Name: Caroline Caine
Age: 24
Job Title and Description: Senior Designer/Animator.
I design and animate motion graphics for various corporations that are used for web, teleivision, or live events.
College/Major: Ohio University. I double majored in Interactive Multimedia and
Digital Design: Special Effects, Games and Animation
Website: carolinecaine.com
Twitter Handle: @cicaine
Her Campus: What is a typical day like for you? Is there such a thing?
Caroline Caine: A combination of designing/animating and attending meetings
for reviews or talking with clients. I hope to get back to also including some office
basketball or ping-pong games.
HC: What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
CC: My first jobs were freelance projects that I got through networking and
volunteering. Then I took a job as manager of a computer lab that would teach
patrons how to use technology (how to make a website, edit/convert videos, use
design software, etc.). It was a great job because it allowed me to use every program
I every learned everyday and stay up-to-date on the latest technology.
HC: Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
CC: I don’t know if there is just one. I have had a lot of mentors along the way and
have had a lot of people help me expecting nothing in return. So I try to now pay it
forward.
HC: Is there a particular quote or mantra that you live by?
CC: “Work hard and play harder.” I am more motivated to work faster and get work
knowing that I am going out later that night.
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HC: What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
CC: One that I have seen a lot is the burning of bridges. Every industry is smaller
than you think and word gets around. You can use that to your advantage to build
a good name for yourself and get work out of it or you can run yourself out of
business.
HC: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
CC: Getting positive feedback from a client after delivery of a project or seeing it
play live.
HC: What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
CC: I first look at a portfolio for quality of work. Once you go for an interview, it is
all about your willingness and desire to learn above anything. Skills can be taught or
learned but desire has to be there and a cocky attitude will never get you the job. We
end up working a lot of late nights and long hours so work environment is a big deal.
HC: What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
CC: Everyone needs something designed. So start out volunteering to do those logo
designs or web designs if you have to get “real” world experience and actual projects
to put in your portfolio. If you have questions about what companies are looking
for, call them and just ask. As a student, people will tell you exactly what they are
looking for in skill set and experience or how much they would pay you. Use that to
your advantage.
Also, the best advice I think I ever got was to go in the direction of your fear. I
have used this advice in taking the leap to move to NYC, to change jobs, to take on
projects, etc. Fear is usually due to a lack of confidence in yourself doubting that
you can succeed. Follow that fear to push yourself to become a better designer, a
better person, and open the doors to new opportunities.