Clear Signal - Clear Signal is a graphic design and marketing agency based in Hampshire, UK. We offer brand identity creation, leading edge web development, design for print, advertising, marketing strategy and campaign management. Call us on 01256 370910 for further information.

01-02-2010

We are currently in the throes of rebranding and positioning global services company IT Industries, who amongst multiple offerings specialise in excess inventory re-marketing solutions to some of the world's largest OEM's. We are developing a new brand identity which will roll out through a new CMS website, signage, literature and bespoke digital presentations. All for a proposed launch in early March.

04-01-2010

Towards the end of 2009 we were delighted to win the competitive pitch to design and produce a series of Health & Safety posters, postcards and collateral for nationwide office fit-out company Overbury (part of the Morgan Sindall Group). A set of vivid and engaging images have been sourced and retouched to produce the posters, coupled with high impact messaging, extolling the importance of Health & Safety compliance whilst on site. They will be released in the coming weeks to Overbury and sister company work sites within the Group.

16-11-2009

Thursday 12th saw the launch of the redesigned and developed Finch Group website. The new content managed site boasts some very nifty J-query plug-ins and much enhanced content for the many services Finch Group offer. A longstanding and valued client of Clear Signal, Finch Group offer specialist insurance for business and private individuals. After many revisions of the old site, it was decided a completely fresh web presence was needed that accurately reflects their growth and position in the insurance industry. We're delighted with the results - take a look and let us know what you think.

08-10-2009

A series of posters on environmental and sustainability themes for the Finlays Group, were completed in the studio earlier this week to be launched globally throughout their sites in the UK, Germany, Kenya and Sri Lanka. In total 7 posters were designed, each in 6 languages; English, German, Mandarin, Sinhalese, Tamil and Swahili. Quite a task to proof!

The posters are part of a wider sustainability project which will include presentations and a brochure, with the aim of informing employees and other stakeholders about Finlays Group initiatives to commit to a future sustainable and positive environmental model. This is a great example of corporate communication being used as an effective device to educate and inform a vast workforce spread worldwide. We're glad to be involved.

02-09-2009

This is the time of year graduates begin to look for their first job in the design industry and as ever there will be far more applicants than vacant positions, and even less this year due to the fragile state the economy. Like most agencies, we receive our fair share of CV's, letters and emails asking for the possibility of a job, work experience or a freelance position. A few are outstanding, some are good, with plenty of potential. But there are far too many that are plain awful.

We will always try and help fresh talent - with work placements if studio schedules allow, or freelance projects if applicable - but if we have nothing available we are happy to offer advice and portfolio reviews. We know how difficult it is to get a foot on the ladder. We were all there once!

So, how do you get noticed in an ever crowded marketplace? What will make us sit up take notice of your CV and portfolio?

There are some simple, key things to get right before making contact: 

• Address your letter/email to the Managing or Creative Director. Find a name. It's easy - look on the website of the company you're aiming at. Personal, targeted correspondence will always receive attention.
• Check spelling, check grammar. This is essential. An email littered with typos is not a good way to advertise your skills. Professional, written English and acute attention to detail will become part of your job!
• Organise your portfolio. Be ruthless - edit it with your interviewer in mind. Best or most relevant projects first. Nobody needs to see thirty pages of half finished work. In a time poor world attention will quickly drain away...

The above points may be stating the obvious but you would be amazed how many poor forms of correspondence we receive. One of the critical aspects of any design industry position is the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. This is what will get you noticed.

Other points to note:

• Knowledge of web design and web technology is essential. What is CSS? What are accessibilty standards? You really need to know.
• You will be the junior member of the team and hence, learning the ropes. That will mean tedious tasks from time to time. That's just how it is.
• Show willing and listen. Get to know colleagues/contacts/suppliers/clients and ask them to share their knowledge and experience with you.
• Pull those jeans up! I must be getting old but...

It's frustrating and tough at the moment but raw talent and a real desire to become part of the design industry will see you through. It just may take longer in the current climate.

As vacancies are thin on the ground, think of other options - perhaps consider offering your skills on a freelance basis first (at a suitable fee) to gain valuable experience. Create your own website or Flash based portfolio presentation. Make verbal contact with agencies in your area - show your face and get noticed. Most importantly treat your CV like it's a real, commercial project. Impact is everything. A beautifully designed, bespoke CV will catch the eye of anyone over a dull, Word processed one. It will be worth the investment in time and money.

Lastly, good luck. There's further reading and debate on the Creative Review site too. 

Any feedback on this article is welcome - email me.

Spencer, 02-09-09