Dwayne Grech (aka Sultan of Beard)

This weeks' speaker was Dwayne Grech, another alum of the Sheridan Web Design program. He's an Interactive Designer at Momentum Advanced Solutions, and the Owner and personality behind Sultan of Beard. Before this he spent time with several companies, polishing his design skills and navigating the rough waters of inter-office politics. Check out his profile on LinkedIn, and follow him on Twitter @sultanofbeard.

Dwayne also started a facebook group for the Toronto Surf Club, where they get together during the winter months to surf Lake Ontario. I think this means that he may be totally insane.

He doesn't seem too keen on Momentum's current website, but did give us a sneak peek at the re-design which he hopes to have up in the next few months.

His favourite project to work on so far has been for Jeep Crankworkx, a mountain-biking festival in Whistler.

I also found a music video he shot on his website. So far each speaker has recommended learning some video editing skills.

'Good Behaviour' by Late July

What to expect from the industry

1) It won't be easy

-lots of grads, get worked very hard, do everything the senior designers don't want to do

2) Lack of sleep

-last minute jobs, crazy deadlines, all nighters

3) Ultra competitive market

-1 job for every 5 grads

4)Small industry

-everyone knows everyone

-your reputation will follow you

5) Crazy office politics

-creative people can be irrational

-people wear their hearts on their sleeves

-be level headed and put your ego aside

-don't ever throw your other creatives under the bus

6) Toronto has heaps of agency choices

-large companies will burn you out

-try to start somewhere small, you will learn more

7)Heaps of industry parties= Free booze!!!

Dwayne also gave us some great nuggets of advice, which I found posted on his website, so I'll let his words explain:

1. Burning bridges in this industry is employment suicide– burning bridges, in general, isn’t wise. We’re too small of an industry for you to tell off your former boss, who has friends at every other agency you’re applying to work at.

2. Networking events are your easiest way into an interview– besides the employment benefits, the food and booze are usually free! #winning

3. You are never too old to stop learning– if you feel you’ve learned enough, then chances are you’re an idiot. Read a book. Scour through theFWA.com, PSD or AEtuts+ (to name a few). Take a night course in presentation communication. It helps!

4. theFWA.com is the Bible– this is your source to industry giants, growing hopefuls and terabytes of inspiration and trends

5. Sometime you’ll have to sacrifice a weekend or six– a sacrificed weekend for work should never been seen in a negative light. Sure, shit hits the fans and you’ll have to cancel going towel shopping with your mom, but seeing that you’re working under your terms, working the weekends can be far more rewarding because you’re under less stress.

6. Red Bull doesn’t give you wings, but sure does make you the savior of the “last minute all-nighter” request– you’ll get these ridiculous requests that force you to pull an all-nighter for a pitch the next day. Red Bull will get you through it. Once done, you’ll be the hero of the week and get a phone call from the President, thanking you. Promotion? Sure!

7. Pay it forward– this work we do comes with a bit of superstitious baggage. We get lucky breaks, we’re competing daily with equally great designers in equally great agencies, how we win contracts, employment or whatever is nothing short of luck. Give back– it’s karma! Once you’re a big shot, or at least got your feet wet for a few years, mentor a student or two. Volunteer at the Fall Studio Tour or speak at a Weekly Guest Lecture. NEVER AVOID HELPING OUT OTHERS!

8. If you’re not enjoying the what and where, then it’s time for a change– You have to love where you work. This keeps you loyal and motivated. Sure, you will have to pay your dues at a couple of shitty places, but chances are you will find the right fit. If you find yourself waking up from bed dreading to go to work then that’s a good sign you should polish off your resume. You’re doing yourself a favor.

9. Booze is your friend– When times are tough, I schedule a meeting with my buddy and life coach, Jack Daniels, to get me through the week of nagging PMs and impossible deadlines. When Jack isn’t around, I’ll call up his European counterpart, Heineken. Alcohol is widely excepted in our industry, but how visible it is during business hours differs from shop to shop.

10. SOCIAL MEDIA– do I even need to mention how important it is to stay connected?

Sultan of Beard revealed!