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DESIGN BLOG POST #0 - NEW BEGINNINGS

Hello Internet!


Towards the end of last year, I took some time to look back on my journey as a professional in the Design industry, with it now being a full 10 years (!!!) since my graduation from the Visual Communication Design program at Nazareth University way back in 2014.


For those who may not be familiar with my journey - after a short stint at a Rochester, NY-based Communications company, I made my way down to New York City to start my career with a little Cap company some of you may have heard of. 


In the 9 years since I took that first position at New Era Cap, I have worked my way up from Technical Designer to Designer to Assistant Manager to Design Manager, and have learned a TON over that time. 


Before I go any further, it is worth noting that I am now, have always been, and will always continue to be a student of this industry - in all its ever-evolving glory. Maybe it’s because I come from a family of educators - Teachers, Professors, Writers and Authors, but having been on this road professionally for 10 years now, I feel the urge to share what I’ve learned along the way.


Whether they serve as a blueprint for young Designers starting out, or as informational exchanges with fellow professionals who have been around the block themselves, I hope that the series of exploratory posts that will follow this one over the coming months will spark insightful conversations amongst this very special community.


At this time, I have no true template laid out for these posts - some may be thought experiments, sketches, emerging trend observations, inspiration boards, while other posts may serve as spotlights for portfolio work of my own or an invitation for others to share their own.


One small caveat - Critiquing is an essential part of the design process, but given that this is intended to be an open forum for people to share their ideas, their work, or at the least to observe and learn - it’s important to me that this remain a safe space for all to enjoy. I ask that you please remain constructive with any feedback, and refrain from negativity / criticism if it does not include a proposed solution to the perceived problem. One of the driving principals from my college education that has stuck with me over the last decade in this industry is “Be hard on the work, be good to each other”. (Shoutout to Nazareth VCD Professor Sherri Baker Hamilton for impressing this upon all her students!)


So for those who have stuck it out reading this far - thank you! If this seems like the kind of thing that you are interested in - welcome to this space for all of us to learn, share and grow as Designers. This series of posts will live here on my website, www.justinmckeever.com, as well as on LinkedIn.


Let’s get to work!



-Justin.



Follow along for more insights on trends, design concepts, and creative exploration!

© 2024 Justin McKeever

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