Design Archives - KingFish

Starting an internship in an established industry isn’t always easy, but preparing yourself for the possibilities is just one of the few initiatives that can help lead to a successful learning experience.

Dedication: Maintaining a willingness to learn new content and complete unfamiliar tasks shows dedication to the position. However, being asked to do things that may confuse you at first glance is normal, but that is part of the learning process. In fact, one of the most important responsibilities during an internship is remaining optimistic and ensuring an open mindset. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be tricky, but it is all a part of the process and must be embraced.

Ask Questions: Studying your environment and learning about your colleagues can prevent miscommunication or uncomfortable encounters. Engaging in conversation or simply asking questions to learn more should not be feared as it shows interest. In doing so, you may also form connections along the way.

Stay Connected: Building connections can provide guidance, support, and insights that will be valuable throughout your career. Networking during your internship is important, as it can lead to lasting professional relationships and potentially open future opportunities.

Show Effort: Putting your best foot forward can make an impact in the storytelling of your craft. Exhibiting laziness during the process of tasks can easily stain first impressions and even jeopardize workflow. Regardless of the task, trying your best shows enthusiasm, and can be seen through work quality.

Reflect: Accepting failure and trying to correct future mistakes is far more purposeful than not trying at all. This proactive approach helps build a reputation for reliability and competence — setting you apart as a valuable team member, and enhancing personal and professional growth.

As an intern for KingFish Media, I have experienced the various steps of contributing to an established, passionate team. My steps are reflective of my personal story and while I do believe everyone’s varies, it is the little decisions and efforts that write your journey.

Published by KingFish + Partners in blog, Marketing

Tags: Creative Design, Design, Internship

Something unique about working for a marketing agency is that all forms of creativity must be tethered to an objective. Here, art isn’t just expression – it’s precise strategy.

As an artist, at the very least your baseline knowledge of design, color, typography, composition, geometry, white space, aesthetics, trending styles, etc. needs to be top of class. That knowledge is why you’re getting hired. However, good design is only the foundation. You are more than just an artist. You are a marketer, a thinker, a strategist.

Aside from aesthetics, here are a few principles I employ when designing a brand:

Be Memorable

Solid brand identity achieves recognizability at “first glance.” Many times, brands have limited time, real estate, and budgets to pull off making a name for themselves. Every second counts. This means designs must combine elegant simplicity with complex messaging into a single punchy product. From colors, to the form, to resonating visual themes, designs must stand out. And stand out well.

Think Like a Consumer

As an artist it may be natural to think about designs from a solely aesthetic perspective. But designers also need to think about how a consumer may be interacting, interpreting, or remembering these designs. Consumers don’t always have an artistic eye. So, if your design is too abstract without being clear in its messaging, or is hard to read, or doesn’t resonate with the target audience, the designer may need to rethink “how can I help my audience appreciate what they’re seeing?” It may mean adjusting, simplifying, or clarifying your vision.

Achieve Multiple Goals

Good design should be able to juggle multiple things at once with precision. Is your brand identity elegant? Representing the industry well? Standing out against the industry well? Achieving the tone and goals of the client? Easy for other designers to utilize? Good design balances all without blinking an eye.

Designing a brand isn’t only about creativity. It’s about understanding some of the most abstract parts of the human experience and then turning them into concrete products. Good designs are beautiful. But the best designs achieve goals.

Published by Ariele Lee in Agency, Branding, Design, Marketing

Tags: Branding, Design, Marketing Strategy

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