blog?

The negatives: it's hard to motivate yourself to update when you don't have many people reading it. It's also hard finding the time to keep up with saving bookmarks of things you like, taking photos and commenting on other peoples blogs, especially when you have other pressing issues need dealing with like course deadlines and such!

The positives: noticing that people are reading, when you get an occasional comment, the satisfaction once you've posted a new update, and discovering some really nice and inspiring blogs through having your own.

Dave Sedgwick - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing with the debate about blogs, I recently got in touch with Dave Sedgwick. Dave has his own website what is set for his work to be shown off.

Dave has produced some outstanding work in his career, these can be viewed on his website, also his portfolio I found was an inspiration, to show how to constantly design something which is smart, shows the work off an is appealing.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

Hmm, to blog or not to blog? Well I'd recommend that students produce blogs that have the possibility to be a bit 'different'. It's easy for people to set one up these days, so the outcome is a multitude of fairly non descript and horrendous ones. If you genuinely think you'll find the time to constantly update with new and interesting topics and work, then go for it. But if you know deep down that there's absolutely no chance you're dragging yourself away from the Playstation or Student Union to update, leave it well alone. It's not worth it. Do a portfolio site instead and simple showcase your own work.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

Tough one. I can see why some students might think that, but I don't think it would be much of a concern for me. Work is always getting 'stolen' or plagiarized in this industy. It's part of the course I'm afraid. Most designers, whether individuals or agencies showcase their work online and by doing this they're offereing themselves for criticism as well as anything else.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what would the purpose of a blog be?

To me a blog needs to be updated regularly, with interesting and informative topics. I want to see something new, something I can't find anywhere else. I want to read short and interesting snippets of information, well written, without loads of bad spelling mistakes or terrible grammar. If I wanted some inane drivel, I'd read The Sun.

4. Finally, what's one positive and one negative about having a blog?

Positive - Blogs offer a chance for students and graduates to showcase their own work as well as presenting their personality and opinions to the outside world.

Tom Harle - Blogs Good or Bad - Part 2

After Tom Harle answered my questions regarding blogs, I asked him who he would recommend to get in touch with regarding this debate. He went onto mention Ben Terrett and David Hyde. 

As noticed I have already been in touch with both these people.

Some posts Tom forwarded to me are:

Link One

Link Two

I'm very thankful to Tom for these links, but yet again I have already read these. This shows I'm looking in the correct places to get my answers. One last thing Tom did suggest I do was to take a look at his course blog from his old College, UWIC.

Michael Murdoch - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Today I emailed Michael Murdoch (Creative Director at The House.) Michael got back to my email within a couple of hours and I was very grateful for this.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

Yes. Updates help show other creatives and potential clients you know your stuff and have a passion for design or whatever area you are interested in. Blogs are great for Search Engine Optimisation. Wordpress makes it easy to start a blog in minutes. One thing to note is be careful what you write. . remember the blog goes out to the world so make sure what you say is accurate and you happy to defend it.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

Ideas will always be stolen. It is unlikely that an idea uploaded will be completely original in any case, so I would not worry too much. Images on the web are of poor quality for print so the actual image is unlikely to be reproduced. Slap a Copyright symbol on the web and you're covered. The problem is proving your idea has been stolen. The web is about sharing, so relax and share.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what would the purpose of a blog be?

It's about relevant hits. If you talk about design you want other designers to look and potential clients. So target these people. Write in relevant blogs, tell everyone you meet you have a blog, talk about it on Twitter, mention it on Facebook. There's no point in making a blog and then hiding it. Blogs can get hits, it's all about marketing first and hard work.

4. Finally, what's one positive and negative about having a blog?

Negs: Blogs can be ugly. Use a new theme or develop your own. Keep titles bold and clear and make it easy for the end user to get snippets of info. Navigation in blog is also normally a nightmare.

Pros: Good for SEO. Easy to communicate your message. Good for sharing!

Neil Ayres - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing the debate on blogs, I emailed Neil Ayres. Neil works with Creative Review so the response I should receive should of been very helpful.

At the time I emailed Neil, he was very busy due to the vast amount of work he had going on. With this the main priority he emailed me back saying he will email me again responding to the questions by the end of the week.

As the week came to an end Neil emailed me again, but unfortunately he was still busy with work. Although this time he did respond to the email, he couldn't answer's the questions in full due to how busy his schedule was.

Neil went on to say, "Obviously from a publishing perspective, blogging makes a good deal of sense, if done properly. In relation to design, I think our readers might be better placed to address that question." He also went on to say how I should keep my eye out on the CR blog, due to how they are going to post up a weekly question, with one of them regarding blogs. This is something I am going to keep my eye out for, this due to, how this will be very helpful with my debate, and also, I will be able to read into a lot of other people's opinions on it.

Tom Harle - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing my debate on blogs - Good or Bad - I emailed Tom Harle.

Tom runs his own blog, also Tom is a graduate creative in Cardiff and London.

Question and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

I would recommend that students do something, but whether it's a blog that they do depends entirely on the kind of work they see themselves doing when leave for the outside world. There is flickr, tumbir, delicious, twitter and a loads of other ways to be publicly online, it doesn't have to be a straight up 'blog'. The problem is that just producing beautiful print work, although it may get you into creative review from time to time, won't prove to anyone who's just come across your work that you have any of the skills or awareness we need as designers now. I was amazed how little digital work there was at D&AD this year, but nearly all branding and advertising is now considered with the internet at least near its core (if it isn't it should be). The advantage of a blog, or whatever online, is that it allows a student to explore their interests over time, make connections with other bloggers, and prove to any professionals out there that you are serious about what you say you are, more than you could with a single cover letter or portfolio session.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting their designs up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

Thats a danger whether work is online or not - look at episodes like the Kozy'n'dan rabbit/sony brava commercial. And I would say that it doesn't really have to be about students' own work. I'll come back to this in question three, but for now I'll just say it's really about deciding what you want from your blog - if your just passionate about design, surely you want to share that with people? If you're just doing it 'for the CV', then aren't you getting a head start by potentially showing people your work before the June of your (and 20,000 other people's) graduation ceremonies? Either way, my own personal opinion of a traditional blog is that it's an opportunity to explore whatever about design or the creative arts that fascinate you, show how your work relates, and link up with other people who share that love - whether they can offer you a job or just engage you in stimulating conversation.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and their work - but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits - so what should the purpose of a blog be?

I Think it's really defeatist to think of it that way - If you believe that what you have to say or show is good enough, then you have to stick with it. No one's going to check your blog as soon as you've done a first post, the internet doesn't work like that. As young creatives we need to be out there on other people's blogs, having conversations, discussing other work and generally being as keen online as we are in person. Once that starts to seep around the internet, then you see the hits to your own blog go up. Hopefully, your work, if you're showing it, will be strong enough to get passed around a bit as well.

4. Finally, what's one positive and negative about having a blog?

The main negative is that you have to keep posting regularly, but that's also a real positive - it gets you constantly evaluating the world around you and trying to establish your own opinions on the issues, looking for ideas that you can talk about. I find that trying to put my thoughts into words is a really useful way of working out exactly what those thoughts are.

David Hyde - Blogs Good or Bad?

When I emailed David Hyde regarding blogs, he asked me to excuse him from answering the questions due to how I have already asked Richard from AceJet 170. When he said this I was happy to oblige, so after this he gave me some feedback about blogs and informed me of some places to look to help me out with this debate.

Firstly he recommend that I read his post about what connections blogging could bring about. (link)

He also went onto mention, that if I wanted a students opinion about blogging that I should look at Tom Harle. David also happily sent me a link as well for it. (link)

Although I didn't get the questions answered by David I found him very useful, he agreed to what Richard had already said to me and he also helped me out with further people to contact.

Judy Brown - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing with getting in touch with people regarding blogs, I got in touch with a lady called Judy Bown. Judy run's her own blog as well so it's good to see what kind of reaction she has on this. Another thing about Judy is, that she is the designer and founder of Bown - a British luxury bags and accessories company.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

A true blog (I'd say mine is more a business newsletter and product information page) needs a regular update... daily, weekly or monthly... any longer than that and people don't follow it or loose interest.

You have to have a lot to talk about! And make it interesting. So many blogs are so boring. And time wasting. And most blogs are really about an individual and their lifestyle or opinion on a particular subject, which can often be really boring (except to the writer!).

You need to be really disciplined to take note of an interesting thing everyday and write it up quickly while it is still topical... no use writing about a design show 6 months afterwards, it needs to be as it happens or just after.

Would I do a blog if I started all over again? I had good intentions at the start, before I launched the business, but one you get really busy then a blog is sometimes a slog to keep up, unless you get to the stage where someone else can do it for you! Then its not really honest you speaking, of course. I'd say it is a minor part of self-publicity.

Think who you are targeting and find out whether they spend hours a day reading blogs. Is it your mates or are you trying to get your work noticed further afield? Students might follow blogs avdily, but employers, and employees, will be too busy!

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there designs up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

I personally wouldn't put up any designs that were not already filed with a solicitor or other body that could protect your IP in case of copy (I'd recommend ACID (anti copying in design, I think they do a student rate. You can use their logo on your blog once you are a member, and they file design ideas on your behalf).

In terms of examples of student work, unless you think have something really amazing, a new invention, I wouldn't worry about putting it up.

Mind you. I haven't been a student for a couple of decades, so I've probably forgotten how precious I was about my ideas at that time.

If it shows your great drawing, presentation, CAD skills that is what the employer is interested in, not whether you have had a nice day or not.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get many hits, so what would the purpose of a blog be?

Again, unless you have a lifestyle that is essentially your work (I know a few designers who are magnificent at self-promotion, but who's design ability is negligable, but they do get themselves noticed!), I'd concentrate on having a good webpage or two, with a newsletter page to update people on who you are and what you are up to.

Blogs take a lot of time to make interesting, so unless you are a natural writer, I'd concentrate on doing the deisgn work to get noticed rather than spending hours (and it is HOURS!) writing about yourself.

4. Finally, what is one positive and one negative about having a blog?

One positive thing about having a blog is you can very quickly reach an audience with your news... and if you are really good at it, and write regularly, Google 'spiders' will notice you and put you up the search engine listings. You can also get onto Technorati and the like, but it takes a lot of time. I'd allow at least 6 months to a year to get noticed, and that's trying really hard every day.

I have found the best blog sites are by people who have one passion or subject that holds it together, they are based at home, and don't have a full time job elsewhere (as a good blog IS a full time job.)

One (other!) negative, I think, is that you can expose yourself very quickly and its up there forever for all to see. You have to be quick to add a relevant comment, but one angry or misguided comment and you do yourself no favours. Keeping the balance between personal and private info is a tricky one. What you say now sticks around for a long time, and you may always regret it.

So, in short, it is not a magic to get noticed. A good blog is an art in itself, and needs years of commitment to get noticed, let alone a cult following.

Employers do not have time to read reams of pages, they want to see ideas, and that those ideas come fast and often, and someone who will work hard (not spending time dreaming up their evening blog update!)

Veerle Pieters - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Since I haven't been continuing the blog debate for a while, I recently decided to get in touch with a few fresh people regarding blogs - good or bad? The reason for this is that I have now decided to further this into my critical journal in my last year of University.

One of the first people I got in touch with was Veerle Pieters. Veerle runs his own blog, but he also has his own joint company called duoh.

Veerle quickly responded to my questions with his answers which I'm most grateful for.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

You should only start a blog when you have something worthwhile to say. Starting one because others do as well is wrong. One reason to start a blog could be because you have a unique perspective on things.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there ideas up on blogs due to there idea getting stolen, what would your opinion be on this?

You have to take a risk otherwise you don't gain anything. If you aren't prepared to share your work online in a bigger size you shouldn't be sharing anyway. It has to have value to those who visit and you don't get that from tiny thumbnails. My work gets stolen on a regular basis but that doesn't stop my from putting my work online. The day that I don't have any positive outcome of putting my work online anymore is the day that I'll stop putting things online.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what would the purpose of a blog be?

If you start a blog because you want to get hits you are doing it wrong already. Blogging is a passion and one that takes up a lot of time and effort to keep it going. You should start for the right reason and that could be your passion to share your ideas with the world. A blog should be what you want to read because it is personal.

4. Finally, what is one positive and one negative about having a blog?

Positive: getting to know other creative like minded people to share and bounce your ideas off.

Negative: wasting time on tracking down people who stole your content.

Frank Chimero - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing to get peoples opinion's about blogs, Duane recommended that I emailed Frank and asked him the same set of questions. So I emailed Frank Chimero (an illustrator graphic designer and writer) and he happily replied with his set of answers on the topic.

Questions and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

I would recommend students creating some sort of creative archive of work they find inspiring. Reference libraries are always useful for creatives to get themselves "unstuck," I think, and doing so online is easier, but I think it encourages students to share inspiration with one another.

I also think it's a good idea for students to write and talk about their own work and share their process with one another. If a blog is their chosen medium to do so, than so be it. But if it isn't and they decided they'd rather do so exclusively person to person, than so be it.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there designs up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

I think educational environments need to be felt safe by the students. If they fear that posting their ideas will result in theft, I think there's a larger issue at play than just blogging. If it's professionals stealing ideas from students, than shame on them.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what should the purpose of a blog be?

The purpose of a blog should be to archive and share your process, thoughts and work. The archiving aspect makes you the audience. The sharing involves everyone else. Who says that you need a large audience?

4. Finally what is one positive and one negative about having a blog?

Positive: Force you to write. I think writing capabilities is an under-appreciated skill that all designers should have. It makes you organize your thoughts and communicate them in a clear, concise and compelling way. Communication is communication, wether visual or not.

Negative: The time you spend blogging is the time you take away from making design. As a student you learn by doing, so the more exposure you give yourself to the design process, the better. Also, with publishing entries and commenting, it may make some students overly concerned with people's opinion of the work that they produce.

Rob Mortimer - Blogs - Good or Bad?

I emailed Rob Mortimer today and asked him the question's about blogs.

There's two reasons why I emailed Rob; 

a) He run's his own blog - http://the-ad-pit.blogspot.com/

b) He got recommended to me by Simon from LOVE.

Happily Rob answered my question's about blogs (within the hour) so here are his questions and answers.

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

I don't, anyone shouldn't start a blog until they have a reason of starting it. 'Forced' blogs never work, only those with purpose and enthusiasm.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there designs up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this? 

It's a relevant worry. But when you go for jobs you take your portfolio to agencies, is that not the same thing? Besides, if your stuff gets copied its a good sign you are doing well, and you may be able to use it to give your career a boost.

3. People see a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what would the purpose of a blog be?

The purpose is individual, and should come before the blog. Mine was originally to help me get a job in adland. Views will come if you engage the community and write interesting content.

4. Finally, what's one positive and one negative about having a blog?

Gaining great contacts --- Pissing people off when you don't like their work/views.

Simon Griffin - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing on e-mailing around to get some response on the debate about blogs, I emailed Love Creative. I happily got a response from Simon Griffin. Simon is the Commander-in-chief of LOVE's blog.

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

No. Unless it's something totally new and a million miles away from all the other student blogs that begin with "I went for a portfolio crit at the Billy Beef agency today..." blah blah blah. If you want to do a blog, do it about something totally different - standinaqueue blog (now, sadly no more) was a great example of a student blogging about standing in queues, and far more interesting than anything else I've read. It's just too easy to do what everyone else is doing; like there's a checklist of things you need to have before you get a job. Website? Check. Blog? Check. Twitter? Check. Job? Soon. It can take up so much of your time - time better spent sorting your portfolio out or creating an online portfolio. A blog probably won't get you a job. A good portfolio will.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

Everyone has ideas stolen. Sadly there's nothing we can really do about it. And remember it's not just students that have their ideas stolen. But if you don't put them out in the world (with a date that says when you did them), then

 there's no way of proving that yours (at least) came first.

If your idea does get stolen, you should feel two things:

1) Happiness: that someone likes your work enough to steal it in the first place.

2) Sadness: that there is someone sat at a desk somewhere who is truly out of their depth, and has to survive by stealing other people's ideas. Perhaps they've got two children to support and they've just found out their wife's pregnant with triplets. And it's the neighbour's.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what should the purpose of a blog be?

The purpose of a blog is really up to whoever is writing it. But (and this contradicts the point I've just made) it's purpose shouldn't be to just get lots of hits.

4. Finally, what's one positive and negative about having a blog?

Positive: The whole world is your audience.

Negative: The whole world is your audience.

Duane King - Blogs - Good or Bad

Another designer I e-mailed to get involved on the debate of Blogs was Duane King. Duane is an American based designer who works for BBDK. Happily Duane answered my question's and also was helpful if I had any other queries.

Answers and Questions;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

A blog may or may not be beneficial to a student. Certainly having a site that promotes your thoughts and shows samples of your work is a must, but a blog format may not be the best for these purposes. It's a judgement call. If the format fits your needs and understanding of HTML, then it's a valid tool, if not, don't force it. I'd recommend against simply pushing links to the work of others (there are far too many blogs that already do this - myself included) and instead offer your audience real insight on your motivations and explorations as a designer.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there designs up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

I don't think that this is a valid concern. The ownership of ideas is fleeting at best and imitators or thieves will always do what they will. I'd recommend forgetting this concern and instead focus on generating ideas of value that are worth stealing. If someone does appropriate them, typically it's obvious where the ideas were lifted. Get your work out in front of the public and take criticism with an open mind. Success nullifies. Once you do succeed, you then have to do it all over again.

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what would the purpose of a blog be?

Blogs can be whatever you'd like for them to be. Ideally, instead of simply adding more noise, they should contribute something of value to the world. Even it's a simple smile.

4. Finally, what's one positive and negative about having a blog?

Positive: Anyone can publish their thoughts to the world. Negative: Anyone can publish their thoughts to the world.