Tell us a bit more about MTV.
MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy®, Grammy® and Peabody® award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV’s sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is a leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.
Which of MTV's projects have brought you the most pride?
I've been with MTV for 11 years and have had many amazing and excellent projects. That said, I really enjoyed VMA 2000, 2002, 2003, SKINS, I Just Want My Pants Back (not yet released), and It's Your Sex Life: Safe Sex Guide.
What do you look for in a Junior Designer?
I usually consider what I already have within the studio and then ask, what's missing but in general I want someone that is good typographically, shows a strong potential for conceptual problem solving, a sense of humor and a passion for design and music.
What impressed you about Shillington Graduate, Dan when he first joined MTV?
I was impressed with Dan’s presentation and that his portfolio could easily stand against any student from the top colleges. The work was well organized and thought out. Knowing that he didn't have any design experience prior to the Shillington course made it even more impressive.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers?
This is a challenging time to find work in any industry but I think it's especially trying for the creative field. While technology offers all of us quicker and potentially easier ways for us to express ourselves, it can make things harder for a young designer to justify his/her worth. That said, I think that concept and execution are still the bar separating the professional from the novice. It's important to have the right training. Always stay hungry and engaged. Make sure you know your worth and make sure it's evident in the work. Be persistent and flexible. There are lots of new opportunities emerging and they may exist beyond our traditional venues in publishing, media and print. Look for them and be ready to take advantage.
What does the future hold for MTV?
Hopefully we'll continue to enjoy success with a variety of shows and events that resonate with our audience.
Employers talk about hiring Shillington graduates.
