How I Landed My Dream Design Job Right Out Of College

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

An Ink & Pixels Testimonial

Hi all! My name is Sammy Smith. A recent graduate of Stevenson University (Spring 2018), I majored in Visual Communication Design. I am currently a Junior Designer at Design B&B, a design and branding agency with locations in Baltimore & Chicago. I was fortunate enough to be offered an internship the summer before my senior year, and was ecstatic when it turned into a full-time job offer after graduation.

But how did I land this amazing internship and job? Well, I have Ink & Pixels to thank for that.

Ink & Pixels is an amazing event to get your portfolio reviewed by working design professionals, work on interview skills, and network. Being very active and even President of Stevenson’s AIGA student group, I made it a point to attend this event every year. (Even though I’m a slight introvert, and would rather stay home and watch Netflix.) I knew the value of this event, that there was no debate about whether to attend or not. It was a definite “okkk, fiiinne.” pauses Netflix & gets off couch

*pauses Netflix & gets off couch*

Ink & Pixels 2017

During Ink & Pixels my junior year, I had the pleasure of sitting and meeting with Shelly Boggs, a Principal of Design B&B. We had a fantastic conversation and review, which ultimately led to an internship offer. She told me that they don’t usually hire junior year college students as interns, but made an exception for me because she was so impressed with my portfolio. Woww, flattered! I interned at Design B&B that summer and they even kept me on throughout my senior year.

Two months before graduation, when all seniors are frantically looking for jobs, Shelly offered me a full-time position. I was so humbled and grateful for this opportunity to continue with such an amazing company and TO HAVE A JOB OUT OF COLLEGE! Whoooo!

Ink & Pixels 2018

So, take my advice.

Pause Netflix.

Get yourself and your work out there. NOW! You won’t regret it. Now, obviously, it is not a guarantee that if you attend Ink & Pixels, you will be offered an internship or a job. I was just lucky, I guess. But who knows; you won’t find out unless you try.

Sign Up For Ink & Pixels Today!

Q&A With Charlotte James: Comms Specialist, Creative Entrepreneur, Baltimore Badass

Posted on by AIGA Baltimore

Charlotte James is a digital communications strategist and entrepreneur originally from Philadelphia. She came to Baltimore to study at Johns Hopkins University and decided to stay! And we’re so glad she’s here.

She currently serves as the Director of Outreach and Communications for Common Curriculum, a local ed-tech startup. She is a former Baltimore Corps Fellow and current Baltimore Creatives Acceleration Network Founder Fellow with her nail art business, Power Decals.

Charlotte James Baltimore

Where do you draw inspiration from?
My business partner – she’s an incredible designer and helps me hone my aesthetic.

Favorite creative hobby, outside of design?
A friend recently got me back into sculpey clay so probably going to keep playing around with that.

What advice would you give to your 20-something self?
I’m still in my 20’s so if anyone has any advice, hook a sister up! Just kidding but for real, I always tell anyone younger than me that it’s totally cool to not know exactly what you want to do or who you want to be, as long as you’re always hustling towards something.

it’s totally cool to not know exactly what you want to do or who you want to be, as long as you’re always hustling towards something.

Charlotte James is the Co-Owner of Power Decals

Power Decals is a line of vibrant, statement-making nail decals that celebrate culture and powerful women. The Baltimore business is shaking up your handshake, as seen in Baltimore Magazine. But founders Charlotte and her partner Valentina Fiamma Ziino Colanino want more than amazing nail art. They create their decal designs based culturally diverse patterns and even feature inspiring women throughout history.

Meet Charlotte at AIGA Baltimore’s Ink & Pixels 2018

Join us at Ink & Pixels on September 29th to get to know her in person! Charlotte will be moderating the panel and town hall discussions on issues relevant to the emerging designer.

Register for Ink & Pixels – 9/29/2018