The idea of the design inspiration section is to share stories. Stories can be insightful or make you laugh, they can let you know you’re not the only one with doubt, but most importantly they allow you to understand. Post your story below or share something that inspired you today design related or not. Keep it to 500 words or less!
At Portfolio Center it’s always interesting to see how people found their way here, since after all it is not your every day design school. So my inspiration is how I found my way to Portfolio Center.
To be quite honest the portfolio is just a conversation starter if you think about it.
My story starts in Denver, CO and actually has nothing to do with me having the best design portfolio after graduation or the best job – in fact I had neither - for me it has been all about relationships.
“Rick, you’ve taught me more in the last 5 minutes about design and typography than I’ve learned while I was in undergrad. Could I get your contact info and talk with you more about “design,” maybe show you a couple projects?” I asked. “No. I am sorry dude, I’m way too busy to take on another student. I am a teacher, a father, and I run a design studio,” replied Rick. “Man I won’t send you 20 emails, I’ll be respectful of your time. Just the way you talk about things is very insightful,” I said jokingly. Staring at me and then at my black book that I called a portfolio. He answered, “Alright, I’ll reply with one word. Here is my business card.” I took it from his hand and quickly scanned the text: Rick Griffith – Matter Studio. I then asked,” Rick, what does your studio specialize in?” “You don’t know what I do? Before you email me, look me up dude.”
A few months later I found myself at Rick’s studio helping him with his web project. Like the guys at Dress Code say, “Fake it till you make it.” I had no idea how to build an ecommerce website for Rick but I figured I could do it knowing just basic HTML. Little did I know I was in over my head but I worked day and night figuring out how PHP works and how to integrate it into HTML. Eventually I built a working site and made a few new friends along the way!
What I learned from Rick working at his studio, because of that one chance to talk about my work, taught me a lot about myself. That ultimately affected my design, knowledge, and ultimate goal of pursuing a career in design, starting at P.C. Without this relationship I would not be where I am today.
Design for me has been like learning a second language. Not just a language that you speak and write, but one that you draw, color, and erase. The work load here at P.C. is heavy but well rewarding. It has its ups and downs for sure, but it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. I don’t know where I’ll be after P.C. but I’m looking forward to the unknown potential.
Rick's first email reply to me was:
Pretty. Incoherent. Two words.
-Rick
