Many Designs

If I have 3 designs with multiple otions how many possible choices does my customer have?

I am a landscape designer. I have 3 seperate patio designs. Each design has 2 options for the paver patio and 3 options for the built in grill/ island. How many possible patio combinations are there with these choices?
Note: please show me the way to figure this out for future reference. Guess I should have paid more attention in math class instead of drawing.

Thanks for the help everyone.

If you have x choices for option 1, y choices for option 2, z choices for option 3, then the total number of combinations is just x * y * z. This can be expanded to a general case.
3 * 2 * 3 = 18 combinations

This method will not work if the choices are not uniform, eg. one of the patio designs does not support one of the grills.

Knoll Table Desks $4557 "Like so many of her groundbreaking designs that became the gold standard for the industry, the 1961 executive collection made its way into the pantheon of modern classics. Florence Knoll's designs are reserved and cool, severe and angular, reflecting the objective perfectionism of the early 1960's."

Knoll Square End Tables $885 "As a pioneer of the Knoll Planning Unit, Florence Knoll created what she modestly referred to as the fill-in pieces that no one else wants to do. Like so many of her groundbreaking designs that became gold standard for the industry, the 1961 collection made its way into the pantheon of modern classics."

Generation Chair by Knoll - Onyx on Dark Grey Finish $299 "A true icon, the Asterisk clocks simple shape holds as one of the collections most enduring modern designs. Designed by George Nelson in 1950 during a huge U.S. economic boom. Nelson's vision was to bring modern lasting design into common aspects of the home. Many of his clock designs were manufactured into the 70's and still are refreshing additions to any room in the house. Available in Black or White."

Generation Chair by Knoll - Firecracker on Dark Grey Finish $299 "One of the more highly sought after designs of the collection, the black and white sides denote the meridians of the day. Designed by George Nelson ca.1960 during a huge U.S. economic boom. Nelson's vision was to bring modern lasting design into common aspects of the home. Many of his clock designs were manufactured into the 70's and still are refreshing additions to any room in the house."

Generation Chair by Knoll - Onyx with Leather Seat on Dark Grey Finish $385 "One of the largest, most recognizable and copied designs of the collection. Designed by George Nelson in the late 1950's during a huge U.S. economic boom. Nelson's vision was to bring modern lasting design into common aspects of the home. Many of his clock designs were manufactured into the 70's and still are refreshing additions to any room in the house."

Knoll 4 Position Credenza $7794 "As a pioneer of the Knoll Planning Unit, Florence Knoll created what she modestly referred to as the fill-in pieces that no one else wants to do. Like so many of her groundbreaking designs that became the gold standard for the industry, the 1961 executive collection made its way into the pantheon of modern classics. Florence Knoll's designs are reserved and cool, severe and angular, reflecting the objective perfectionism of the early 1960's."

Knoll Rectangular Coffee Table $917 "As a pioneer of the Knoll Planning Unit, Florence Knoll created what she modestly referred to as the fill-in pieces that no one else wants to do. Like so many of her groundbreaking designs that became gold standard for the industry, the 1961 collection made its way into the pantheon of modern classics. Florence Knoll's designs are reserved and cool, severe and angular, reflecting the objective perfectionism of the early 1960's."

Knoll Square Coffee Tables $663 "As a pioneer of the Knoll Planning Unit, Florence Knoll created what she modestly referred to as the fill-in pieces that no one else wants to do. Like so many of her groundbreaking designs that became gold standard for the industry, the 1961 collection made its way into the pantheon of modern classics. Florence Knoll's designs are reserved and cool, severe and angular, reflecting the objective perfectionism of the early 1960's."

Knoll 2 Position Credenzas $5994 "As a pioneer of the Knoll Planning Unit, Florence Knoll created what she modestly referred to as the fill-in pieces that no one else wants to do. She refers to her own line of desks as the meat and potatoes which had to be provided. I did it because I needed the piece of furniture for a job and it wasn't there, so I designed it. Like so many of her groundbreaking designs that became the gold standard for the industry, the 1961 executive collection made its way into the pantheon of modern classics. Florence Knoll's designs are reserved and cool, severe and angular, reflecting the objective perfectionism of the early 1960's."

Copeland Light $385 "Available in 3 different finishes this clock will make a fascinating focal point and integral part of any room. Designed by George Nelson ca. 1950 during a huge U.S. economic boom. Nelson's vision was to bring modern lasting design into common aspects of the home. Many of his clock designs were manufactured into the 70's and are highly collectable. Available in Multi-colored, Red or Walnut."

Generation Chair by Knoll - Bluemarine on Dark Grey Finish $409 The Eye clock is a hauntingly beautiful design of brass on a walnut frame. Designed by George Nelson in the late 1950's during a huge U.S. economic boom. Nelson's vision was to bring modern lasting design into common aspects of the home. Many of his clock designs were manufactured into the 70's and still are refreshing additions to any room in the house.

Generation Chair by Knoll - Desert on Dark Grey Finish $339 "Probably the most famous clock design by Nelson, the ball Clocks whimsical design is as modern as ever. Designed by George Nelson ca. 1948 during a huge U.S. economic boom. Nelson's vision was to bring modern lasting design into common aspects of the home. Many of these clock designs were manufactured into the 70's and still are refreshing additions to any room in the house. Available in Multi-coloured, Red, White, Orange or Natural."

Generation Chair by Knoll - Espresso on Dark Grey Finish $339 This re-edition from 1999 is constructed from the original Nelson documents using the same materials and colors as specified. Designed by George Nelson ca.1960 during a huge U.S. economic boom. Nelson's vision was to bring modern lasting design into common aspects of the home. Many of these clock designs were manufactured into the 70's and still are refreshing additions to any room in the house.

Generation Chair by Knoll - Onyx on Dark Grey Finish with Polished Aluminum Base $1089 The Sunflower clock is a beautifully unique use of simple birch and laminated metal pins. Designed by George Nelson in the late 1950's during a huge U.S. economic boom. Nelson's vision was to bring modern lasting design into common aspects of the home. Many of his clock designs were manufactured into the 70's and still are refreshing additions to any room in the house.

Generation Chair by Knoll - Pebble on Dark Grey Finish $589 The Turbine clock is a kinetic piece that still remains truely modern. Designed by George Nelson in the late 1950's during a huge U.S. economic boom. Nelson's vision was to bring modern lasting design into common aspects of the home. Many of his clock designs were manufactured into the 70's and still are refreshing additions to any room in the house.

Knoll Lounge Chair $4381 "As a pioneer of the Knoll Planning Unit, Florence Knoll created what she modestly called the fill-in pieces that no one else wants to do. She refers to her own line of lounge seating as the equivalent of meat and potatoes, asserting, I needed the piece of furniture for a job and it wasn't there, so I designed it. Like so many of her groundbreaking designs that set the industry's gold standard, the 1954 Lounge collection has a spare, angular profile that reflects the objective perfectionism of modern design in the early 1960s."

Knoll Lounge Sofa $9686 "As a pioneer of the Knoll Planning Unit, Florence Knoll created what she modestly called the fill-in pieces that no one else wants to do. She refers to her own line of lounge seating as the equivalent of meat and potatoes, asserting, I needed the piece of furniture for a job and it wasn't there, so I designed it. Like so many of her groundbreaking designs that set the industry's gold standard, the 1954 Lounge collection has a spare, angular profile that reflects the objective perfectionism of modern design in the early 1960s."

Generation Chair by Knoll - Storm on Dark Grey Finish $1250 "In the early sixties, the Danish Designer Verner Panton together with the Vitra Development Team, realized an idea which had preoccupied him for many years by producing a plastic chair from a single moulding. In 1967, the Panton Chair went into mass production, it was immediately regarded as a sensation and won many awards. One of the first chairs is exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Today the Panton Chair belongs to the classics of modern furniture design."

Generation Chair by Knoll - Pebble on Light Grey Finish $699 "A single plane of molded plywood folds over to form a new kind of working surface: kinetic, multi-facted, yet simple and intimate. Designed with the laptop user in mind, the Wave Desk is compact in size. An elevated surface provides space for your many desktop accessories."

Flat Files $1299 "Heavy-gauge steel Flat™ Files from Safco are designed to provide security and protection while organizing larger-scale documents and drawings. These sturdy files are modular, so they can be used individually or in a space-saving stack. Expert engineering assures many years of smooth operation."

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Eames Era (Mid Century Modern Design Today)

How to Get a Job as a Graphic Designer

Just the other day I received a question on Twitter from Adam at Design4Love:

"Hi.. how are you? Do you have any tips for me how to get into the UK design industry (Other than sending applications to agencies). Thanks!"

Which got me thinking about how difficult it was for me and some of the fellow graphic design students I studied with to get a job in the design industry back in 1999 (yes that long ago!) straight out of design college. I snapped up a job with a Central London design agency in Soho within 2 weeks of leaving college but looking back it wasn't really the right job for me then. Though just 13 months later I changed positions and worked for a great design agency based in London Bridge and learned a huge amount as well as working on lots of different types of projects as a designer.

Anyway competition was fierce then BUT the amount of graphic design and other design courses available in art colleges and universities up and down the college has grown hugely since then.

So here are a few tips on (like Adam asked) "how to get into the UK Design industry"

The Portfolio:
Having a great design portfolio is a must. To be honest your design portfolio is the most important thing on this list, its what you'll mainly be judged on. It must be well presented and include at least 6 or more design projects. Think about the kind of work the agency your applying to does and try to tailor your portfolio towards that. For example if they specialise in corporate identity and branding work try to include work of this kind.

Be ready to talk about your design work, what inspired you, why you approached the project in the way you did, even choice of typeface, colours, imagery etc. Show them some of your sketchs and development work, some agencies what to see your scribbles more than the finished work as it shows your design process and how you think!

Before taking your portfolio along to job interviews, make sure you show it to a people (tutors, other design students) talk them through it, get them to ask you questions about your design work and respond with suitable answers. This will get you used to talking people through your portfolio, making you a more prepared for the interview.

Work Experience:
Offer to do some work experience with a design company who's work you really admire (for free if you have to!), even if its just a week then spend that week wowing them, making the tea, producing great work, take an interest in everything relating to that design company. It is a good way to get your foot in the door but also don't be too pushy or cocky, you might think your a great designer but remember there is a big difference between design college and the real world!

If the company really like you during your work experience they might offer you a full time job!

Finding Work:
Send your portfolio as a PDF etc to as many design companies (that your interested in) as possible, then after a few days give them a quick call to check they have received it.

Another alternative and one that worked for me is to approach a design recruitment agency. I contacted Major Players (there are many others!) when looking for a new graphic design position. They interviewed me and I took them through my portfolio and skills set, based on this they then contacted me when suitable jobs became available. This worked very well as they got me a new job within 2 weeks.

Dress code:
There isn't one as such. Wear what your comfortable in but also look like you have made some sort of effort! That said I wouldn't recommend turning up in a suit! Remember what you wear can be seen as a reflection of yourself and your design style or preferences.

Behaviour:
Be yourself, be calm and open to discussing your work and the work of the design agency. Remember to ask questions about what work they produce and what your role would be. One thing I found useful was to ask if someone could take you around the studio, afterall that is where you'll be working if you get the job and you need to see what sort of environment you'll be working in. It also easier to ask questions as you move around and see how they work.

Research:
Remember to do some research on the company that is interviewing you, as they are likely to ask you what made you apply for a job with them, what sort of work do they produce, what awards have they won (if any), why do you want to work for them in particular?

Keep trying:
Above all keep trying and keep looking at ways to improve your portfolio. If you go for an interview and they don't give you a job, don't worry, your work just might not be suitable for that particular design agency.

So hope this has helped, good luck!

About the Author

Dot Design is a small freelance graphic design agency based in Devon. Established in 2006 Dot Design provides an effective, professional (and friendly) graphic design service. By using other freelance designers when needed we cut back on the costs of a traditional design agency, meaning we are able to greatly reduce costs to our clients.

Dot Design is owned and run by Gareth Coxon who has 8 years professional design experience - 5 years working for two different design agencies in London and now 3 years working in the South West.

We work with businesses all over the UK and Internationally - from small start-ups through to medium sized and larger companies. We don’t use pretentious designer talk and we keep all aspects as simple and straight forward as possible. We will work with you and we understand that no one knows your business like you do.

Dot Design provide you with high quality, well thought through design and tackle each project with fresh enthusiasm and professionalism. We really enjoy what we do as do our clients, just see our testimonials!

We believe successful design should have a strong idea, be distinctive, memorable, simple and communicate the clients requirements. Any project large or small has the same opportunity for great design!