When starting a new business: Who, What, Where, Venn.

This has got to be the most spot on infographic I've ever come across.

It gets every agency's initial meeting with the client across to the onlooker in sheer clarity.

Clients need to understand that designers/agencies do not have their ideas/designs stored in a secret little magic box inside their brain/body/office.... we don't just have to pull it out on demand. We actually use that spaghetti-looking-organ we like to call a brain.

You must be aware that a logo is every business' identity that sticks forever, therefore the logo/corporate ID is probably the most expensive item on any agency rate card and rightly so.

If you want utter crap for a low cost, that is possible. All we have to do is throw a few vectors together and give you an uberly unimpressive bunch of rubbish which will eventually die down, be discarded or just lie there uselessly on your website or store front.

And please, PICK a name for your company/brand/service that is unique and applicable to your particular industry. Pick a name which has a ".com" domain available, that gives you a better indication of how original or not your name is.

When picking brand colors, try picking 2 or maximum 3. Unless you're selling Gola Gunda! When you pick colors, do a little reading up on color theory (unless you're leaving that part to the agency as well)

Do NOT and I repeat, DO NOT compromise the initial development of your brand's logo by going for templates or Pakistan chowk-esque designs. It's a recipe for disaster. Look at what your competitors are doing, and do it better.

Entering the Corporate World

Lately I've noticed new entrants into the corporate world are not what they used to be. Here are some tips from my point of view of the kind of people I'd like to hire vs. the kind of people I would never hire.

You must present yourself as someone an agency (in my case) would want to hire! Here's how:

1. Show up on time or at least 5 minutes before time. I hate waiting for people

2. Please be well groomed. That means wear nice clothes, make sure your hair is tidy and wear deodorant - When you look good, you feel good and therefore you perform well. Tried and tested! You don't have to decorate yourself like a christmas tree or an eid ka bakra, but still - look crisp!

2.1: YOUR HAIR. For boys, CUT IT, the hero look is so 20 years ago, for GIRLS: Tie it up neatly or brush it

2.2: Make sure you don't come to an interview smelling of pan, supari and/or anything else that would put off the interviewer.
Carry a breath mint or gum if need be. It costs less than 20 Rupees.

3. When applying for a job in an agency, make sure your portfolio is
a) ACCESSIBLE. I don't want to follow a billion links just to see mediocre work, it's only worth it if you're spectacular.
b) CATEGORIZED - How do I know what is a poster, what is a print ad or what is just random photo editing if you have everything botched up into one album with no description, no client info, no brief overview?

4. If you're past the first step of the interview process and you've been called for a trial. Please come alone and not with a parent. It's not professional and makes me wonder if you are cut out for the job

5. ASK me questions to understand my company better

6. Let me see your unique personality

7. Do NOT be afraid to voice your mind. No one likes sheep

8. When entering a job for the first time, assume everything you already know from books is useless. There is nothing like first hand experience even if you have a quadruple masters in everything.

I know I might come off a little harsh but the point is to highlight issues through experience. I more than anything, want to change the perspectives of young professionals of Pakistan. Most of them I've met, make it really really hard.

The tips I've highlighted are from real life experiences and frankly I still cannot say I've found anyone who has surprised me (in a good way). It makes me wonder how the universities/colleges here are training the students. I've met some students from IBA who are pretty great but then again not suitable for design jobs obviously.

Being a graphic designer, copywriter, account exectuive is not just about how well you did or how talented you are. Your talent is going nowhere if you're afraid to let loose, if you're afraid to actually give your 100000% to each job that you do.

I'm no expert, but I try. Every project I do, polishes my ability. I'm not afraid of critique because I'd rather do all my trials and errors as a 27 year old entrepreneur and in 10 years hope to be someone who has made a difference in the advertising industry.