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Michael Janda

Michael Janda
In Education

3 Reasons a Graphic Designer Should Get a Masters Degree and 6 Reasons They Should Not

Recently, I engaged in a message board debate about the need to earn a Masters Degree as a graphic designer. Valid arguments were voiced on both sides of the coin. The message board debate was started by a recently graduated Bachelors Degree design student who wondered if she should continue her education and secure a Masters Degree.

I preface this article by saying “no education is wasted.” In fact, your level of education will have a direct impact your success as a graphic designer (or any career field). However, the word “education” in 2013 does not mean the same thing that it meant in 1983. In today’s world, “education” is not necessarily measured by how many tassels someone has hanging from their flat, black hat. Continue Reading

Michael Janda
In Business

11 Things Designers Should Do When They Don’t Have Work

The exhilaration of having a ton of cash flowing in and the agony of hearing crickets chirping instead of client phone calls, it is the life of a designer. Countless times in my career I have had moments of panic when the phone stops ringing. “Will it ever ring again?” “Should I apply for that job at McDonalds?” “Does my Mom still have a bed for me at her house?”

What I have learned is that lulls in work can be turned to a calm before the storm if you do the right things. (And, by the way, human nature’s inspiration to have you play Call of Duty all night, watch movies, kill six hours on Facebook, or go to the pool all day is NOT the right thing. Engage in too much of those activities and McDonalds may be your only career option.) Continue Reading

Michael Janda
In Books

The Origin of Burn Your Portfolio

Although I can’t seem to find it in my brief internet search, I recall hearing a quote along the lines of “most people think they have a book inside them.” Perhaps it is a total misquote. But I remember thinking in my late 20′s that I would one day like to write a book. It only took a decade to figure out what subject matter I would use to embark on this adventure. Continue Reading