Well this was my fourth time talking at the 8th Grade Career Fair at Richland. I really enjoy getting to talk to the kids every year. It’s fun! And I try to make it fun for the kids too.

This year I was asked to talk about design specifically. I’ve been so focused on photography the past year that I took some time to sit down and go through what I thought was important to tell the kids. I always like to let the kids know about my education: where I went to school, what I majored in, what classes I took. (If you’re curious… I went to Richland for 2 years and got my Associates in Science. ISU for one year before I got engaged and then transferred to Millikin where I got my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree double majoring in Graphic Design and Photography. I took classes in business, graphic design, web design, photography, and advertising/marketing.)

I also always talk to the kids about what skills are important to have, like communication skills. It’s so important to be able to talk to people, find out what they are looking for, and do so in a professional, kind and personable way. I can’t get frustrated and angry with a client just because they don’t like something I designed. I need to be able to ask them questions and try and figure out what it is they are looking for so that I can create a design that suits their needs and reflects their business/brand. (I usually mention too that this is a wonderful skill to have when talking to your parents – not letting your emotions get the best of you, staying calm and rational talking with your parents.)

I show them some of my design work and let them ask questions, and the whole time I’m just being my goofy self. The kids usually seem pretty entertained by my over-dramatic re-enactments of things like a client conversation or customer service.

I wish I had some pictures to show you of the awesome bunch of kids I got this year. But unfortunately as a presenter – I didn’t get to take pictures. No worries though – I had fun, the kids seemed to have fun, and I’m optimistic that I’ll get asked back again next year!

Happy Monday!

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