I was happy to answer some career-related questions on my Instagram, here are some of the questions, the full Q&A can be found on my Instagram page highlights. Hope you guys find it useful:
Q: Is it possible to get into a career based on 1 skill set?
A: Sure, theirs lots of people who are experts in 1 thing and they are the best at what they do. I personally think that's too risky and lowers your chances of working with different people and on different things. I like to see design as a holistic thing, and being versatile with multi-talents is much better and opens more doors. Of course, 1 person can't do everything, and even if they do it won't be the best outcome vs a team of experts doing things (not always because egos and politics can start to kick in and that's another story), but I think its good to master a task that you feel comfortable with across a spectrum and range of different areas within design (concept, brainstorm, sketch, 3D, prototype, etc...)
Q: How do I make people understand it's not just about pressing "Render"?
Depends on why you do what you do, theirs are always those who appreciate and those who don't, and those who understand and those who don't. Theirs lots of people who see designers as problem solvers who truly shape what this world looks like and how it functions in every field, medical/engineering/architecture etc..., and theirs those who look at designers as someone whose coloring in a coloring book like a kid. The best thing is to care less and do great work, and those who understand will notice it, and that's what really matters. Even more so, I think its all about you and the fulfillment you have, and the bar you set for yourself and how you raise it. So ya in a nutshell, who cares what others think.
Q: Have you hit a roadblock? If so what did you do to get around it and keep moving?
A: Ya no doubt, we all do, sometimes you're just not feeling it or are truly spaced out and can't get the inspiration you need. I think even though we hit our slumps and don't produce our best work at times, it's always good to have a process that you believe in and that works for you. Every designer's process can be different, but having one is key that will allow the job to get done from point start to finish and ensure at least some consistency in the designer people know you to be. I personally also find it very useful to jump from 1 project to another or shift my focus from what I'm doing, and subconsciously that kind of makes me think more about the project I'm stuck on and gives me more ideas. It's good to be a sponge, and get inspired by everything and everyone around you.
Q: How was your journey from the start to the point you are now?
A: Hustle hustle hustle. Always dreamed big and never stopped working for what I wanted and where I wanted to reach, and its not just about hustling and putting in the hours, but also being passionate about what you do and loving it because only then you won't really feel the stress or the grind. I interned at Ogilvy at the beginning of my career, then I interned at Nike which was a life-changing experience for me. I worked for Ogilvy in Dubai, then for EA Sports on FIFA in Vancouver Canada, Consulted for Nike Football and Basketball in Portland Oregon, and worked for Adidas in NYC. I also did lots and lots of freelance for different clients including Adidas since I was in college and some smaller ones when I was in high school. The experience has been great, but the biggest takeaway is always thinking about what comes next and not parking the bus where you are, that's where lots of talent dies when they feel too comfortable, or can't take the risk of imagining something bigger.
Q: How many hours a day did you practice when you were starting?
A: It's really countless and impossible to keep track of when you love something and do it day and night without having any expectations or being asked to do it by anyone. I started learning 3D when I was 16, and keep learning and doing new stuff to this day. That's the beauty of design in general, theirs no limit to what you can do except how you limit yourself.
Q: I'm an Industrial Design student looking for an internship. Should I go with a studio or a core company?
A: If you could choose that would be great, but I don't think that's the case, usually they are the ones who choose, definitely apply for all and see what you get. I think theirs advantages to both small studios and big companies. In smaller studios, you can do more work and grow from the work you do, but the downside is you probably aren't working on projects as big as those in bigger companies. In big companies, you get to work with many talented people and grow by seeing how others do things and learning from each other's skill sets, but you are probably working in a particular role. Getting into a big company will open the door for you to work with big and small companies. Working with small studios won't necessarily impact your getting into bigger companies unless the work and projects are really good, which is not uncommon. So ya weigh your options, but if it were me, i would go for the big company if I felt I was ready for it.
Q: What is a key quality a designer should have when aiming for their dream company/location?
A: Be super focused on your dream and goals, and be clear on why you want what you want. As much as big companies are fun and great to work for, on a day-to-day basis it definitely has their challenges and downsides too. I think having confidence in yourself and your vision is the number 1 thing that matters, not only would it be what drives you not to give up, but it will also show in your communication and work when you interview.
Q: How is the future of 3D in footwear design from a designer's standpoint?
A: Definitely growing, huge trend with generative stuff at the moment and I think we are just at the tip of the iceberg. I think looking at any product through the lens of 3D is not the right approach. 3D is an amazing tool, and if you mix it in your process and blend it with different processes, I think that's where innovation and magic happen.
Q: Besides education, what are the most important qualifications that sports companies look for?
A: Portfolio is key, and the way you present it is super important.
- The projects need to be well executed and presented in a strong way.
- It's good to show at least 5 projects in the area you are applying for.
- Cool concepts alone are not enough, companies look for insights, the story behind the idea, and your process. Having looked at many portfolios at work or while teaching, I can say that many fresh graduating students miss out on this part.
- The projects need to land and make sense and be realistic. Needs to feel both functional and look extremely beautiful from an aesthetic standpoint.
Q: What's your number 1 tip to shape your career?
A: I think my biggest aha moment has been that I don't want to be wasting the days of my life fulfilling someone else's dream. My number 1 advice is that you need to own your future and what you want to be. Do it because it makes sense to you, your family, and your circumstances. Wanting to reach a career goal for other reasons will slow you down and take you off track without even knowing.
Q: What does your learning method look like?
A: I think whether you are a beginner or expert nothing beats a good tutorial, as they come in different paces, styles, and levels. Being inspired by others, observing the way they work, and adapting bits and pieces of their methods to yours that you can resonate with is great too. I don't think it's a good thing for you to try to copy someone else 100% as everyone has their own style and own ways of feeling the process and feeling what's good and bad. Learn as much as you can but also find your own style and way of doing things.
More Q&A to follow, you can read all the questions on my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mossawi_/
Thanks and Dream Big!
