From design student to design studio: Lessons on how to get into the creative industry.
Graduating from university and starting a new journey during a global pandemic isn’t easy. In fact, it’s probably never been harder than it is (and has been) for young creatives to land that first job and get a foot in the door. How do you make that leap from design student to full-time designer?
Designer, Mollie Kendell, might just have some of the answers. After graduating from Falmouth University in 2020, Mollie freelanced, interned and (like everyone else) baked, before becoming a full-time designer at Lantern. Here, she drops some truth bombs and reflects on her journey and first few months at Lantern.
What was your journey from finishing university to starting a job at Lantern?
I graduated from Falmouth university in 2020, after 3 years living in Cornwall I moved back home during the pandemic with little idea what to do. With internships and job opportunities being held back, I had a go at freelancing which I was lucky enough to keep me busy till the next Spring. I knew I wanted to work in a studio so I started sending out my portfolio and having lots of reviews over Zoom. Then in the summer Lantern got in touch for a chat and it all started from there!
… Looking back, is there anything you wish you’d done differently or known before graduating?
I wished I put myself out there more. This was really scary for me, but trying to remember that we’re all human and every designer has been in that position of starting out. I spent a long time perfecting my portfolio, however the most important thing is to show your ideas and thinking, and getting your hard work out there to be seen.
Mollie Kendell, D&AD student brief: Heighten the reading experience for Penguin readers aged 18-30
D&AD New Blood Graphite Pencil 2020.
What were you looking for in a creative role?
To be able to work across various projects, and to be supported and given responsibility as a junior designer. At Lantern there's a real idea approach to design which I loved during my degree and knew I wanted to have that process in a studio.
What advice can you give for presenting your portfolio and for interviewing?
To talk about your work in the most passionate and genuine way, this helps by showing the work you're most proud of and find the easiest to talk about. I think talking more openly about your process and insights makes the call more interesting, showing snippets of a project that can't be seen from a pdf portfolio such as your original drawings. Also, presenting on Keynote is a great way to show off animations and videos.
We first met you over Zoom, do you have any thoughts on how to get the most out of a zoom interview?
Try and do as much research as you can before the interview, look up the studio's projects and get some questions ready. The interview is equally as valuable to you!
What have your first few months at Lantern been like? We want the highs and lows (mainly the highs).
At Lantern we are a small team, so I've had the opportunity to work across all of our projects and dive in with a real mix of clients which has been great. With the fast nature of the studio I've had to adapt quickly but learned a lot along the way.
And what are you looking forward to over the next twelve months?
Gaining more confidence, and really getting into projects. I'm excited about where our current projects are going and seeing them finished. Also summer in London, and sunny pub trips!
Finally, do you have any pearls of wisdom for anyone looking to land an internship or first job in a design studio?
I think to just keep going and stay proactive, graduating is a whirl of emotions and remembering the right opportunity will come. Keep sending your portfolio out, make connections and tailor your work to the studios you love.