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Just Landed Alumni
› Benjamin K. Shown ’05
Interactive Digital Media
SCAN highlights School of Communications alumni who recently landed jobs in their field. Benjamin K. Shown (BA, Interactive Digital Media, 2005) works as a graphic designer for George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
SCAN: How did you land your job?
Benjamin K. Shown: After graduation I landed a fantastic 7-month graphic design internship at MASS MoCA that really helped me focus and fine-tune my design skills. With a polished portfolio Web site at benjamink.com, I applied for 50+ jobs on the east coast in the fall of ’05 and landed only three interviews — one of them being at George Washington.
SCAN: When do you realize this was the career for you?
BKS: I had always loved layout and typography starting back in high school working on the yearbook. At Webster I got involved with The Ampersand, which was really helpful in learning to love the ins and outs of the Adobe design programs (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop). After getting the hang of the technical, I really became immersed in the creative side of graphic design.
SCAN: Any advice for those looking for a job?
BKS: If you’re looking for a graphic design job (or a creative professional job in general), a slick portfolio Web site is crucial. A site that can effectively highlight your work and skill can really set you apart from the pack.
SCAN: Any classes you wish you would’ve taken at Webster but didn’t?
BKS: I would like to have taken more fine art classes to beef up my design skills beyond the computer.
SCAN: Company you’d kill to work for?
BKS: I would kill to work for a record label like Sub Pop or Jade Tree and design CD packaging, show posters and band merchandise.
SCAN: Person you most admire in your field?
BKS: It wasn’t until after I graduated college that I learned about Stefan Sagmeister — he’s quite brilliant and inspiring. And my former boss at MASS MoCA, Arjen Noordeman, has been incredibly influential and a good friend.
SCAN: What Web site is your home away from “Home”?
BKS: I’m really quiet crazy about fonts. I spend a lot of time over at typophile.com
SCAN: Best way to fuel creativity?
BKS: I love flipping through graphic design annuals and magazines like Print, HOW, Communication Arts. At the office here at GW we've got a number of great ones. And collaborating, critiquing with other my fellow designers at GW. Art museums are great, too.
SCAN: What’s on your desk right now?
BKS: Dual-monitor setup with a G5 tower. Pantone swatch-book. Brochure and logo design proofs. Hot, black coffee.
SCAN: How many hours a week do you work?
BKS: Around 40, then another 5–10 hours on freelance work.
SCAN: Favorite fringe benefit of your job?
BKS: It’s nice being at a university. I’m taking a drawing course and I deejay at the University’s radio station. I also get to purchase fancy fonts every once in a while — I’m really excited about my latest buy, Klavika, from the Process Type Foundry.
SCAN: Is your current salary more or less than you expected to be making at this point?
BKS: Probably more, but cost of living is much higher than St. Louis.
SCAN: What’s on your iPod?
BKS: The new album from The Hold Steady has been in heavy rotation lately. Other recent music include Van Halen, The Russian Futurists, Thunderbirds Are Now!, Dean Martin, Lupe Fiasco, The Long Winters. This Week in Tech podcast is also a weekly listen.
SCAN: Any bumper stickers on your car?
BKS: No car, no stickers. It’s really nice living in a city where your don't need a car to get around. I ride a bike sans stickers.
SCAN: Last movie you saw?
BKS: This Film Is Not Yet Rated — fantastic!
SCAN: Things you miss most about Webster?
BKS: I mostly miss my friends. Also, The Ampersand, Euclid Records, sleeping-in ‘til noon, student discounts.
Did you just land a job in your field? E-mail scan@webster.edu and tell us about it.
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