‘It’s more than just the network effect – you can learn from everywhere’
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ADVICE FROM A MENTOR: DESIGNING CHANGE
Recent and future graduates will be familiar with the stress of beginning a career in uncertain times, whilst many are dealing with particular concerns around accountability in a socio-political climate which increasingly values transparency. Creative professionals in particular are often faced with choices between small, ethically run companies and larger, less forthcoming brands. And no, this is not unique to the fashion industry.
At a time when so many people are struggling to find work and make ends meet, can we afford to follow our moral compass and work only for brands or employers whose values align completely with our own, even if it means turning down paid positions with financial security?
Llamas advises that it is not necessary to deal in absolutes. We don’t need a blacklist – although it goes without saying that there will be exceptions – as she describes her own mindset as “industry agnostic.”
“Design is all about changing outcomes – we do a lot of future-scoping and we ask, ‘what if?’” She explains her rationale further: “So if that is our role, why wouldn’t we go to these companies we see as semi-evil and try to move the dial in the right direction?”
So, in order to balance the demands of building a portfolio, creating meaningful work, and trying to make a positive impact, we must take professional opportunities and use them with our aspirations in mind wherever possible. In so doing, Llamas believes we can develop our understanding of how these companies work and take steps towards making change – an admirable intention, whichever path we’re on.
“IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO YOU WORK FOR – IT JUST MATTERS THAT YOUR DESIGN LEADS TO BETTER OUTCOMES: SUSTAINABLE FUTURES, HAPPIER PEOPLE, LESS POLLUTION… WHATEVER BETTER MEANS FOR YOU.”