What do you look for in a designer?: Stefan Sagmeister, Sagmeister Inc.
Enter a caption (optional)Stefan Sagmeister, a native of Austria, received his MFA in graphic design from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master's degree from Pratt Institute in New York. He formed the New York-based Sagmeister Inc. in 1993 and has designed graphics and packaging for clients such as the Rolling Stones, David Byrne, Lou Reed, Aerosmith and Pat Metheny. He is the recipient of many awards, including a Grammy, and lectures widely on design.
Ok, here are some quick answers, all bone and no meat.
1. What do you look for when hiring a designer?
It's about 50/50: Half is the portfolio, half is the personality. I don't wanna work with talented assholes. Considering my studio is so small, I am looking for people who are good at things I am bad at. In the portfolio, like everybody else I presume, I look for good concepts well executed.
2. Is there a particular "tell" that signals a good or bad fit?
Enthusiasm for design and all things design and all things non-design.
3. What is your best interview "horror story"?
I don't have horror stories. One woman took several calls on her cell during the interview and I had to tell her that this is not within regular behavior.
4. What is the single most valuable piece of advice you could give to those on the hunt?
Send something unique and personal to the studio you are applying to when setting up the interview. Letters addressed to "dear Madam/Sir" go into the garbage.
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