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The newest £1 billion startup is led by one of tech’s youngest female CEOs

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This week, Canva announced a £40 million founding round making its founder, Melanie Perkins, 30, perhaps the youngest female CEO to be leading a £1 billion startup.

Perkins co-founded Canva in 2014 as a way to “democratise design” for everything from slide presentations to handouts. It offers web-based design tools for people who aren’t professional graphic designers as an alternative to Powerpoint or Adobe’s design suite.

Canva CEO Female Tech Leaders

The 250 person-startup has scaled quickly claiming it has 10 million users. It has raised a total of £82 million from investors such as Sequoia China, Blackbird Ventures, and Felicis Ventures, and Canva says it is already profitable and hasn’t touched money from previous rounds (investors valued the company at $1 billion in the most recent round). It plans to spend its new cash on product development to compete with incumbents like Adobe. The company is based in Sydney, Australia, and Manilla, Philippines.

Perkins follows in the recent footsteps of Katrina Lake, the founder and CEO of Stitch Fix. On Nov. 17, 2017, Lake became last year’s first female CEO to take a company public in the US in 2017. Her e-commerce startup listed for $1.4 billion on Nasdaq. In just six years, Lake built a profitable business with nearly $1 billion in annual revenue while raising just $42 million, a fraction of the sum many startups raise to achieve the same milestone.

Perkins and Lake remain the exception. Only about 6% of senior venture capitalists are female (down from 10% since 1999) and just 2.7% of venture-backed startups have female CEOs, according to studies by Babson College and Columbia University.

If your thinking about a career in Design, Marketing or Software Development please check out our latest featured jobs or contact one of our consultants. You never know, in the future you could be the next Melanie Perkins or Larry Page.

 

 

10 Tips for Getting a Job in Design

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I am going to share with you 10 top tips on how to change or start a career in Graphic Design and how to turn your dreams into reality.

1. Join Design Focused Groups

Interacting with like-minded individuals and networking in the right groups are extremely important. Participating and interacting with designers and design organisations will provide a deeper understanding of the field, who’s in our industry and give you the chance to speak with influential and inspiring people. These can take many different forms such as FaceToFace Networking, Exhibitions, Podcasts, Social media chat groups etc.

2. Volunteer

If you are studying or wanting to start off your career as a designer you will need to be able to showcase your skills. A varied portfolio of work is always requested (there is no getting away from this) and it should be something you are proud to display. If you are just starting off your career you may have limited exposure to briefs or commercial work. So volunteering is a great way to start building your portfolio and a great way to support your local community.

3. Your CV

Make sure your CV is up to date and includes all relevant information including links to your design portfolio. If you haven’t had the chance to create an online presence and you want to apply for a job right now, create a PDF of some of your best work and submit it along with your CV. There are many businesses and people that can help you with this. Make sure your CV is clear, concise and free from any spelling mistakes.

4. Create an online portfolio

This may seem obvious however having an online presence is imperative. There are many sites that you can upload your work to such as Behance. If you don’t have your own website & portfolio set up, check out some free websites such as Moonfruit, Weebly and WordPress these are all customisable and simple to set up.

5. Work Experience/Apprenticeship

Finding work experience with a good Design Agency or in-house studio can offer invaluable experience. We know this first hand as we have just placed a recent Graduate Rhys through this method. Rhys completed work experience with one of our Design Agency clients. A month after completing his work experience he was employed by another one of our clients as their in-house designer. Work Experience will help you understand how design organisation/departments are run, and give you a better understanding about client briefs and how to prioritise work to timescales.

6. Nurture a network of Designers

While other designers may be seen as your competition there is enough of the pie for everyone if you are good enough. Don’t be afraid to nurture relationships with other designers as it really pays off. (You are your only competition) This can be used for referrals, networking and building your brand. You generally find if you are good at your craft & you work hard at it you will have many supporters and people willing to help and recommend you.

There’s a great group of designers in the This Design Life facebook group here.

7. Talk to your Heros & Herions

While we all like getting notes from admirers or constructive feedback on our work, sending a message to those in our industry who inspire you can lead to many opportunities. Just look what happened when I complimented Chris from Calloway Green on the amazing SEO Academy content he and his business partner had put together. We found a common interest in design and all things Gary Vee! Let your design heroes know you respect their work and maybe one day when they are hiring you could be just what they are looking for. Of course this won’t always happen but it only takes that one big break.

8. Enter Competitions

Having some design awards and accolades under your belt can definitely help build your credibility and reputation. It is also a great way to get under the noses of other creative directors, editors and industry professionals.

9. Start your own projects

“You’re a Creative,” so make sure and put it to good use. If you find that you aren’t getting the break you need then create projects that will open some doors and potential network opportunities. Split your day when you are searching for a new job. You can use traditional ways of searching for a job such as partnering with a Specialist IT Recruitment Agency and also searching on job boards, all this can be done while also creating your own projects. Your projects could include ebooks, icons, CMS themes and anything else you can distribute for content or exposure. This can take time but creating your own opportunities will gain you extra credibility with your peers and potential hiring managers.

10. Don’t give up

You need to have the stamina and determination to keep going. You may have many doors slammed before you finally get your big break. Don’t give up, stay positive and keep moving forward. If you are getting negative responses form agencies and businesses ask for feedback on areas of improvements. Work on those and keep adapting until you finally get to where you need to be!

You can check out full blog and content details on our feature with This Design Life! This Design Life brings you hand picked quality design and inspiration from all over the world. They also take a look into the lives of designers. What makes us tick and what makes us better. What are you waiting for go check it out! 🙂

 

 

IT Job Feature: 10 Must-Know Skills for a job in Web Design

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In order to land an IT Job in web design, check out the top 10 tips below.

You need to know them so well that you can do them almost without thinking. When it comes to an IT Job in web design, many skills can change and evolve over time, but there are a few basics that you should be able to do in your sleep.

And even if you aren’t a “web designer” by trade, each of these skills is becoming must-have for all designers working today. How many are you already comfortable with? Let’s dive in and take a look at what you should be able to do on “auto pilot”!

 

1. Code with HTML and CSS

Whether you are a developer or not, everyone needs to understand the most basic of language behind website design. You need to understand how to read, edit and troubleshoot basic HTML.

In any case, you should be able to pinpoint a bold or font or color or size issue in HTML without thinking. You should be able to substitute styles in CSS with ease. These are skills that are easy to learn and will serve you well in the long run.

 

2. Edit Photos

In any design field, it’s likely that you will work with images all day long. So it only makes sense that you understand how to manipulate them. From basic cropping to sizing and a little “clean up,” you should be able to work with photos with ease. At a minimum, you should feel comfortable with cropping and resizing as well as some image quality adjustment.

 

3. Make a Print

While your IT job might be in the digital realm, parts of the design will no doubt be needed for printed applications. From fliers to business cards to press releases, you should be able to create and convert elements in such a way that are also print-ready.

Key things to understand include printing resolutions for different media types and colour. While you likely use a value such as FF0000 to make a text block red, that won’t work for printing. CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color mixes are the standard for printed items.

 

4. Write a Headline

It’s near impossible to really visualise a design with lorem ipsum as the main headline. The words are the glue that bring the visuals and the message together. Your headline might not always stick, but you should always fill in the big words when you turn in a design concept.

As a practical matter, the words can help the client understand how much space is available for text. A good headline shows that you understand the client and go the extra mile in projects and it leaves people with a lasting impression.

 

5. Grab Any Device and Navigate a Website

You should have a comfort level with computers and devices that most people do not. This might require breaking away from your favourite devices or browsers or programs and playing with plenty of other things.

We’ve all been there: There’s nothing worse than a client whipping out an old phone or showing you something on a small screen for help and you just can’t figure it out with ease. You should be able to use your website (and others) in any environment and talk others through how to do it as well.

Tip: Just start playing. Make sure to experiment with different browsers and if you are an Apple person, pick up an Android device (and vice versa).

 

6. Sketch with Confidence

One of the greatest things about sketching is that you can help others visualise what you are thinking. Remember, plenty of other people need to see a wireframe or outline before they can start to imagine what you are thinking.

Sketching with confidence is a great way to help create that connection. This is not to say you need to learn to be a top-notch artist overnight. But you should come ready with a pad and pen so you can put those ideas on paper and share them with the team.

 

7. Use a Common Framework

There is no shame in using a website design framework to kick-start projects. In fact, you probably should unless you are a super-star developer.

Frameworks keep you from reinventing the wheel with every project and are easy for others to use if you are ultimately handing a website over to a client that will try to maintain it and make updates. WordPress is a popular option, but there are plenty of others out there to try.

Tip: Start with WordPress. It’s the largest blogging and website content management system and framework available.

 

8. Backup and Package Files

While a website seems to be a self-containing system, it is not. You need to understand how to and how often to backup your site (and restore it, if necessary) to prevent data loss should something happen to the site. If you don’t know the exact logistics of this exercise in your sleep, you should know what is being saved, how frequently it is happening and where the data is stored.

In addition, you should have a good idea of how to create package files for website styles, design parts and pieces and more that can be used as a backup and can provide vital information for clients should they need to use the parts. Package files (for print) are a necessary part of the web design process as well so clients have a set of branding tools that match the website design for printed promotions.

Tip: Every website needs a backup plan. Packaging files will help you keep materials, such as fonts and images, together when you have to send them elsewhere.

 

9. Know 3 Trends (And When To Use Them)

You should be able to talk to anyone with a reasonable amount of design knowledge about what visual techniques are trending and why or why you should not use them. How do they work and what do you like/dislike about these trends. Alternatively, you can view online sources for advice.

 

10. Explain Design Theory

Colour, flow, balance and proportion, spacing: These are all things that you should just be able to see when working on projects. But it’s more than having a good eye; design theory is equally important. Understanding why you do what you do and why that creates a well-balanced aesthetic is important.

And if you understand it well, you can explain it and more easily defend and explain design decisions to others. A foundation in the basics will help you master any project.

 

Conclusion

How many elements on this list can you check off as things you know in your sleep? How many others are you eager to go learn more about or refresh your skillset?

Web design – like any other type of design – is rooted in the basics and sprinkled with plenty of trends and new techniques. A good understanding of the mix will help you grow and become a better designer, and will help you feel even more confident in your design decisions and work.

If you are already familiar with all of these skills and would like to take the next step in your web design career, check out our latest IT Job vacancy by clicking here!

5 Types of Software every Motion Graphics Designer should know

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So you’re interesting in becoming a Motion Graphics Designer?

When you are ready to start your journey to becoming a motion designer, there will be numerous programs that you’ll encounter. A great motion designer has a wide range of tools at their disposal which they can utilise for any of their projects. Not only do you need a great artistic eye as a motion designer, but you also need to master these tools. Here are of the most important software packages that you will need to know for designing and creating motion graphics.

 

1. After Effects

After Effects (commonly referred to as AE) is the flagship program for motion graphics. It allows users to animate, alter and composite media in 2D and 3D space. 2D designs created in a program like Illustrator can be brought in, animated and manipulated to create a motion graphics piece. Because After Effects is created by Adobe, it shares a lot of similarities and integration features with their other software.

Not only can you work with 2D elements if After Effects, but you can also work with 3D elements as well. Objects and scenes from popular 3D applications can be used directly as footage inside of After Effects.
If you can imagine an effect, After Effects can most likely help you create it. There are hundreds of built-in plug-ins as well as third party plug-ins that let you extend your effects with things like particles, blurs and a whole lot more.

 

2. Photoshop

At its core, Photoshop is a photo editing software, but its capabilities go far beyond that. This software is used among nearly every 2D or 3D computer graphics pipeline and motion designers are no exception. With Photoshop you can do things like resize images that are too big, cut out images from photographs that can be used in your motion graphics work as well as create great designs with advanced tools and filters. Like After Effects, Photoshop is developed by Adobe and is part of the Creative Cloud.

 

3. Illustrator

While Photoshop excels at pixel-based imagery, Illustrator is an advanced vector-based software from Adobe’s Creative Cloud. Illustrator includes a wide range of design tools that can be essential to your motion graphics work. It has very powerful and sophisticated vector drawing tools, as well as advanced type tools that are great for creating graphics for your motion designs.

A motion designer’s job is to bring elements into a cohesive moving design whether it be an intro, a commercial or advertisement so it’s no surprise that you’ll need to master the 2D programs used to create the initial elements before they are animated. Together, Photoshop and Illustrator are two design programs that you’ll most likely be creating or exporting designs out of to use in the staple motion design program After Effects.

 

4. CINEMA 4D

CINEMA 4D is a 3D modeling, animation and rendering application developed by MAXON. It is known to be very intuitive and has integration into After Effects. Of course, there are many other 3D programs to choose from like Maya or 3ds Max that can be used to create motion graphics, but CINEMA 4D is regarded by most to be the industry-standard for motion designers.

One major draw for CINEMA 4D is the CINEWARE pipeline that is integrated into After Effects. With CINEWARE you are able to import CINEMA 4D scenes and assets into After Effects just by dragging and dropping them into the software, and anytime you make a change to the CINEMA 4D scene you will instantly see the results inside After Effects. CINEWARE also gives you access to the powerful CINEMA 4D render engine directly in After Effects.

There are some very basic 3D capabilities in After Effects, but nothing compares to the flexibility that you can get from a 3D program. For example, creating complex 3D assets inside of After Effects can be very time consuming to do simply because After Effects was never intended to do complex 3D work. In today’s motion graphics market though, adding 3D to your motion graphics pieces is expected and you need to have a strong understanding of a 3D application to be able to keep up with the demand. 3D elements are being integrated into motion graphics more and more. Whether that be in an intro for a news station or an animated logo. The 3D world has found its way into 2D motion graphics, and its here to stay.

With a 3D application you can open up a wealth of new design possibilities like turning 2D artwork into 3D elements. Having CINEMA 4D and experience in a 3D application will make you a much more versatile motion designer that can meet the needs of any project, whether it be 2D or 3D.

 

5. Red Giant Software

Motion designers are often asked to create amazing effects on tight deadline that goes beyond what After Effects can do quickly and easily but still don’t really require setting up a full 3D scene. These scenarios are perfect situations in which plug-ins can be used to create those amazing effects on tight deadlines. Some of the most popular plug-ins that have worked their way to becoming industry-standard for many motion designers are offered by a company called Red Giant.

As with any plug-in, Red Giant Software is not a program that is a must for creating all motion graphics but when it’s added to your toolkit, these plug-ins can speed up your workflow and help you create great effects for your projects in a very short amount of time. There are a number of suites that Red Giant offers and while you may not need all of them, it is important that you know what these plug-ins can do so that you’ll be able to hit the ground running if your project requires you to use them.

For example, one of the most popular suites from Red Giant is called Trapcode. Trapcode has a large set of plug-ins that allows you to create high quality 3D effects in a short amount of time. These tools help you create amazing realistic effects with an emphasis on flexible 3D content and an extremely powerful particle system that are all built for After Effects.

 

Are you seeking a career in designing Motion Graphics? Get in touch with us on 0330 22 33 047 or send us a message using our contact page to discover how we can help you find the perfect opportunity!

UK Government shows interest in ‘Ultraspeed’ Transport

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The UK government has expressed its interest in hyperloop transport technology which would make a journey from London to Manchester just 18 minutes

Hyperloop One states it has held conversations with the government and private companies about potential UK transport routes and “there’s been quite a strong response” from the government. UK government representatives also attended Hyperloop One’s much-publicised propulsion test in Nevada, in May 2016.

The comments were made by Alan James, global VP of business development at Hyperloop One, who previously lobbied for UK Ultraspeed before joining the company.

“Innovate UK has taken the lead on that. It is joining together the department of Business, Innovation and Skills, and DFT (Department For Transport), to produce a coordinated response to the Hyperloop opportunity.”

“It’s very early stages,” a spokesperson for Innovate UK confirmed to WIRED. “This is a really exciting technology and we’re following it with interest.”

The company has also held conversations with the Peel Group, which owns the Manchester Canal route, about a Manchester-Liverpool route.

“Hyperloop could connect all the great cities of the English north not just to London, but to each other,” said James. “Making Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, effectively a single city, for instance.”

He also suggests hyperloop would be a cheaper and faster alternative to HS2, “which is currently, I believe, the most expensive railway project humanity has ever undertaken, on a per-kilometre basis. ”

“To take a UK example, London to Manchester would be 18 minutes. With High Speed Rail, we could reduce the journey time from London to Stoke from one hour 24 minutes to around one hour. With Hyperloop, we can reduce it to around 14 minutes.”

Elsewhere, the engineering giant ARUP, which has partnered with Hyperloop One, is consulting with the company over potential UK routes, including the use of tunnels instead of raised pylons.

“You could anticipate it could be quite cost effective,” said John Miles, an engineer at ARUP. “Our angle is looking at: what if we could build the first of its kind development here in the UK? What would the routes look like? I think Hyperloop has the potential to bring the London Underground experience to the national picture.”

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, the other LA-based startup attempting to build the first hyperloop, also said it had been in contact with the UK government.

“I met David Cameron. He was talking about £50million that he can give us through Innovate UK,” says Bibop Gresta, HTT’s chief operating officer, chairman, and ‘chief bibop officer’. (10 Downing Street declined to comment for this story.)

Hyperloop One currently has feasibility studies underway or completed in Russia, Dubai and the Nordics. HTT, meanwhile, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Slovakia to explore potential routes in the country.

Of course, all of these statements should be taken with an enormous spoonful of salt: while Hyperloop One is building a prototype in Nevada, no working hyperloop prototype has yet been built. Some engineers doubt that it would work, and dispute the idea’s projected engineering costs.

And, as investigations revealed, both Hyperloop startups are having their own issues – from the $250million lawsuit between Hyperloop One’s co-founders, to doubts over the legitimacy of HTT’s public claims.

Experts stated that any passenger routes would likely take years, if not decades, due to the regulatory requirements, the cost of acquiring land, and other complex procedures inherent to large infrastructure projects. “This is a technology that is so unproven,” said Dan Sperling, founding director of the Institute Of Transportation Studies at the university of California. “They need to demonstrate that it works at scale.”

“There’s some real challenges in there, and they shouldn’t be trivialized,” added Miles. “It will take years to engineer a system that works.”

– Oliver Franklin-Wallis

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