12in12: a lecture by Craig Oldham.

Today we had a great lecture by designer Craig Oldham, formerly of the Chase and now of Manchester based design agency Music.
Craig presented his lecture '12in12' which was a lecture based on his thoughts after leaving university, most notably the 12 things you learn in your first 12 months after leaving.
This was a great lecture, and I learned a lot about the industry, and how to communicate to people and maintain working and social relationships with people who you have been on placement with (which I, admittedly, am terrible at.)

The 12 things are:

Understand what Graphic Design means to you.
Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses.
A portfolio is for life, not just for an interview.
Placements matter. Do them.
The Design industry is small, everyone knows everybugger else.
Participate with other people and share your ideas.
Graphic Design is just a job, but being a designer is different.
Fall off your bike. If you don't fail then you are not trying.
Life and work exist outside of London.
Designing is only, about, 20% of your job.
Have a life outside of Design.
Work hard and be nice to people.

We also got a lovely designed pamphlet/loose leaf booklet illustrating all 12 points.