Hannah

Q%A very personal question to start with. It can relate to your studies or the work environment. Is there a specific work that you are particularly proud of?

A%Particularly proud—that always sounds so big. But yes, there is one project that was very exciting to me: I worked on the new concept for an exhibition catalog that is published once a year to accompany a group exhibition. This project was a perfect fit for me and my interests. During my studies, I spent a lot of time working on book design and even wrote my bachelor’s thesis in this area. It was great to actually be able to realize this in a project.

Q%It must have been a great feeling to be able to work on something like that. Now to something perhaps not quite so nice: can you think back to certain fears during your studies?

A%Yes, definitely. My biggest worry was the transition to working life. I was afraid that I wouldn’t find a job that I would enjoy and that would also be meaningful. Especially in graphic design, there are many jobs that I wouldn’t want to do. For example, I couldn’t imagine working in the area of commercial advertising—a big field in graphic design. I miss the added value in terms of content. And I didn’t want to end up in a job that I was only doing for the money. At the same time, there was also the fear of whether I would even find something that met my requirements—something that interested me and that I really enjoyed.

Q%Were there any unexpected obstacles after graduation, especially when we talk about starting a job?

A%To be honest, I didn’t expect to get a job that suited me so well. I was pretty pessimistic that I would be able to start straight away. Especially being able to work in a graphics studio that I also like in terms of content.
The graphic design studios that work in the arts and culture sector are often very, very small. There are only a few of them, which is why the jobs are relatively limited. I never received an answer to most of my applications. That’s why the real surprise for me was that it worked out in the end.

Q%There is probably a lot of luck involved. Do you remember how many applications you sent out?

A%I know that I sent out seven applications in the first round. But they were all initiative applications for internships. I couldn’t imagine applying directly for a job in a studio and being successful. So most of the studios didn’t even advertise any positions. But I tried anyway. Almost none of the seven applications came back. After that, I sent out about five more applications. In the end, I had two interviews, and it worked out with one studio.

Q%It’s nice that you had a happy ending. Before you went to university, where did you think you would end up professionally? Is it similar to what you’re doing now or did you end up in a completely different field?

A%Well, actually I did have that in mind. But at the beginning of my studies it was more of a feeling that I couldn’t express clearly. I knew I wanted to work in graphics and communication. But I didn’t know the exact career field yet. I simply didn’t know about the huge range of opportunities in graphic design at the time. But for the most part it was in line with what I was thinking at the time.

Q%KISD offers a wide range of opportunities. Was there anything that your studies prepared you particularly well for? Or, on the other hand, something that you missed during your studies and only had to learn in your professional life?

A%I think KISD prepares you very well for the communication and organizational aspects. Most of all, it teaches you how to work independently. You learn to look for projects yourself, to find solutions and to think “out of the box”. KISD definitely helped me with that. These are super important skills that you always need. On the other hand KISD wasn’t able to give me as much in terms of technical basics. But that’s mainly because KISD focuses on integrated design. And I’ve always been very specific in my graphic design.

Q%I also see soft skills as one of KISD’s greatest strengths. And they are really helpful in any profession. Let’s go one step further. We’ve already talked about when you started your career, but what was it really like to start your day-to-day work? Were there any particular difficulties or perhaps positive surprises?

A%Well, the biggest challenge for me was switching from flexible student life to a fixed 40-hour week. I really underestimated how little time you have left when you work every day. There’s not much time left for other interests, hobbies or simple things like doctor’s appointments. Life is simply much less flexible and you have significantly less free time. But the negative things also have positive sides. The fact that everything is so structured means that you really do have time off when you have time off. My work laptop stays in the office at the weekend, and then I really do have a weekend. It was very different when I was studying. I constantly had the feeling that I always had something to do—even during holidays. That was stressful. Now, for example, I’ve had two weeks off completely and I haven’t been on my laptop or done anything. Having such a clear boundary between work and free time is definitely a positive thing.

Q%I also have the feeling that I work 24/7 as a student. You’ve already gained some experience on both sides. Is there any advice you could give other students about entering the world of work? Or is there anything you would advise yourself?

A%Just apply wherever you feel like it. Don’t let the fact that there are no open positions stop you. But also to really take your time with your portfolio. I’ve often been given the advice to send applications in mass and send them out quickly. That may also be a question of type, but I took a lot of time for my portfolio. I also always adapted it to the respective studio—even if it was always about graphics, every studio has a different focus. It was really important to me to truly stand behind it and so I was able to send it out with confidence. This self-confidence is also very important for later negotiation situations.  Another tip would be to think about the cost-benefit beforehand. So what do I bring with me? What do I get in return? And is it worth it for me?

Q%This is an important point. At KISD, you are not so well prepared for negotiation situations. How did they go for you? Do you feel financially secure in your job?

A%I can say that my salary is enough to finance my life in Berlin. But saving a lot on the side doesn’t work.

Q%Do you feel that you are valued in a different way in your job?

A%Yes, definitely. I have the feeling that my work is valued through feedback and conversations. But also when things that I have designed are realized. Then I have my work in printed form in my hands. For me, that is definitely also a kind of appreciation of the work.

Q%That also shows the trust of the employers. But apart from all the financial aspects and the appreciation: would you say that your job fulfills you?

A%In a way, yes, but I also have a bit of a problem with the “my job is my life” mentality and the hustle culture. I chose my job because I enjoy it, but if I was super rich I wouldn’t be working 40 hours a week. I think, especially in design, people often forget that work is still work—even if it’s fun. If you are an artist or are funded by a scholarship, you still have a relatively large amount of freedom. Otherwise, your own work is always connected to someone giving you money in exchange. In other words, a service. Unfortunately, this also means that you have to do what the client wants. Even if it’s not always what you think is best.

Q%Then we come to the final question: What is the most valuable thing for you in the position you are in right now?

A%I think the most valuable thing for me are the moments when I can really work on things conceptually. Especially when it comes to finding visual forms and languages for more abstract themes. In these moments, I can be really creative and get into a flow. I also have people with a super trained eye around me at my current job. That means I can exchange ideas and enter into dialog there. These are the things I enjoy the most right now.