Comments on: 3 Ways to Design Your Career

By: Marta

Marta — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:20:41 +0000

So, is it bad to be business minded? Or does that mean that you are less influential? I used to be creative, but i’m at a job now that won’t allow me to stay up late due to early hrs…

By: AndreaVLewis

AndreaVLewis — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:21:44 +0000

The idea of working only within the confines of your job title is multiplied when you work at an advertising agency, where you’re more than likely assigned to one, maybe two accounts if your lucky.

I make it interesting by being proactive and offering up assistance to other departments that I have expertise in. Advertising agencies are very departmentalized and whenever you have a little bit of knowledge or passion to learn or help someone else, it breaks down those walls, creating a REAL collaborative environment.

Advertising is a unique industry in that in sits at the intersection of creativity and commerce. Agencies can sometimes act as the battlefield for creative people and business-minded people, since both need to be present for a agency to exist.

By: John R. Sedivy

John R. Sedivy — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:37:41 +0000

That is really the key – keeping it interesting. Many try to force themselves into false structure in order to fit the mold of how work is supposed to be performed. This may appear “normal” and not rock the boat, however something is definitely lost – namely the creative edge.

I discovered this a couple of years ago when I first started encountering creative types. They stayed up late and slept in. I, on the other hand, woke up early. I noticed a transition occurring briefly over time, which I first tried to fight, when I stopped fighting it – and stayed up late, I noticed that I produced my best work – while up late.

Great interview and article!

By: Marsha Keeffer

Marsha Keeffer — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:05:10 +0000

Creative, yes! And your emphasis on design is important. It’s not just an extra – it’s an intrinsic part of a product or service that’s often considered high-value.

By: Rebecca Thorman

Rebecca Thorman — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:05:28 +0000

@ Steve – Yes, I love the idea of bringing creativity to every area of your life, although it’s often difficult to change your mindset to do so – we need reminders like yours : )

@ Cynthi – Yeah, I’m pretty productive/creative in the morning as well. The test was just a bit of fun : )

@ Grace – Oh, I don’t remember you saying that about the job qualifications that you didn’t have. Pretty awesome. And thanks for sharing your story on how you asked for what you wanted and succeeded!

@ John – Hmmm… since I’m having a hard time posting consistently, I’ll have to give that a try. Thanks!

@ Tiffany – It would be so awesome to be married to a designer, I think… much easier to remind yourself to be creative ; )

@ Jenn – Love your distinction between business and discipline – well said. I love design thinking. I know it’s a trend right now, but I can’t seem to get enough of it.. probably because I studied design and I love seeing how it applies to all areas : ). Thanks for the comment!

@ Kevin – Yes, it’s a simple thing to say, but hard to execute. I’m constantly reminding myself of the distinction.

By: Kevin J Porter

Kevin J Porter — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:48:27 +0000

Rebecca- I love the statement “Problem Solve to Success” and the distinction between working harder and working smarter. Quantity of work must be stabilized by the quality.

Thanks!
Kevin

By: Jenn Post Tyler

Jenn Post Tyler — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:24:13 +0000

Hi Rebecca, Hope you’re well. Love this post.
As a leader in an arts organization and a b-school grad, by definition I don’t see creativity and business as opposite ends of a spectrum. Sometimes we say business and what we mean is discipline — it’s discipline to get up and write in the morning, to practice when we don’t feel like it, to follow through and follow up. The most successful creatives I know love their art, audience, and/or self enough to be disciplined. Enough of my soapbox.

On another note, design thinking is definitely picking up steam in many quarters. I have friends in two different business schools who have courses in design thinking as part of their MBA programs. Sweet!

By: Tiffany Monhollon

Tiffany Monhollon — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:25:17 +0000

Love the application of design and careers. Rob and I talk about this a lot. That idea of the energy you create by discipline and momentum.

By: john besmer

john besmer — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:15:33 +0000

Rebecca: great post, thanks again. Just thought I’d chime in on the early/late component. Yes, I’m usually a late guy – mostly because there’s less chance for interruptions. BUT. A friend turned me on to writing in the morning. Wake up, make coffee (in my case, diet mountain dew), and write/create for 30 minutes before your brain has a chance to re-rut itself for the day. Oh the places you’ll go.

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:22:41 +0000

Ha, my job title was vague to what I was/have been doing at my job. I read the job description and besides asking for an MBA and 7 years experience (I had neither, I’ve mentioned that here before in other comments) I stepped outside of the written perimeters of the job.

This is probably due to the fact that startups require a lot of ‘hat wearing’ but also because if I wanted to do something that I felt would benefit the company or had an idea, I could run with it (as long as it made some sort of sense). Finally, I just told my boss that I wanted a title change (suggested it rather than told;) reframed what I can do (more open ended) and also hired someone else to continue what I have been doing for the past year and a half.

I enjoyed reading these thoughts and interviews. I also like how obsolete job titles are ;)