The Editor at Large recently hosted the Student Design Day Keynote at the DDB. The Keynote addressed How to Succeed in the Design Business, with moderator Susanna Salk. Susanna was joined by top designer-panelists Campion Platt, Amanda Nisbet, David Scott, and Malcolm James Kutner.
Continuing the discussion on finding your inner "voice" in interior design, Amanda admitted that aside from finding hers, she also found fuel to pursue the industry in both her supporters and a few negative side comments that came her way.
"I hate to say it, but we all hear the negative side to our work. And without mentioning names, I heard that negativity from one of the most important people in my life," Amanda said. "Someone very close to me said that I would be awful in this industry; and instead of totally killing my drive, it became my fuel. I think about her and what she said every day, and it remains one of my greatest motivations!"
Before the discussion ended, Campion made note of the enormous amount of benefits that can come with graduating school and working for someone else before branching off for yourself, leaving the students with the confidence to pursue their own paths but the tips on how to get the most out of working for others.
"I found it important to work for others when I started off, both from a design standpoint as well as from a business standpoint," said Campion. "From the standpoint of someone who now hires new designers for a few years before they move on, I've also learned a lot. My best advice that I can give to any starting designer is to do everything that you possibly can once you've started working for someone. Do everything, ask about everything, and learn about all that you can, because your employers and coworkers know a lot and they've had enormous success and also made lots of mistakes—all of these are worth understanding from them. They will make you all the wiser and all the more ready to be exactly the kind of designer you hope to be.”
A reception at the Holland & Sherry showroom immediately after the keynote gave students the chance to spend time with the panelists and continue the discussion.
Stay tuned to GoDesignGo all week for more on the DDB's recent Student Design Day.
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