The Art of Visual Communication

To remain on top in the visual communication industry and to continue delivering the best results consistently is challenging. At the same time, there is no such career as satisfying as that of a creative Viz Com professional.

Having interviewed not less than 300 candidates for various projects in the past 5 years for our multimedia factory [http://www.e2mars.net/], I doubt the loyalty of those institutes that provide multimedia courses. Multimedia Training is indeed money minting business; but the course providers forget the fact that it is very important to have the right technical skills blended with imagination for developing the effective communication objectives. Most of the institutes publish amazing 3D characters in their advertisements to attract young aspirants. But such organizations hardly breed anyone to that level they propagate.

The other day, I interviewed 2 candidates who hold a graduation in visual communication from a very reputed educational institute. It was disappointing to see their portfolio. I was curious to know what they were taught in the 3 years of their graduation course. The brilliant-looking youngsters told me that they were exposed to production of Television commercials and Feature films. I said, "That is great – Can I see a storyboard which you have made for any of your degree projects"? One of them showed a spiral bound pile of printed sheets. I turned pages and I had the second shock! Except for the amazing cover design, it was a compilation of untidy illustrations and text content with countless spelling mistakes. I asked him, what his ambition was. Undoubtedly, he said he want to specialize in screenplay writing and is in search of the right university abroad. “We were given guidance on script writing during our 3rd year”, said the ambitious kid. “That is good again, I am also interested in screenplay writing – I have only read one book written by Sydfield. Which is the best book you suggest”? I asked. He was silent for few seconds, woke up suddenly and was inquisitive to know who Sydfield is. Say Bye Bye to such course providers.

There is a belief among multimedia students that once they learn certain graphic software, they will be of great demand. I rarely look for technicians. There are businesses wherein they lend such technicians to clients on contract – either on-site or get the assignments done remotely. I don’t respect that as a healthy career in the perspective of a multimedia professional; of course, businesses survive on addressing customer needs. But very rarely can such professionals think independently and deliver a unique and world class design/output. Neither will they get time to apply their thoughts and focus sharply on the quality and target the end user. Quality and Uniqueness are the survival imperatives for a visual communication expert. These are behaviors which will not get nurtured in a day!!

Observation, learning from experienced professionals, attention to detail and thorough planning will definitely sharpen creativity. Confidence and belief that you stand for excellence, will take you to creative heights; your works will be a landmark.

Keep the faith.