| Feb. 2, 2008 | Posted by: Marc |
Queens English
This week we had an unexpected surprise: seven graphic design students visiting our studio from the UK. All but one had never been to the States before, and I am proud to report that, besides the Apple Store in Midtown, we were their first stop on a jam-packed tour of NYC design. Bright and inquisitive, they asked us a barrage of questions ranging from our experience, our influences, our design approach, and even how many hours we work. Sheri and I had a great time entertaining them for an hour as we walked them through some recent MSLK projects. It’s incredibly helpful to explain the practical design considerations (i.e. the problems, and how we solved them), rather than showing only “pretty looking things.”
The group were graphic design & advertising students visiting from Buckinghamshire New University, about 25 miles out from London, in a town called High Wycombe. In preparation, we all compiled a short list of must-see NYC-specific places to visit into a mini folded booklet for all to enjoy. In turn, we were given an absolutely gorgeously designed bottle of wine (which, of course, will never be opened).We love having students come in and visit MSLK as a way of giving back to the design community. Sheri and I benefited from eye-opening and inspiring studio tours back when we were students, and always strive to pass on the same experience to young designers… whether it’s a tour, speaking to students, or an internship at MSLK. Our greatest success story to date is MSLK’s very own Ellen Johnston who was Sheri’s intern years ago, and now our senior designer (Aww.) Special thanks to my mentor when I was an intern, the incredibly talented Gary Tooth who thought enough to recommend MSLK as a worthwhile destination.
I must say, Sheri was an AMAZING mentor to me as an intern. I’ve always remembered how much time and effort she invested in me back at TODA. I hope to one day be able to inspire an intern or student as much as Sheri did for me years ago.
Hey! Just want to say thanks for having us round! It was a great first visit, and the little book really helped!! Thanks again! sarah
It was very kind of you to let us come along, thankyou. I enjoyed it and it was great to see some of your work.
It was our pleasure. Keep in touch (or at least keep reading our blog!)
Marc and Sheri,
Thank you again for a wonderful insight into MSLK and how the company operates and works together to produce such a high quality of work. Being the first visit in our tour of New York City, we found that you’d set such high standards that no other agency was able to produce such beneficial and informative visits. Your attention to detail and process of undertaking projects has helped us all fully understand the best approach to take to new and exciting projects. Although research is understandably important, you proved just how crucial it is in comunnication – after all, ‘if we don’t understand it how are we supposed to make others’. Your close relationship with your employers is something that I feel helps your company to be so strong and definately proved beneficial to us when informing us about your work. You were able to answer all our questions efficiently, and you came across very friendly and welcoming. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at MSLK and will definately be reading up on your blog regularly – again another very informative and interesting element that sets MSLK aside from other companies we have visited on our travels.
Thank you for your time again,
Kirsty Moyser
Wow, thank you all for such amazing feedback! I’m never sure if what we talk about is boring to students, or not… It is a bit boring afterall to focus on the business aspects that go into a design project. Making beautiful layouts is only one (sometimes small) part of the job.