We're just getting back into the groove here after a 3 month hiatus. I'm going to try a shorter format with the podcast going forward and cut out the Keys to the Game and Rookie Mistake segments of the show to save myself some time and hopefully keep this this going for a while to come. The "real" topic of this episode is when to speak up... at work with your employer, your co-workers, or even a freelance client. It should always be your intent to discuss things in a professional manner, but when is it maybe not ok to voice your opinion? I'm asking what you think?!

In the Bullpen:

Dear Adobe

Its see you later... not goodbye. Rookie Designer will be taking a 3 month hiatus. In that time I will be assessing my situation and making the final decision about whether this podcast will continue on after the break. This is a real episode though. One of the new trends out there is to make a simplified One Page Portfolio. We'll talk about what it takes to make one and why you might want to. We'll also touch upon strategies for collecting your files for output and working with the printer.

Keys to the Game:

Hide or show the menu bar in Acrobat

Mac - Command +  Shift + m

Links from today's show:

The One Page Graphic Design Portfolio Guide

In the Bullpen:

One Page Folios

This Episode included music by:

Knapsack

Its that time again... job hunting time. In this episode I'll share my most recent experiences with a new staffing agency and a particularly in-depth and good interview I completed, along with some pointers for making that first impression with a potential employer a good one. An update on the status of the podcast is also in this show.

Keys to the Game:

Edit the key commands in Illustrator or Photoshop:

Mac - Command + Option + Shift + k

Rookie Mistake Tip:

Although there are services out there like staffing agencies and schools that claim to help or take on the burden of placing you in a career job, trust yourself. You can rely only on yourself to put forth the maximum effort to land that dream job, and hey, if they're looking too that's double the exposure for you in your search.

Links from today's show:

Craigslist

In the Bullpen:

HOW - Job-hunting Tips for Every Market

This Episode included music by:

The Mr. T Experience

What is Quality training? I got a dose of it recently at my full time job, and it wasn't half bad. Basically its a set of rules or guidelines that help facilitate a productive work environment. There are several things you probably do on a daily basis that are not exactly necessary, or perhaps could be done in a more efficient way to improve your workflow, and as a result, make you more productive. It also sets the stage for working and communicating with others in a way that benefits each party and the end result of your work.

Keys to the Game:

Fill an object in InDesign:

Fill object with gradient: period (.)

Rookie Mistake Tip:

When going for an interview we most times focus squarely on the skills we have and promoting those to no end. What we must remember though is that there is much more that goes into the selection of a candidate for a job. Companies are also very focused on your personal traits and how you will get along with the rest of the team or people you will be working closely with. This many times is just as important as how well you can use photoshop or dreamweaver, because it can spell the success or failure of a new employee.

In the Bullpen:

Rookie Designer on Smashing Magazine

This Episode included music by:

Samiam

We've spoken about it briefly before, but emailing is crucial to any business these days, and there are some guidelines to follow to make sure you can communicate effectively and not send the wrong message to those you are messaging! In this episode we'll also look at some common mistakes made by web designers that can really make your users click away from your site, and how to avoid them.

Keys to the Game:

Selection tools in Photoshop:

Marquee Tool: m

Rookie Mistake Tip:

Know when to say enough is enough. If you have too much on your plate, your work will suffer and that is not good for anyone. Prioritize your projects as related to your greater goals and figure out if you may need to cut back on some, or say no to a new opportunity. Its not easy, I know, but sometimes its necessary.

In the Bullpen:

don't click it

Links from the podcast:

don't click it

This Episode included music by:

The Gaslight Anthem

This is pretty much a mailbag episode where we cover questions about font usage, picking out a design school to attend, and knowing when to pull the plug on a client or a project going in the wrong direction.

Keys to the Game:

Spell Check in Adobe applications:

Mac: command + i

Rookie Mistake Tip:

Don't be afraid to take a step back and put a project on hold if its not going the way it was planned. save yourself the headache of doing things 2 and 3 times by pausing and reassessing the path you need to follow.

In the Bullpen:

adgoodness

This Episode included music by:

NOFX

Promoting your work can be just as important, if not more, than the work itself! If you can't secure a job or a new client, your skills will not make much difference. So how do we get the word out there that we are the super duper master of design? There are several ways that we'll discuss in this episode and try to help you pinpoint which methods may work best for you.

Keys to the Game:

Zoom in or out in Adobe applications:

Mac: command and the (+) or (-)

Rookie Mistake Tip:

Try your best to set schedules and stick to them. Having to cancel on meetings wastes not only your time, but others' as well. Remember that your work is not always the most important piece to your client's business.

Links from todays show:

SiteGrinder

In the Bullpen:

ColourLovers.com

This Episode included music by:

Alkaline Trio

What is the best way to keep yourself out of trouble when it comes to disputes with customers? Fix the problem before it happens! The use of contracts and design specs can change the way you and your client think about things like payment, agreements, the way you receive content and more.

Keys to the Game:

Some tool keys in Adobe applications:

Crop Tool (in Photoshop): c

Rookie Mistake Tip:

Try not to hang back in the shadows. If a problem needs to be addressed with a client, don't be afraid to assert yourself.Its the only way to get things done.

Links from todays show:

NEW job section on RD Forum

In the Bullpen:

Sitepoint

This Episode included music by:

The Loved Ones

Design is what you do, not who you are. These are words that we should understand and remember so the two don't get confused. There is a point at which its a good idea to turn the computer off and live a little. Failing to do so could end up with you getting burned out on the things you do to further your career.

Keys to the Game:

Some tool keys in Adobe applications:

Selection Tool (in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): v

Marquee Tool (in Photoshop): m

Rookie Mistake Tip:

Buying new hardware and software can be a very exciting proposition, but you need to be careful here cause it can put you in a financial hole. Keep a few things in mind, like what you are going to be using it for and how much power you need to get the job done, and don't forget that computers get outdated as fast as your undergarments get dirty!

Links from todays show:

NEW job section on RD Forum

In the Bullpen:

Atomic Learning

This Episode included music by:

At the Drive In

Looking toward the new year there are always a lot of things to think about. We can reflect on the year past and what may have gone right or wrong, certain goals we would like to reach for in this new year, and perhaps smaller skills or tasks we would like to tackle. In this episode we'll take a look at such things and how they can help you in your design career.

Keys to the Game:

Quit out of a non-responsive application

Mac: Command Option Escape

PC: Control Alt Delete

Rookie Mistake Tip:

Goals are a great way to motivate yourself to achieve greatness, but you need to make sure that the goals you set are attainable. Setting goals too high can result in falling short of them and feelings of failure.

Links from todays show:

creativebits

In the Bullpen:

Vector Magic

This Episode included music by:

Operation Ivy