Dew Gibbons

Whilst in London a few of us went and visited Dave from Dew Gibbons.

Dew Gibbons is a brand design company.

Whilst there Dave took us on a tour of the whole office area (consisted of three floors,) he went through a slide-show of the work the company create, he shown us what awards the company has won as well.

Dave also went on to talk about what it's like moving away from where you've grown up and moving into a whole new area of living not knowing anybody. He mentioned the average salary for a young designer to be on in London and how it works up with time.

Whilst visiting Dave I was really impressed. Soon as he answered the door we felt welcomed, he greeted us shook our hand etc, really warming. I was really impressed with the quality of work the company has created the amount of awards they've also won as well is something special.

Even when we met all the other staff who worked there, they was all warming and welcoming saying hello, shaking our hands as well, none of them was stuck up which was something I like seeing. At the end Dave gave us his card saying how he would look at our portfolio's and give us some feedback if we liked to do so.

Overall it was a great experience, and I'm glad I went and visited Dave when I had the chance.

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...

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.

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.

Ben Terratt - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Following another recommendation of someone I should get in touch with on this debate, I got in touch with Ben Terratt who's a Graphic Designer in London. Ben does his own blog so the answer's should of been extra interesting.

Unfortunately Ben wasn't able to answer the questions due to how busy he is, but he sent me a link to an article on his Blog which should help with the questions.

http://noisydecentgraphics.typepad.com/design/2009/04/how-to-be-a-graphic-design-student-online.html

This is very useful it recommends what student's should be getting involved with, what websites to be publishing on etc.

Richard - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing to get responses on the debate of wether Blogs are good or bad Craig recommended that I got in touch with Richard (an English Graphic Designer) who runs his own blog, Aceject170. So going with Craig's recommendation I e-mailed Richard, and thankfully Richard answered the questions to do with Blogs.

Questions and Answers;

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

I don't think there's any point producing a blog "for the sake of it" - except as a programming exercise I guess. Good blogs are fuelled by enthusiasm - if you don't think blogging's you're kind of thing, why force it? I certainly don't think being a designer should mean you should blog. Having said that, I've found that blogging has lead to some significant benefits: you can broaden the number and type of people you interact with and bounce ideas off; you can make 

connections you wouldn't otherwise make; your blog can help raise you profile; you might even get work through it.

There's more: blog entries are kind of transient: you can post work, an opinion,a question and get immediate feedback but in a week that entry is history so whatever you've said or asked isn't "set in stone" - at worst, you can delete it.

Also, a blog provides an opportunity to write and writing is really useful for designers.

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?

Get it up there! Don't be precious. Your work is always in danger of being ripped-off by second rate spongers. Let them do it and take the moral high ground: if someone rips you off it's because: a) you're good, and b) they're crap.

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?

You don't need lots of hits, you just need the right hits. That might be your mates or it might be prospective employers or clients. If you want hits, you have to work at it and encourage them by publicising your blog somehow.

The purpose of a blog? That could be any number of things. A blog provides a format for you to present work in a less formal way than you might in a portfolio site so you could show experimental work, personal projects or un-realised projects as well as successful live work. You could use it to show rejected concepts that you really like. I've got a pile of those going back years. I wish I'd have a blog ten years ago.

Of course, lots of designers are using blogs to catalogue things they like and influence them. That's a good thing I think. It's a scrapbook.

Others use blogs to express broader ideas and that can give an insight into the way they think. A blog can be an expression of your personality, your sense of humour, your concerns. These things say a lot about you. That kind of insight could make you much more interesting to employers or clients (of course, it could also turn people off but let's stay positive). These are "brand" things aren't they? It's about building a "me-brand" and a blog is one channel that can help you do that.

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

Positive: The connections you can make

Negative: Can't think of one

Gary Clarke - Blogs - Good or Bad

Continuing to get opinions about blogs from people in the industry I emailed Gary Clarke with the set question's and thankfully he replied with his opinions.

Questions and Answers;

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

Well, a Blog is no more than a website that you can update without any knowledge of HTML. The only difference is that feedback can be left on a blog. I would recommend that students have online portfolios of some sort, whether that be in the shape of a blog or website. I'm personally not that interested in how people reach ideas, but others might be.

I have me own blog at - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ilikegraphics - Flickr is good in that it's easier to be found, than a blog that is sat alone somewhere and relied on Google to drive traffic to you. If I was a student I would actively have a Flickr page and upload every idea I have.

I love visiting Fffound.com and Boooom.com, and many of the other 'collective' design blogs (as opposed to 'designers own blogs').

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?

I've never come across this as a problem. The only work that should be of concern to you is the work you are doing at the moment, so what if someone steals an idea? It meant it was a good idea. I'm not arsed if anyone steals my ideas, I've got plenty of others.

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?

Placing your work in the public arena should help you learn to be a better designer. If no one was interested in your last posting, then make it better. Take on board any criticism. Learn from other designers.

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

Positive is the comments and feedback

Negative is the work involved.

Joshua Trees - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Continuing the debate about whether Blogs are good or bad, I decided to e-mail Joshua Trees from Fake I.D. with the same questions and see what his response would be.

Questions and Answers;

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

I'm not in the habit of recommending things. Blogs or otherwise. I see blogs as another platform in the spectrum of communication.

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

If the fear of plagiarism didn't stop you making a website or an online portfolio, then don't let it stop you from making a blog.

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

Blogs should be whatever you conceive them to be.

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

One positive thing about blogs is that it enables people to circumvent the rigid hierarchy of traditional publishing. One negative about blogs is that there's more shit to sort through to get the information you're looking for. 

Craig Oldham - Blogs - Good or Bad?

I emailed Craig Oldham asking him the same few question's about Blogs.

Although he took a while to reply, due to how busy he was, I was most grateful when he sent me the e-mail with the answer's to my question's in.

Question's and Answer's;

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

There's no right or wrong answer here as it depends on what the blog would be.I see the blog as an opportunity for expression, whether expression in creativity, practice or theory, but what I don't see the blog as is an opportunity for show and tell. If you want to show and tell then get a website, not a blog.

So, if a student was going to have a blog it should be to promote their personal and creative development and not simply link to other peoples work that they think is cool and will then subsequently imitate. Not that I think linking is bad, on the contrary it can be very good, just as long as the reasoning behing the link is critical in approach and expression, saying why they like something and equally why they don't. 

When it comes to putting their own work on blogs this again should be to add something to the work or give the student the chance to review, summarise and reflect on the design work they have undertaken. It should become a critical examination in an honest account of what is good, what is bad, and what, in hindsight, one might change. Then the often simpler of tasks—putting a finished project to the world—will improve you as a designer, forcing you to reflect on your 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?

Being honest and frank, as I can only be, I find this idea to be ludicrous.

Students are all too concerned about ownership of ideas, who came up with what, and who takes credit for that. The majority of this is irrelevant within education. Design isn't a solitary exercise and every designer should share their ideas with other creatively minded people, they should seek criticisim of their work not praise to further their development. Sure, some people are influenced by ideas, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

In terms of the close quarters of education, if your idea is stolen, it become obvious to everyone that it has been so I wouldn't worry. Take the moral high ground.

If you don't get your work out there then what's the point? Peter Saville says, "Graphic Design is for others, to others" so if you keep your work in the closet then you're not really a Graphic Designer.

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?

I think I covered that in my rant on question one, but to try and expand, I think they should be 'interested'. Now that's not a grammatical error, I meant to say interested and not interesting. People that think they are interesting are almost always not. People who are interested in things become enthusiastic, and enthusiasm is personal which makes someone interesting. Which rounds nicely to me saying that you should be critically interested in things which will develop you.

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

Good: if used right, becomes a development tool, similar to a diary.

Bad: everybody has one, and anybody can get one.

Darren Scott - Blogs - Good or Bad?

I recently e-mailed Truth questioning them about Blogs.

Thankfully Darren Scott got in touch and gave me his opinions on the matter.

Question's and Answer's;

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

I would only produce a blog if you have something notable to say that you think people may be interested in.

However, many people are using blogs as and alternative to a website to host a portfolio.

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?

I am afraid that is the chance we all take as designers everyday, putting your work out in the public domain will always make it subject to plagerism. The vast amount of design blogs now make it very easy for other designers to ‘borrow ideas‘ rather than being original. They have become a short cut to thinking that many are guilty of using, students in my opinion a more guilty than most.  I see many portfolios every month and they all have work very similar to high profile agencies like NON-format or people like Si Scott or they have chopped the serifs of Times New Roman and claimed it as there own. It is a sign of the times I am afraid.

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?

Again, I would only produce a blog if you have something notable to say that you think people may be interested in.

Many people think just because you have a blog with some work on it, people will visit in their masses, they wont. People want information or inspiration, you need to give them a reason to come back. 

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

It is a great way to share your work and love of design, it is also a great way to request feedback and get stuff of your chest. 

But, don’t expect massive hits overnight if at all.

Anthony Jones - Blogs - Good or Bad?

Another person I emailed about Blogs, was Anthony Jones from TWBA Manchester. Anthony is the creative head at TWBA.

Question's and Answer's;

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

Yes. It is a very flexible tool that can accommodate a plethora of uses. The key is to decide how you want to use it for yourself.

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?

I’d simply recite the adage ‘you’ve got to be in it to win it’. Frankly, there are no shortage of designers (myself included) or designs. If somebody wants to plagiarize they will. The point, while the work has value, is that it is really the designer that is the valuable resource, not the work itself. The reason you will be employed is because there is more where that came from.

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?

There are many, many ways a blog can be used. When used in the form of professional publicity, you have to ask yourself, is it to generate work in of itself, or is it a tool you will use to point people to yourself, like a CV or Portfolio? Both routes require a different mindset about what you publish on it, generating work requires a lot of constant input and effort.

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

Positives are easy, but to choose one at random; a blog can show not only your work, but a passion and enthusiasm by the frequency and flavour of the content you add, in and around your work.Negatives generally arise from a deviation from how it was intended to be used and the reality, or neglect, it may get. This roughly translates to, if you don’t keep it updated, it looks like you’re doing nothing, which is generally bad.