Re-reading this book now makes so much more sense to me than when I was in college. Firstly, because I was younger and had so much more going on–taking classes full time + working. I was trying to figure out my identity still, my style, and what I wanted to do post-college! Now, it’s a lot less scary. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t fully understand and appreciate my design books.

This was my favorite book I had to get for my design classes. I wanted to read it because it was exciting & answered the questions I had. It was a different kind of book than the other design books I was reading. Also, of course the witty title won my heart.

My favorite features:

» Interview tips. The first ‘design interview’ I had was right before I graduated college, It was a mock interview showcasing our work to the class and professors we had since Freshman year. I got very little sleep the night before, I wasn’t nervous about it one bit until I stood up there and totally forgot everything I planned on saying! It was terrible, I wasn’t myself at all. When it was time for real interviews it wasn’t nearly as bad. Anyway, I love that the book has great interview tips and walks your through what to expect. Also, dealing with clients & how to find a job–Scary, real world career things that definitely aren’t taught in school.

» There’s an interview with Neville Brody, among other designers. I find his interview particularly inspiring! It’s about how it’s OK to not be a corporate designer, something that is definitely hard to do. It’s refreshing to hear a unique voice.

» The book doesn’t teach you about Photoshop or design tips, or the history of design–it talks about post-college degree life. What you really need to know in the ‘real world.’ The last couple chapters aren’t applicable to me personally right now [running a studio, etc] but it’s a good look at what to expect in the future.

Give some of your college books another read, i’m glad I did.