D I G I T A L . P R I N T. P H O T O G R A P H Y. M U LT I M E D I A .
GROWING WITH PURPOSE
THE AVERAGE GRAPHIC DESIGNER IS STRONG IN THEIR ELEMENT. THEY KNOW TYPOGRAPHY. THEY UNDERSTAND PRINCIPLES OF ATTRACTIVE AND APPEALING COMMUNICATION. BUT...
I CHECK MORE THAN ONE BOX.
THE DESIGN...
Graphic designers may be easy to come by but finding a great graphic designer can be more of a challenge. There are some key qualities you need to look out for when hiring or aspiring to be the very best. Here are some of our top tips that will distinguish a great graphic designer.
1. Creative and Consistent If it all looks the same, then anyone can do it.
While I make a point to monitor the trends and remain current, solving the design needs of the client should be the main priority. Instead, my design strategy focuses on solving the problem in a way that works for the client first and foremost. Meet the needs of the project, then expand on the appeal and outreach from there. A great graphic designer must be imaginative and they must be able to apply that imagination into their work. Creative 2
people don’t just follow the crowd and the latest trends, they find inspiration in everyday objects and even themselves. On the other hand, the word consistency often crops up, whether you are working with clients on a website design, creating posters or even flyers, it’s essential to keep your designs consistent following a brand’s identity. Using a brand’s colour scheme, styles and fonts should be considered during all aspects of creation. A great designer will be able to incorporate a brand’s identity into all new inspiring design ideas. If a brand identity isn’t clear, a designer will be able to create one.
GROWING WITH PURPOSE | BACKPACK DESIGNER
3. PATIENCE. RESILIENCE. ADAPTIVITY. There are several benefits to being adaptable and resilient in the workplace. Whether you're adaptable already or are working to be, here are some benefits it can lead to for your career success:
2. DEADLINE & DETAILS ORIENTED "If it wasn't for deadlines, nothing would get done."
- Rita Mae Brown
While nearly all jobs require good time management skills, some professions require strict adherence to deadlines, like roles in the media, project management and event planning. Creative imagination is key to quality graphic design, but it isn't the only key. More and more, companies and organizations expect a balance of time spent for the
project price tag. My media industry experience as melded my creativity with my efficiency to ensure that my projects meet not only the client's focal needs, but also their deadline necessities. Furthermore, Being able to coordinate and communicate effectively with printing vendors ensures quality, optimal efficiency and the ability to meet deadlines.
• You'll be a more valuable employee • You'll be a better leader • You'll be better equipped to face challenges • You'll be more relevant Not everyone will like everything you design, this isn’t because your design is bad, but because the client may have had a different vision in mind. Criticism is something that shouldn’t be taken personally, it’s only another person’s opinion. A great designer will take criticism positively, accept it is bound to happen then learn to adapt with what works well and what doesn’t work.
92% of employees agree that, “Negative (redirecting) feedback, if delivered properly, is effective at improving performance.”
- Zenger, Folkman | HBR
GROWING WITH PURPOSE | BACKPACK DESIGNER
3
THE PHOTO & VIDEO...
“The more you follow your interests, [the more] it takes you into another path. Video is still shot at 24 images per seconds.� - Michael Nelson 4
GROWING WITH PURPOSE | BACKPACK DESIGNER
Part of the beauty of working in a team is relying on the skills of others to create amazing work. But with financially restraining events like Coronavirus rapidly impacting the industry, departments might be seeking a fiscally responsible approach to meet their creative necessities. Enter the backpack designer. You want someone that can reach into their backpack of skills and pick out the one you need to get the
A jaguar grows ferocious as another predator encloses on its territory. Jaguars, like many other cat species, tend to be more territorial.
Canon 7D MII - 1/500 • f2.8 • ISO 800
MATT HELLMAN Matt Hellman began his career in photography and design in 2009, and since has been featured in over 50 publications.
job done/meets the client needs; a multi-skilled, variable asset content creator. Somebody that understands the complexities of quality print and digital design while simultaneously succeeding in high quality photography, multimedia assets and content management archiving needs consistently. Let’s take this a step further by having this individual be digitally savvy enough to function remotely as well through any digital collaboration method.
"A creative through and through, Matt Hellman can accomplish it all. Photographer at his core, Matt is proficient at video production and is a superstar when it comes to designing with a purpose, as exemplified in his work for magazines, tabloids, websites, and newspapers." GROWING WITH PURPOSE | BACKPACK DESIGNER
5
Why hire me...
I AM YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP. I AM AN ADAPTIVE THINKER THAT ALWAYS SEEKS TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN CLIENTS AND THEIR INTENDED AUDIENCES. I COME WITH A MASTERS DEGREE LEVEL OF EDUCATION IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION AND A LONG PROFESSIONAL HISTORY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY, INCLUDING OVER 3000 MAGAZINE, NEWSPAPER, POSTER, BROCHURE, ADVERTISING AND DIGITAL DESIGN SPREADS I HAVE PRODUCED FOR PROFESSIONAL NEWS OUTLETS.
UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE. DEADLINE ORIENTED. M.J. IN VISUAL DESIGN & MANAGEMENT @ UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI B.A. IN JOURNALISM, PUBLIC RELATIONS & NEW MEDIA @ BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
CONTACT INFORMATION matt@matthellman.com • 512-968-5405 • @matt.hellman https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthellman/
6
GROWING WITH PURPOSE | BACKPACK DESIGNER