This weeks speaker was Dr Austin Houldsworth, a lecturer in product design at Huddersfield University. His enthusiasm and passion for design shone through his presentation, which covered a wide range of subjects with extreme complexity. Austin spoke greatly about the freedom and opportunities which exist in the realm of art. Beginning his career in the interactive arts himself, he soon discovered that product design was his true calling. Austin emphasised that everyone takes different routes to get to their final destination. We can’t predict our futures, or where life will take us. He stated that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to other creatives. Although it’s human nature to feel this way, we’re all different designers with individual traits and interests. These qualities are what distinguish us from others, forming our uniqueness. I must say, in the past I’ve had the tendency of comparing myself to others. Now that I’m approaching the end of University, I’ve started to ask myself; how am I going to compete and meet up to the standards of other designers. As Austin states with strength and determination you can be anything you want to be. Art would be boring art if we were all the same. Austin encourages that we should all take risks and challenges every once in a while.
Austin also spoke briefly about portfolio’s. With my interview approaching in a few weeks time, I found this discussion very insightful. He stated that a portfolio should demonstrate your skills and abilities, to the best possible standards. Furthermore, it should display how you can tackle a diverse range of subjects, briefs and think outside of the box. The interviewer should be left with a strong and memorable impression of who you are as a designer.
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