12 in 12 is an accompaniment to a lecture given by Craig Oldham to the students of University College Falmouth. When Craig was invited to give a talk he didn’t want to resort to the usual ‘show and tell’ approach as he felt there are more suitable people to tell the story of The Chase, his place of employment. He decided that it would be more useful to the students to speak of the things that they would really like to hear about the industry they’re entering. Thus, he gave his account of 12 things that he had learned in his first 12 months as a designer.

1. Understand what graphic design means to you.
2. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses.
3. A portfolio is for life, not just for an interview.
4. Placements matter. Do them.
5. The design industry is small, everyone knows everybugger else.
6. Participate with other people and share your ideas.
7. Graphic design is just a job, but being a designer is different.
8. Fall off your bike. If you don’t fail then you are not trying.
9. Life and work exist outside of London.
10. Designing is only about 20% of your job.
11. Have a life outside of design.
12. Work hard and be nice to people.