i definitely did not have the intention to sound cocky during the question and answer session at the Crowbar Seminar.. but whatever.. :P
however i must say the seminar is really an eye opener to the design, film and photo industry in Singapore. it is supposed to prepare eager participants for the competition, but there are discussions on the local industry (though not much). at least me and my friends felt that we've learnt so much through this seminar than what we did in school.
Especially for invited speakers for design category, they had lined up reknown local designers
Chris Lee, Creative Director from
Asylum,
Roy Poh, previously Founder from
Kinetic, now Creative Director of Beautiful, Shawn Loo, interactive media director at
BBH Singapore , who shared their works, experiences and tips on aceing portfolio judging / interviews.
the seminar really led me to think of the future as a designer in Singapore, as quoted from Roy, from looks of past decade,
thousands graduated from design/art schools per year, only around
70% manage to get a job in local market, others went on to work outside the industry, and
less than 50% are content with what they are doing; as years pass, eventually only around
4 will manage to make it big in Singapore.
reality hit.
Emcees at the seminar tried to sound encouraging later by mentioning, "there are two parts of a designer's life - first portion being
underpaid and next half being
overpaid. look forward to the second half".
double hit.
and they kept emphasizing that aside from talent, patience and luck, young designers should also have the passion to see themself going far in the industry.
someone define "passion" please. you might be passionate about the things you are doing right now but definitely scorns and rejections on the works will bring the level of passion down. reality of overwork underpaid will lower it even further. so how long will the passion last before it completely fizzles out? you must have the determination of a cockroach to survive and really make it big..
now you understand why art/design students and people in industry can get so depressed at times..
if any of you ever catch me looking dejected the next time, come slap me in the face and say "see what you've chosen.."
lol.. meantime i'm still enjoying the things i'm doing.
Tiger Translate Class Act is holding workshops on this weekend, encouraging students to "engage in a round-table discussion with established Tiger Asian Kinetic Artist (AKAs) about Design and Illustration."
