Its a balance that the best designers make seem effortless.
To learn a little about the thought that goes into designing everyday products, we spoke with Jeff Miller.
Jeff currently works forPoppin, a company designing pleasingly modern office and work supplies.
Im Jeff Miller, Vice President of Design at Poppina one-stop shop for workstyle.
What drove you to choose your career path?
(No internet back then)
How did you go about getting your job?
What kind of education and experience did you need?
With the above realization, I set about getting trained as soon as possible.
Now everything is 3D CAD)
Did you need any licenses or certifications?
Nopejust the BFA, the portfolio, and the experience.
What kinds of things do you do beyond what most people see?
What do you actually spend the majority of your time doing?
Im not always at my desk but when I am, Im often sitting with my eyes closed.
What misconceptions do people often have about your job?
That its all dash and show.
That a good idea can catapult itself, without intervention and evolution into a successful product.
Design is an even blend of marketing, engineering, and sculpture.
Like dance, when done well, the resulting artifact seems effortless and predetermined.
But in reality the simplest ideas require experimentation, trial and error.
Do you have any design pet peeves?
Im thinking of products that prioritize aesthetic over function, that sort of thing.
Its in fact easy to make something complicated.
What are your average work hours?
9:30 6:30, five days a week.
What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?
What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?
What do they do instead?
Ive had the opportunity to work on various luxury goods in which premium materials and construction were afforded.
In Poppins particular business (as in most others) we are always balancing variables of cost over value.
Whats the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?
Its not really that terrible, but realizing a better way to do something after its already done.
Happens almost every time, whether its better efficacy, cost, function, finish, or form.
You just deal with it.
Theres always going to be another way.
Whats the most enjoyable part of the job?
The beginning and the end of a project.
At the beginning there are endless possibilities that stream forward.
Its exciting to wade deep into that opportunity and swim toward the meaningful currents that represent the best ideas.
What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?
Or, whats an average starting salary?
How do you move up in your field?
In-house corporate design and large consulting firms have ladders to climb as with any business organization.
At least it will be splendid along the way.
What do people under/over value about what you do?
Theyre entering the game after Ive already played half the match.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?
Enter early and often, as I did.
If youd like to share your career, email us at[email protected].
