Dwayne.Grech@momentum.com
Twitter: @sultanofbeard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=808965159
Grateful and wanting to pay it forward, this Grad volunteered to return to share his experiences with us since his graduation in 2009. Dwayne has jumped around a few jobs since graduating in 2009, a victim of circumstance. His misfortunes have led to a great bunch of opportunities allow him to work on a variety of major automotive manufacturers and other impressive clients.
Currently Dwayne is a Designer at Momentum Advanced Solutions, in addition to being the Owner/Designer at Sultan of Beard. However has also worked at Organic Online Media, Young & Rubicam, The Marketing Store and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Quirky Facts about Dwayne:
- Backpacked Australia for a year
- Speaks Fluent Japanese after 4yrs in Japan
- Is a cold water Surfer and started the FB Group "The Toronto Surf Club"
- And claims to have killed 5 of 8 of his exact duplicates
Dwayne currently is a Designer at Momentum Design, one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. His responsibilities include: DOAR for Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram/Fiat; Online support for Mazda, Mercede-Benz, Forrester; Online loyalty support for AMEX.
Some Samples of his work include:
What to Expect:
- It won't be easy
- Lack of Sleep
- Ultra competitive market
- Small Industry - Everybody knows everybody
- Crazy office politics
- Lots of industry parties
- Lots of agencies to choose from
Options:
- Small design house vs. International Agency
- Contract work vs. Permanent
- Designer vs. Project Manager vs. Account Manager
- Canada vs. Abroad
A few handy lessons I’ve learned thus far:
- Burning bridges in this industry is employment suicide– burning bridges, in general, isn’t wise. We’re too small of an industry for you to tell off your former boss, who has friends at every other agency you’re applying to work at.
- Networking events are your easiest way into an interview– besides the employment benefits, the food and booze are usually free! #winning
- You are never too old to stop learning– if you feel you’ve learned enough, then chances are you’re an idiot. Read a book. Scour through theFWA.com, PSD or AEtuts+ (to name a few). Take a night course in presentation communication. It helps!
- theFWA.com is the Bible– this is your source to industry giants, growing hopefuls and terabytes of inspiration and trends
- Sometime you’ll have to sacrifice a weekend or six– a sacrificed weekend for work should never been seen in a negative light. Sure, shit hits the fans and you’ll have to cancel going towel shopping with your mom, but seeing that you’re working under your terms, working the weekends can be far more rewarding because you’re under less stress.
- Red Bull doesn’t give you wings, but sure does make you the savior of the “last minute all-nighter” request– you’ll get these ridiculous requests that force you to pull an all-nighter for a pitch the next day. Red Bull will get you through it. Once done, you’ll be the hero of the week and get a phone call from the President, thanking you. Promotion? Sure!
- Pay it forward– this work we do comes with a bit of superstitious baggage. We get lucky breaks, we’re competing daily with equally great designers in equally great agencies, how we win contracts, employment or whatever is nothing short of luck. Give back– it’s karma! Once you’re a big shot, or at least got your feet wet for a few years, mentor a student or two. Volunteer at the Fall Studio Tour or speak at a Weekly Guest Lecture. NEVER AVOID HELPING OUT OTHERS!
- If you’re not enjoying the what and where, then it’s time for a change– You have to love where you work. This keeps you loyal and motivated. Sure, you will have to pay your dues at a couple of shitty places, but chances are you will find the right fit. If you find yourself waking up from bed dreading to go to work then that’s a good sign you should polish off your resume. You’re doing yourself a favor.
- Booze is your friend– When times are tough, I schedule a meeting with my buddy and life coach, Jack Daniels, to get me through the week of nagging PMs and impossible deadlines. When Jack isn’t around, I’ll call up his European counterpart, Heineken. Alcohol is widely excepted in our industry, but how visible it is during business hours differs from shop to shop.
- SOCIAL MEDIA– do I even need to mention how important it is to stay connected?
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