Blog #7 What is a creative brief and why is it important?

What is a Creative Brief? You may think that it is something very short and creative? Well that is what I thought initially. However a creative brief is a document created through interviews, meetings and discussions between the client and the designer before the start of any project. The creative brief also serves as guidance and provides information about the work.  A good creative brief will answer key questions such as:

• Who is it for?
• What is the project?
• Why is the project being done?
• Where and how will it be done?
• When will the project be complete?

A creative brief is important because it is a tool that is used to facilitate communication from the initial stage of the project. Additionally using a creative brief helps you to know your client and this will guide you while the work is being done therefore you will complete in a shorter time span because you have a guide as to what should be done next.

Blog # 7 What is a creative brief and why is it important?

A creative brief is a short document that outlines the creative direction for a campaign. The importance of the creative brief is to inspire teams towards sound solutions of achievable objectives based on the creative brief's outline.

Blog #5 Difference between an unsolicited and a solicited proposal and the difference between an internal and external proposal

The  proposing of products and or services, objectives or what can be committed to a project is called a proposal. Proposal can come in several forms and today we are going to look at solicited, unsolicited, internal and external proposals.

A solicited proposal defined is where the client was actually involved in the proposal. For example; A client wanted a marketing plan, he would call your organisation and ask for your organisation to submit a proposal. The fact that he requested the proposal means he was expecting it, his expectation for the proposal makes it a solicited proposal. A unsolicited proposal means the client did not request the proposal and was not expecting it. For this example we have an existing client that we have not done business with in awhile and to renew the clients interest we sent a proposal letter to the client informing them of discounts they can get on products. The expectations or lack there of by the client is what defines a solicited vs a non solicited proposal. 

Moving on we now look at the internal and external proposal. An internal proposal represents proposals that are communicated within the organisation. An example of an internal proposal would be, a manager may want to improve the efficiency in his organisation by implementing a new software. To garner the support and cooperation of his staff he may call a meeting proposing the implementation to get feedback on the best methods they as a team could use to implement the new system. Lets now take a look at an external proposal. An external proposal are proposals that are communicated outside of the organisation. A company looking for new clients would send these external communications in an attempt to gain new clients. These external communications would be called external proposals.

Blog #6: What is the most difficult thing when doing a presentation?

The most difficult thing in presentation to me would be group presentations. In group presentations everyone has a different style of presentation that would not necessarily be best suited in the a room filled with people of dynamic personalities. Doing mock presentation however has the ability to set precedence for major adjustments that could have a minor presentation shifting into the realm of greatness.

Blog #6: What is the most difficult thing when doing a presentation?

The Presentation

The most difficult thing for me is having so many eyes staring at me. It is really intimidating. It makes me feel like they can see my soul when in truth they may not be paying much attention to the details. Persons just want to hear what I have to say, but even so I unconsciously avoid eye contact. I guess the best way to get over it is to practise the presentation until it is a part of me. This is because, in doing so, I will become more confident in myself so it will not matter if two or a hundred pairs of eyes are staring at me.

Blog #5: The difference between an unsolicited and a solicited proposal

Unsolicited Proposal:

An unsolicited proposal is sent to a customer who has not requested it. Unsolicited proposals must be especially convincing since the customer has not anticipated, planned, or budgeted for the proposal. With an unsolicited proposal you run the risk that the customer won't even bother to read it, since they didn't ask for it. However, the lack of competitive pressure with an unsolicited proposal often makes up for the risk.

                            

Solicited Proposal:

A solicited proposal is when the customer asks for a proposal. They may ask verbally or they may issue a written Request for Proposals. A solicited proposal provides you with a description of what the customer wants. Many also provide you with formatting instructions for your proposal and the evaluation criteria that will be used to make a selection.

Blog #6 What is the most difficult thing when doing a presentation?

Hmmmmm,presentations! Exciting but nerve wrecking as well. When presenting it is not all about you. You want to make it a priority to please your audience and get them engaged in what you are informing them about. There are a number of things that can hinder a person from presenting properly. One of the most difficult thing to do when doing a presentation is familiarizing yourself with the material and location of the presentation. When this is not executed the audience can know. They can figure this out based on your tone of voice and physical appearance.
So practice before presentations!

Blog #3 - In your opinion, what is the difference between a designer’s resume vs. a non-designer’s resume?

 Non- designers' resumes follows the same order. At the top the name, address and other contact information of the applicant is provided (usually in a bigger font than the body). Objective is always next on the resume and the rest of information falls under it ( all aligned left). They all use the same font, Times New Romans. The font is usually in black and printed on white letter size printing paper.

 

 The designer's resume is totally different. They provide creative design solutions for everything, even their resumes.  They treat their resumes as they would a sample in their portfolio.  It does not follow a strict order. Each designer uses creative graphics  to display their information wherever they want to. It usually follows a simple, eye-catching colour scheme. When ready to print, high quality paper is used. 

  

 So in my opinion, the difference between a designer’s resume vs. a non-designer’s resume is that the designer's resume is more visually appealing to the eye than the non-designer's resume.

 

Blog #5 Difference between an unsolicited and a solicited proposal and the difference between an internal and external proposal.

Solicited and unsolicited proposals are a very important part of the sales procedure. However there is a big difference between a solicited and unsolicited proposal.

a solicited proposal is normally a response to a requirement that was published. requirement are usually contained in Request for proposal (RFP) RFP are distributed to customers when their needs are no longer being met. The request for proposal details what a customer wants. on the other hand an unsolicited proposal is just what the name implies. it is not a response to the need of the buyer. This type of proposal is mainly used to advertise a new project the will come in brochures or leaflets.

now the difference between solicited and unsolicited proposals can easily be identified through their names. a solicited proposal is one that wasn't requested while an unsolicited is one that you have been requested to write.

Finally, the difference between an internal and external proposal is the objective of the proposal. An external proposal is meant for a group of people within the organization whilst an internal proposal is meant for an individual or someone specific in the organization .

Blog #5 - Unsolicited vs. Solicited Proposal... Internal vs External proposal As well

I'll start with definitions. Merriam Webster's online dictionary define Solicited as,

a :  to make petition to :  entreat

b :  to approach with a request or plea

It's safe to say that unsolicited is opposite in meaning, where as there was no request made for an action to be done. 

Put into context of proposals, a solicited proposal is one where you are making a request for permission to pursue a project or activity by either management, or external client. Speaking of external, distinguishing as it relates to internal or external proposal is, work commissioned by the powers that be or work powered by a client. Internal proposals usually have as it's audience your manager or superior - using the indirect approach - making a suggestion to them on a potential venture for the company to pursue. Lastly, with the external proposal, it comes at the request of a client or party who desires a particular service or product.

Solicited vs. Unsolicited Proposals and Internal vs. External Proposals

Solicited and unsolicited proposals are oftentimes called business proposals and are both considered as an integral part of any sales process. We will here explore the differences between an unsolicited and a solicited proposal?

A solicited proposal is usually created by an organization in response to customers published requirements, most of the time this is done in writing. Usually, requirements are contained in a RFP/Request for Proposal. Once the requirements have been published the organization preparing the solicited proposal prepares a document that outlines how they will help the customer that published the RFP fulfill the requirements that they set out. A solicited proposal states problem, solutions and sometimes suggestions are made that were not outlined in the RFP. Sometimes an organization will make a suggestion to a potential customer and they will request a proposal so that they can consider your suggestion. This counts as a solicited proposal because they are expecting it and the company providing a proposal will have a chance to communicate with the customer and gain an understanding of their needs.

An unsolicited proposal is sent to a customer who has not made any request for it or published a RFP. This is usually done then an organization sees that there services can help a potential customer and took the initiative to put forward a proposal. Unsolicited proposals must use very convincing language since the customer has not anticipated, planned, or budgeted for the proposal.

An internal proposal is a proposal meant another person or group of people within an organization a party within your organization, such as your boss.  Internal proposals are usually instruments of change within an organization and may contain private information that can only be shared among individuals of the company.  An external proposal is meant for communicating with individuals or organization that exists outside your organization or company. The information shared will not contain private information on the company’s clientele or other trade secrets.

Blog#4: Completing is the last stage of the writing process, why is it important?

Proofreading of written material is the final and essential step that must be taken before a document can be considered complete.

Proofreading may include checking things like:

•  Spelling 
•  Punctuation 
•  Grammar 
•  Paragraphing 

Proofreading helps you to check that you have included everything you wanted to say in any piece  of writing.

• It gives you a chance to review your work and add in anything you may have missed out.
• Check for errors
• Prompt you to add information that you may have forgotten
• Check the flow of the piece
• Remove areas of repetition or irrelevant bits of information
• Check formatting

For example, emails are usually the first port of contact between you and a new client, business partnership, blogger, colleague etc. You wouldn't look very credible if you had simple mistakes in the subject or body of the email. 

So it is of importance that one proofreads their documents. 

Blog #3: The difference between a designer’s resume vs. a non-designer’s resume.

A designer's resume gives not only gives you chance to showcase your experience, but it's also a great way to make a good first impression and show off your brand. Your individuality can be shown through your resume as you are able to use fonts, colors or words that speak to you.  However some employers may find it a bit extravagant so it should be used based on  the audience.



A traditional resume is static and limits how well you showcase yourself to your future employer. This because it only focuses on information and not a combination of creativity and information which the designer's resume can give you. However it has it place as it is best when used in formal situations.

Blog #4: The Importance of completing the last stage of the writing process

Expressing ones points of view, ideas and concerns in a professional and organized way are a few ways in which understanding the writing process can assist in proper communication. The writing process consists of three main stages: the drafting stage, the writing stage and the proofreading and editing stage. The last stage is very critical because it influences a reduction in misunderstandings, how your paper is viewed by others, and eliminates grammatical errors.

After writing a paper, we at times neglect the final stage of the process due to a lack of time caused by "last minute" work. It is just as important as developing points for each paragraph, conceptualizing ideas for the paper and even writing the paper. Proofreading and editing eliminates simple grammatical errors that were made during the writing stage giving you a better chance at getting a good grade and getting your points across.

As university students we spend more than half of our day on smart phones using "texting languages" such as LOL for laughing out loud, LMAO for laughing my a** off, DWL for dying with laugh and HMU for hit me up. We use abbreviations like these to prevent spelling out three to four different words which are often times use when writing an important paper or during an exam.

The final stage of the writing process is very important as it reduces misunderstandings, grammatical errors and improves your writing. Time must be spent critiquing your own writing before you let others critique it for you.

Blog #4 Why is Completing Important?

The writing process is a 3 step process that involves planning, writing and completion. The 3 step writing process ensures that the communication has a clear purpose and will effectively communicate a message to your audience. Planning puts research and concepts into motion to build the basis of methods that will convey a message best. Writing puts actual pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and thus the message that was conceived is now created and adapted for your audience. Now that we have a message it needs completing. Completing a message serves many purposes, one of which is to ensure that a good message is not hindered by minors errors. Completion is done through revision of the document and is usually suitable for a fresh pair of eyes such a third party. Completing ensures clarity, accuracy, error free communication, solving printing solutions other mechanical problems in a document. Completing really shines in its ability to have the document reach the end user, this distribution factor is the most important factor in my own opinion. If the audience never sees your message, then it never existed and would not fulfill its purpose of communication which was the original intent. So to close, completing is important because a message not received is a message that was not written and a message that was "not written" has failed at it core for communication.

Blog #4 - Completing is the last stage of the writing process, why is it important?

The completing process I call the editing phase. It is the last stage of the writing process. It is the most important stage of the writing process. At this stage we:

• revise for audience- Is the level of detail appropriate for my audience?
• revise for purpose- Is my purpose clearly stated for the reader?
• revise for form- Do I follow the established form of the document I am writing?

Also one should ALWAYS  check for 

1. Grammar
2. Sentence structure
3. Word choice
4. Punctuation
5. Capitalization
6. Spelling
7. Citation 

Whenever I am writing an essay, I do it late nights when I am really tired, sleepy and hungry! During those times my brain might not be functioning too well.  I will be there typing and jotting down, but some very important points usually slip me. One can write non stop on a topic of their choice but if these three points above are not considered then the essay is useless. 

 If you have written something, you must  have intended for someone to read it, even if that person is your self.  So ensure that the completing/editing process is one that is always done, even if you think it is perfect, always look over and edit  two to three times or even more.

 

Blog #4 - Someone Who Was Almost Known

In the world of words, an email, letter, memo and perhaps even more so instant messaging, may act as precursors to a first impression in person. As such, upon completion of any of the aforementioned documents - and with a potential error lurking that may result in a negative impression of you - it is important to check before you send.

After all is written and done, what better opportunity to proofread than to do so after completion. You have put thought to paper and is ready to distribute. Hold Up. Before you press send or post those combination of words, is it a certainty that they are ready for reading by eyes other than yours? Additionally, with the consideration of other parties involved, will those combination of words represent you well enough? Will they make you or break you?

Considering the whole issue of first impression, after creating a piece of writing to establish an initial interaction with someone - casual IM or perhaps formal letter - just imagine the simplest of spelling error overlooked and disseminated. Upon transfer and in the eyes of a new beholder, what you've written may lead to disturbing confusion, frustration and even render you a laughing stock. A misfortune none of us want. This may very well put you in the 'Someone-Who-Was-Almost-Known' Zone.

ANECDOTE ALERT!!!: Before publishing this little ole' blog of mine, I shared with a friend. She pointed out that 'messaging' in line 2, was actually saying 'massaging'. It has since been amended. That would have been embarrassing. The Importance of Completion in the Writing Process Strikes Again!

Just to establish, there are way more concerns regarding the importance of completing a piece of writing. To name a few, the ability to review and adjust the following: Accuracy of information, appropriate language and even intended recipient. My focus however is the impressions a message could have on your reputation if riddled with error. As such I implore that we take advantage of the opportunity this crucial stage of writing offers, so as to truly have that writing complete.

Completing the writing process

In the final or completing stages of writing, the main thing that is required in order to have an excellent literary piece is to edit and review the work before it can be published.  This stage is most important as it allows us to pay close attention to the fine details that may have been over looked in the initial stages of the writing process where brainstorming, planning and drafting are the main focus.  After the writer has gotten all of his or her ideas clearly communicated it is at this point we must look for spelling and grammatical errors and correct them.

If this is not done the reader of a piece of literature with spelling or grammatical errors, will become distracted by this and the writer then loses his or her audience. For example, an application letter that has been properly edited and has excellent sentence structure and free off spelling errors will certainly gain more attention from a potential employer than on that has errors.

Editing and review is the most important part of the writing process and completes the writing process as it ensures that the writer is able to clearly communicate his or her ideas or point across clearly to their audience. Without it the writer of any piece of literature runs the risk of losing the reader and even might lead to a miscommunication of their ideas.

Blog #3: Difference between a designer's resume and a non-designer's resume

The use of resumes are normally for job interviews or searching and applying for jobs. Often times non-designer's resumes are seen as the formal alternatives for majority of the jobs available. Reasons for this are, it focuses mainly on the data rather than the design. What one must also take into great consideration is that resumes are dependent on the type of job you are applying for that influences the type needed. There are a few differences between the designers' resume and the non- designer's resume and they are as follows:

Non- Designers Resume

• The non- designer's resumes are normally of a flat white color. 
• It mainly focuses on the information rather than the design.
• Lacks creativity
• Often times more acceptable by employers rather than the designer's resume.

Designer's Resume

• Expresses the designer's creativity.
• The design of the resume is often times more important than the actual information on the resume as it shows what the designer is capable of creating.
• Boost the confidence level of a designer in his/ her resume.
• Increases the possibility of the designer getting hired for a design job.

A designer's resume and a non-designers resume are kind of alike as they serve the same purpose as to get a job but its the kind of jobs that they get you that makes the difference.

Blog #3 - The Designer's Masterpiece

A resume requires a certain professional standard. It is "black and white" in appearance and nature. Simple and ordinary. It serves as a supporting document accompanying one's cover letter, which is usually at the end of an application letter, guided by the closing "Enclosure". Its purpose then is to give further details to the drafted application letter, for it cannot stand on its own because there is nothing extraordinary about a traditional resume.

But hey! You know what can stand on its own? A Designer's Resume!

A designer's resume is more than data, it serves as an Ad that demonstrates the best candidate. It is the designer's masterpiece. It is creatively and intricately drafted, with a 2-in-1 purpose, functioning as a cover letter and resume. This stands alone. In addition to its multifaceted nature, it is a 'pitch'. An opportunity for him to market and advertise his abilities- particularly in this competitive world of designing, it is important for the designer to stand out and be counted among the best.  

He has to demonstrate that he has the capabilities to bring innovation, flair and the requisite creativity - both what is designed and how content is written. With that in mind, there is no better opportunity for the designer to prove himself than through a demonstration of his craft. 

In essence a non-designer's resume is data; telling the reader where you've worked. But the designer's resume, is a design in and of itself; demonstrating what you're made of. 

Blog #2: Importance of planning before working on your artwork

When designing or creating a concept, it is always better to have a plan with the strategies you wish to accomplish. In my opinion planning allows you to take into consideration the "what ifs" and also factors that can either hinder or support the creative process of your artwork. A few reasons why planning is of great importance are as follows:

• It improves effective communication with the client and/or other co-workers.

• Reduces the amount of time spent on the developmental and creation process of the artwork.

• Allows you to meet client criteria and deadlines.

• Improves the quality of the work produced.

• Gives you a better understanding of what is needed by the specific client for that specific job. 

• Allows the design process to flow without constant interruptions

Planning for your artwork can be both formal and informal as long as you the designer(s) understand what is required from the client. It also aids in improving your design and creative skills. Your artwork is a reflection of you and it requires patience and proper planning as it reduces confusion in the creation process thus resulting in the production of better quality work.

MIA2002 Blog #3 - Designer’s resume vs. non-designer’s resume.

Since the dawn of employment, strategies in human resource management required measures to separate weak from strong candidates. Employed to separate the numerous applications were resumes. Resumes were formal application that would capture the essence of the applicant in as little words as possible. Traditional resumes dictated standards and formal specifics to cut through the clutter. However traditionally resumes could only convey an applicants skill on his ability to communicate with words. Traditional resumes did not communicative visual designs too well. Visual communication in resumes would lead to resumes being more bulky with the addition of artwork and pieces. The bulky resume had the added weight of being rejected as it was a little too much to read/look through especially for a human resource officer that had hundreds of resumes to look through. Design applicants eventually got smarter and actually started to incorporate their design into the actual resume, reducing the bulk and still conveying design competence.

In today's society traditional resumes are still heavily used but mainly by non-designers, but where designers are concerned they became so creative in their resume designs that an employer can actually use the designers resumes as a part of a marketing campaign. This could potentially present another risk to make the designer irrelevant but no one can actually say the resumes are not creative.

Blog #2 : What is the importance of planning before working on your artwork?

In designing, the process is always going to take time and energy, and in many cases a lot of tweaking will be required before the necessary results can be achieved.  That is why the key to any design project will always be thorough planning, with this stage in the process often being the most important one of all.

Unless one has a clear idea of where they are heading, what they hope to achieve and what the design is actually for, one cannot hope to create an effective design. The plans are be the blueprint of the creation, the foundation on which everything else is built, ensuring that one is always going in the right direction and that  one is targeting the right areas.

Of course, plans will invariably change as one goes through the process but that doesn’t mean you can overlook this step.One needs to have proper foundations before you can hope to move forwards with the design. 

So in remembering the importance of planning in any design will enable one to create an effective design.